By Kaitlyn Clark
The Haldimand Press
HALDIMAND—Food Banks across Haldimand are preparing to build Christmas hampers for their clients, which will include food for a Christmas dinner, treats, gifts, toys, and more.
Caledonia & District Food Bank
The Caledonia & District Food Bank helped “make Christmas a little brighter” in 2018 with their Christmas hampers for 122 people, including 42 children. This year, the hampers will be distributed on December 18 and 19, 2019. Until December 17, it will be open to receive donations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday. For large donations, call 905-765-9287 or email caledoniafoodbank1@gmail.com to arrange a drop off time. Their suggested monetary donation to support one person is $150, a family of four $350, and a family of six or more $500.
“Thank you for your compassion and kindness in helping those in need. Wishing you and your families a blessed and joyous Christmas,” said the Caledonia Food Bank in a release.
Hagersville Food Bank
The Hagersville Food Bank hopes to help 80 families this year living within Hagersville or its six designated rural routes. Their hampers will be distributed December 23 and they are open Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon to receive donations. Any perishable food items, such as produce, milk, or bread, should be delivered December 19 to retain freshness. All donations for the hamper program must be delivered by December 19. For more information, call 289-758-3789. Their suggested monetary donation to support a hamper for one family is $150.
“Thank you for your compassion and kindness in helping those in need within our community at this special time of year. Best wishes to you and your families for a blessed and joyous Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year,” said volunteer Dave Lane.
Dunnville Salvation Army
The Dunnville Food Bank will be doing a toy pick up day on December 17 and is looking for donations of new, unwrapped toys valued at $25-30 for ages 6-14. Hampers will be picked up on December 19. Donations can be dropped off at 217 Broad St. E., Unit 1, from 9:30 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday and are needed by December 13. Donations are also welcomed at the Dunnville Farmers Christmas Market.
“We are so grateful for each financial donation and partnership to help neighbours in need,” said Joy Quail of the Dunnville Food Bank. “Your gift makes a real difference in the lives of hungry families, and your generosity is key to the continued provision of this support. Any donation, whether food, toys, or monetary, will enhance the holiday season of vulnerable neighbours and promote a better quality of life, building self-confidence and lasting wellness. We could not do the work we do without our many caring donors: donors like you. Thank you, and God bless you this joyous season!”
Cayuga Food Bank
The Cayuga Food Bank serves 65 households, made up of 85 adults and 56 children. The hampers they provide are valued at over $150. They are open Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon for donations. To be included in the hampers, they will need donations by December 11. For more information, call 289-370-0320.
“To date many local businesses, churches and individuals have contacted the Cayuga Food Bank offering to donate towards the Christmas Baskets. We are so very fortunate to be in such a giving community,” said Jan Madsen and Dorothy Biggar in a statement to The Press. “All of us here at the Cayuga Food Bank thank you for your support.”
The Jarvis Caring Cupboard
The Jarvis Caring Cupboard serves many people on the west side of Haldimand. They are located at 136 Rainham Rd. in Nanticoke and are open Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., but arrangements can be made for drop offs at other times. Donations for hampers are needed by December 16. For donations, call 905-229-8576 to set up a delivery.
Haldimand has food banks in Caledonia, Hagersville, Dunnville, Cayuga, and Nanticoke (Jarvis), which together cover the entire county. Food banks do not receive government funding, and therefore rely on financial support and donations from the community. Speak to your food bank about charitable receipts for donations.
WISH LISTS INCLUDE:
Pasta Sauce
Juice
Cereal/Oatmeal
Peanut Butter
Jam
Pancake Mix/Syrup
Tea/Coffee/Hot Chocolate
Cookies/Pudding/Jello/Treats
Cake Mix/Icing
Flour
Brown/white sugar
Canned fish/meat/soup/
fruit/tomatoes/etc.
Side dishes/Instant rice
Crackers
Fresh fruit/vegetables
Shampoo/Conditioner
Toothpaste/Deodorant
Laundry Soap
Dish Soap
Tissues
New, unopened toys
Gifts for all ages
