It's the time of year when Parksville Volunteer Fire Department members collect food and toys, door-to-door throughout Parksville Fire Protection Area.
The annual drive will take place this year on Sat., Nov. 21 and Sun., Nov. 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The week prior to the food drive, The NEWS will distribute Quality Foods grocery bags. If residents are not at home, they should leave the bag of food and toys in a carport or by their door and it will be picked up by firefighters.
Since volunteers may not get to every house, you can also bring non-perishable food and/or new, unwrapped toys to the fire hall. Cash donations are also welcome.
Liz Olson organizes the food drive on behalf of the department.
"Last year's food drive collected 23,300 pounds of food and cash donations of $5,000 for the Salvation Army, just shy of the 2013 all-time record of 23,500 pounds," said Olson. "We would love to set a new record."
In past years, Parksville residents have generously supported the drive and are the reason it is such a success.
Any support that residents are able to give is appreciated by the Parksville Fire Department. Every little bit helps and will make a world of difference to many families this holiday season.
— Submitted by the PVFD