WHITEWATER REGION — The $25 Loblaws gift card that people could apply for, and are now receiving, can be donated to the Cobden and District Food Bank.
Food bank committee chair Bonnie Helferty has received four of those cards and said she would always accept more.
The cards would be given to people who have the ways of getting to a store, such as No Frills, to use them, she said. She suggested people activate them prior to donating, as she’s not sure how many cards can be activated from the same phone number.
“This allows people to buy what they need,” she said.
Ms. Helferty has faith it will be put to good use, as she has seen some people who have used the food bank shopping, and is pleased with what she sees in their shopping carts. She admits, there could be abuse, but for the most part, people buy what their family needs.
The Cobden food bank currently helps about 25 to 30 families, which means the need for it is still there, Ms. Helferty said. It’s unfortunate, but she doesn’t believe it’s a need that is going to go anywhere soon.
Students at Cobden District Public School recently hosted a food drive and area churches are always bringing in boxes of goods collected, she said.
Currently, peanut butter and pasta sauces and noodles could be used. For those who garden, Ms. Helferty said fresh produce is always accepted. She also noted that non-perishable items are also needed, such as toothpaste and brushes, laundry soap, toilet paper, body soap and hair shampoo and conditioner.
For those who want to make a donation, whether it be financial, food or non-perishable items, Ms. Helferty said it’s best if items are brought to her Main Street business in Cobden Monday mornings.
For those who need to use the food bank, Ms. Helferty said to please call to make an appointment, 613-647-7801. If you call when the food bank is not opened, please leave a message.
