Christmas came and went and a total of 764 families came to the Salvation Army Food Bank asking for an extra helping hand in order to be able to have a Merry Christmas.
These 764 families represent 1,063 adults and 504 children. This worked out to be a total of 42 families more that were helped than at Christmas of 2010.
Thanks to the concern and generosity of the citizens of the Oceanside communities, we were able to give in the true Christmas spirit of giving.
Many stores, large and small, as well as clubs, churches, businesses, organizations and individuals enabled us to give generously by donating food, money or their time as volunteers at the local food bank or at one of the Salvation Army kettles.
On behalf of those who have benefited from their support, we would like to say thank you to all of you.
Now we are going into a new year where people still are in need.
Therefore we would like to ask for continued support of our endeavors to help the most needy in their struggle for the requirements of life.
For us it is: After Christmas is before Christmas — the need never ends.
May God bless you during this new year.
Rolf D. Guenther, Major
Community Services Director
Parksville