Sandra Bolan
Volunteers Janet King (from left), Jean Anderson and Denise Casey help at the Whitchurch-Stoufville Food Bank near Ballantrae Tuesday morning.
Whitchurch-Stouffville
November 27, 2008 08:11 PM
Hockey league, service club pitch in at Christmas
Sandra Bolan
The faltering economy may be forcing people to rein in their spending this holiday season, but Whitchurch-Stouffville residents remain generous when it comes to helping out the less fortunate, whose numbers are on the rise locally.
While more people are forced to use the Whitchurch-Stouffville Food Bank, its shelves remain fully stocked for the upcoming holiday season.
“Whatever comes in from now on sees us through the new year and we do need that,” said Esther Powell, co-ordinator of the food bank. “The number of families using the food bank has increased incredibly as times are much more difficult than one year ago.”
In October, 124 people used the food bank, while 141 used it in September, which was almost double the number of users, 77, from September 2007.
Not only does the food bank provide the staples, but every Christmas it gives clients a traditional Christmas hamper complete with stuffing, cranberry sauce, pie and a gift certificate for a turkey.
On average, about 70 local families receive the Christmas hamper. But this year, Mrs. Powell estimates that number will increase to about 80.
“Any other fancy supplies that we need, but don’t need much of, money donations are used for that,” Mrs. Powell said, noting financial donations pay for the turkey gift certificates.
For people interested in donating non-perishable food items, the food bank is in need of Cheez Whiz, Corn Flakes and Cheerios.
“Fancy things, they don’t need. They just need the plain good old wholesome food,” Mrs. Powell said.
Ballantrae Public and St. Brigid Catholic schools made large donations to the bank this fall.
A belly full of turkey and stuffing is not the only thing that makes Christmas merry. So, too, do new, unwrapped toys for the kids. And once again, the Stouffville Lions will be conducting their Christmas Basket Project.
“I’m sure the (economy) will have an impact, but to what extent, it’s hard to tell,” said John Relph, co-chairperson of the Lions’ project.
“I think regardless of your financial situation, everyone helps out.”
The baskets are made up based upon the child’s age. However, the one age group that is often the toughest to put together is the 11 to 14-year-olds.
Suggested items to purchase for these children include gift certificates to HMV and Chapters.
Any toys left over from the drive will be donated to the Jennifer Ashleigh Foundation and used during Stouffville’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Any non-perishable food items donated to the Lions will be given to the food bank.
People in need of assistance need to fill out an application form. Confidential referrals can also be made through the application form.
Another community group stepping up its efforts this year to ensure everyone has a good Christmas is the Stouffville Amateur Hockey League, which is sponsoring 15 area families through the Five with Drive Foundation.
Each one of the league’s 500 adult players has been asked to donate $10, which will pay for the families’ holiday groceries. A family’s wish list will also be fulfilled by the teams.
LJ Bartel, an executive member with SAHL, noted it would have been easy to ask each player to put in $20 or $30 and have one or two people shop for the families.
But the league’s executive wanted the players to experience “the pleasure of shopping for a nine-year-old girl who wants a book or Barbie...To know they’re making a child’s Christmas merry,” she said.
“We’re trying to make a connection, even though we don’t know who the family is.”
Donations for the Whitchurch-Stouffville Food Bank can be dropped off at A&P, No Frills and Giant Tiger. Financial contributions can be sent to: The Treasurer, Whitchurch-Stouffville Food Bank, 15336 Ninth Line, Stouffville, ON, L4A 7X4.
Donations to the Stouffville Lions Christmas Basket Project can be made at the Whitchurch-Stouffville municipal offices, Lebovic Leisure Centre lobby, TD Bank, Scotia Bank, Pace Credit Union, Stouffville Main Street fire hall. Application forms for assistance can be picked up at the municipal offices, Lebovic Leisure Centre and from the Whitchurch-Stouffvile Chamber of Commerce in the Stouffville Train Station.