Staff
Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for not only family and friends, but for the things we sometimes take for granted—like having food on the table.
Unfortunately, many individuals and families in Rainy River District don’t always have that to rely on, which is where agencies such as the local Salvation Army and the United Naive Friendship Centre can offer helping hands.
But Capt. Angel Sandoval said Monday that due to a combination of fewer donations to the food bank there, and more new families with children needing to use it all the time, supplies are running low.
As such, the Salvation Army is asking the public to donate items or money to help turn things around.
“We hope the community supports the ministry,” noted Capt. Sandoval. “We want to give to those people who have no place to go—maybe their family lives too far away.
“We’re a big family here in Fort Frances,” he added.
Capt. Sandoval said the community, churches, businesses, schools, and the Town of Fort Frances need to work together to help keep the food bank fully stocked and provide other assistance to families in need, especially during the recession—a time when more and more people are out of work and can’t find a decent-paying job.
Those who wish can drop by the Salvation Army Citadel (316 Victoria Ave.) on Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. to donate non-perishable food items or money.
Non-perishable food items needed include:
•canned soups (especially tomato, cream of mushroom, vegetable, and chicken noodle);
•canned vegetables (especially corn, green beans, carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, and peas);
•canned fruit;
•canned meat (tuna, salmon, Klik, or ham);
•Kraft dinner;
•pastas (especially spaghetti and macaroni);
•spaghetti sauce;
•cereal;
•peanut butter and jam;
•tea/coffee; and
•sugar
Monetary donations for food also are encouraged (and, in fact, preferred since it allows the Salvation Army to buy in bulk and get more for their buck).
In recent weeks, the Salvation Army sent out 1,000 letters of appeal for its “Harvest of Hope 2009” campaign to those who have donated to the Salvation Army in the past, asking for monetary donations.
Those who have received them are asked to consider mailing them back in with some money.
Families who need help can come by the family services office at the Citadel on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. They do not need an appointment, but must present I.D.
For more information, call the Salvation Army at 274-3871.
Meanwhile, the United Native Friendship Centre here also offers a food bank for those in need.
Those wanting to donate to the UNFC’s food bank, or who may need assistance from it, can drop by 516 Portage Ave. on Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
In related news, the local Salvation Army is opening its doors to the public this Friday (Oct. 9) from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. for a community Thanksgiving lunch.
Because space is limited at the Citadel, it will be a “first-come, first-served” gathering.
While the meal is free, goodwill offerings are welcome to help recoup costs, noted Capt. Sandoval, stressing everyone, regardless of need, is invited to attend.
Anyone who would like to help serve can call the Salvation Army at 274-3871.
