The Parksville and Qualicum Beach fire departments and Arrowsmith Search and Rescue (ASR) are conducting their annual food drives this weekend.
Both departments will have fire trucks going door-to-door through their communities Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 26 and 27) from 9 a.m. to 3:30 or 4 p.m. with volunteer members picking up donated food items for those less fortunate at Christmas time.
Paper bags have been distributed in The News, for use by residents who can fil them with non-perishable food items for the drive.
ASR is collecting in the Chartwell neighbourhood on Saturday only.
There are also numerous drop off locations throughout both communities including both Quality Foods, the Qualicum Beach Government Liquor Store, Parksville Fire Hall and the Salvation Army Food Bank at 886 Wembley Road.
The Qualicum Beach fire hall will take donations, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday only.
Of particular need are canned goods (especially meats and fish), macaroni and cheese, rice, powdered milk, juice boxes and cereal. Toys and cash donations are also greatly appreciated.
Quality Foods is providing paper bags through the local newspapers that can be left outside for firefighters.
The Salvation Army will receive all the donations, which Major Rolf Guenther said is their major food drive of the year.