By Haldimand Press Staff
HALDIMAND—The five food banks serving Haldimand County are in the midst of Christmas preparations to ensure the families they serve have an enjoyable holiday. These preparations come after nearly two years of providing assistance through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hagersville
“Though restrictions have eased and an end may be in sight, many people in our area are still suffering the economic fall out of the COVID crisis,” read a letter from the Hagersville Food Bank. “With the approaching Christmas Season and the preparation of our Christmas Hampers, we reflect on the fact that the number of food donations has dropped significantly this year as food drives have not been scheduled as usual.”
Hagersville has seen gradually increasing client numbers, which they expect to continue, and are currently serving up to 200 clients a month with a total of 450 family members, including 79 children being served on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. The lack of food drives has led to the food bank purchasing “far more supplies” than in the past, so they are now seeking assistance from anyone who has the means to do so.
They are collecting food, gift cards, cash, and unwrapped new toys. Complete hampers can be sponsored for $150. Volunteer Dave Lane noted, “We are gearing up to prepare 70 hampers this year, but it may be more as new clients are registering weekly.”
Donations can be dropped off on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon, or large donations can be scheduled when needed. Cash donations can also be made through Canada Helps, link available on their website at hagersvillefoodbank.org, or mailed to PO Box 525, Hagersville, N0A 1H0.
Hagersville hampers will be distributed December 23. For more information, call 289-758-3789.
Hagersville Food Bank Wish List
- Cereals
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Peanut butter
- Cookies
Caledonia
“Despite the many challenges faced, we … were able to continue to help our most vulnerable members throughout the COVID crisis due to the continued support and generosity of the Caledonia and surrounding community,” said a letter from the Caledonia Food Bank. “This past year we received 2,086 visits from 96 households, and at (2020) Christmas we were able to provide 173 people, of which 68 were children, with a gift (and) food hampers.”
The Caledonia Food Bank is once again creating Christmas Hampers for its clients, and like in 2020 it is seeking gift cards only, valued at $40 or less, to fulfill the present portion. Food donations will also be accepted, but they ask that you call or email with a drop off time before delivering donations. Completed hampers, including food and gifts, can be sponsored for: $150 for one person; $350 for a family of four; or $500 for a family of six or more.
“Monetary donations are also appreciated to keep our food bank operating throughout the year. We are a registered charity and an official receipt will be issued by February 2022,” continued the letter. “Thank you for your compassion and kindness in helping those in need. Wishing you and your families a blessed and joyous Christmas.”
The Caledonia Christmas Hampers will be distributed on December 14 and 15 this year. The food bank will be open to receive donations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday until December 13.
For more information, call 905-765-9287 or email caledoniafoodbank1@gmail.com.
Caledonia Food Bank wishlist
- Juice
- Juice boxes
- Granola bars
- Cereal
- Peanut butter
- Canned meat (ham, chicken)
- Canned fish
- Canned fruit
- Tea
- Coffee
- Crackers
- Jello/pudding
- Treats (cookies, chocolates etc.
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toothpaste
- Laundry soap
- Socks
- Hats, mitts for all ages
- Gift cards for all ages: Canadian Tire, Home Hardware, Shoppers Drugmart, Rexall, McDonalds, Pita Pit, A&W, Tim Hortons, Wendy’s, Dairy Queen, Loblaws, Food Basics, Marks Work Wearhouse, Little Ceasars, Pizza Hut, etc. ($40 or less each)
Cayuga
The Cayuga Food Bank assists with approximately 35 client visits each week, with a current enrollment of 60 clients, being either individuals or families.
“The Christmas food hamper this year will be the same as we did last year – that is, we will be providing gift cards to our clients,” explained co-managers Jan Madsen and Dorothy Biggar. “These gift cards will be to the majority of businesses in Cayuga.”
The food bank is currently accepting donations on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon and will be distributing their Christmas gift cards on Friday, November 17.
“We are in need of ALL food products,” said the food bank on their wish list.
For further information they can be reached at 289-370-0320 or by email at cayugafoodbank@gmail.com.
Cayuga Food Bank Wish List
- All food products
Dunnville
So far this year the Dunnville Food Bank has served 1,645 households helping 4,516 individuals, which is up about 10%. Approximately one third of those assisted were under 18 and 5% were 65 and over.
“We are preparing 250 hampers, which is slightly higher than last year,” said Joy Quail, Family Service Worker, Salvation Army. The program will follow the same format as 2020, accepting all food, gift cards, monetary donations, and new, unwrapped toys. One hamper can be sponsored for $80. Quail noted that expiry dates should be checked as food banks cannot give out expired food.
Donations can be dropped off Monday-Friday between 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. Donations should be in by December 10 to be included in the hampers, with toys being given out on December 16 and food on December 21. Anyone in need of a hamper is asked to contact the food bank by December 2.
For more information, call 1-866-882-9910 ext. 21 and ask for Breanne or Joy.
Dunnville Food Bank Wish List
- Bread
- Margarine
- Stuffing
- Gravy packets
- Tea
- Jello
- Ginger ale
- Muffin/Cookie mix
- Pancake Mix (only needing water)
- Hot chocolate
- Instant coffee
- Snack crackers
- Jam
- Christmas cookies
- Apple sauce
- Canned fruit
- Table syrup
Jarvis
Jarvis Caring Cupboard will be handing out their hampers on December 16, with registrations still open.
“We are serving roughly 25 families a week. We are seeing more families with children due to losing their jobs from COVID,” explained Judy Booker of the Jarvis Caring Cupboard. “We would appreciate any donations.”
The Jarvis Caring Cupboard is open Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. They can be contacted at 289-377-8555 for more information or to arrange a donation drop off or pick up.
Jarvis Caring Cupboard Wish List
- Kids snacks for school
- Prepared foods
- Juice
- Peanut butter
- Jam
- Canned fruits
- Canned vegetables
