Local emergency services and businesses are again joining forces this weekend to collect food and toys for the Salvation Army Food Bank's big Christmas season.
This week Quality Foods is distributing paper grocery bags in The NEWS which will be picked up by members of local fire departments and Arrowsmith Search and Rescue this weekend (Nov. 15-16) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Watch for the fire trucks with lights flashing, or if you will not be home, leave the donation bags by your front door or carport.
"2013 was the 15th annual food drive for our department and we collected a record 23,500 pounds of food for the Salvation Army," said food drive organizer and Parksville firefighter Liz Olson. "We would love to set a new record."
The collection comes at a crucial time for the Salvation Army food bank, which served almost 700 people last Christmas.
"Any support that residents are able to give is appreciated," Olson said. "Every little bit helps and will make the world of difference to many families this holiday season."
Organizers point out it is impossible for volunteers to get to every house, so people can bring any non-perishable food items and/or new, unwrapped toys to the Parksville, Qualicum Beach or Dashwood fire halls or Salvation Army directly.
Cash donations can also be accepted, but make sure to give it to a volunteer directly.
Dashwood firefighters are only out Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in limited, more densely- populated areas. You can leave donations at the end of your driveway or drop them off at one of their halls that day.
Call Olson at 250-248-3242, or your local organization for more information.