On May 13 and 14, masked volunteers were in the parking lots at Bullock’s Independent and Metro with a singular goal: gather as many donations as possible for The Salvation Army Food Bank.
The food drive was organized by the Kiwanis Club of Huntsville Muskoka. Both grocers supported the effort with in-store food drive specials and labels indicating most-needed items to encourage donations of products.
“Thank you to all who participated in any way to make this a wonderful success,” The Salvation Army Huntsville wrote on their Facebook page.
The organization said it is most in need of: peanut butter and jams, canned fish and meats, juice boxes, canned vegetables and fruits, dry rice, Kraft Dinner, pasta and pasta sauces, Boost, coffee, tea, sugar, powdered milk, infant formulas, infant diapers (sizes 4-6), bath products and toiletries, feminine hygiene products, and paper products like napkins, toilet paper, tissues and paper towel.
If you missed the food drive and would like to donate, you can drop items at The Salvation Army Food Bank at 4 Mary St E, Monday to Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Ring the doorbell to the right of the door and someone will meet you. Call 705-789-3398 for more information.
The Salvation Army Food Bank continues to operate by appointment only, and is distributing hampers from the door of the church to minimize contact. If you require their assistance, call 705-789-3398 between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday to make an appointment.
Kiwanis Club president, Martin Mann, thanked all of its members, and in particular food drive chair Rick Brooks, for making the food drive a success. For updates from the club, visit their Facebook page.
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Rick Brooks says
As a longtime Kiwanis member and organizer of many such food drives like this in other parts of Ontario, I am so appreciative of the community engagement. I continue to be amazed by the generosity and compassion of the residents here in Huntsville/ Lake of Bays area. the outpouring of food, gift cards and money was so inspiring and appreciated by those of us who worked these 2 days but also the smiles on the staff and volunteers back at Mary Street was priceless to see even the next day as they continued to sort and catalogue the donations.
I would be remiss if I didn’t also thank our store partners; Andrew and Brent at METRO and Darcy and Sherri at Bullock’s Independent Grocers, their co-operation and continued support for our community is wonderful to see. Thank you to all our Kiwanians and friends of Kiwanis who helped out, and another big thank you to the many, many donors who stopped by with their donations. Salvation Army thanks you and Kiwanis thanks you as well……see you in July, we’ll be back doing this again, even bigger and better!
Brian Thompson says
Rick:
Thanks for the work you and Kiwanis do in Huntsville/Lake of Bays. And you are so right in recognizing the degree of participation we experience here in North Muskoka. I have seen this over and over in my lifetime here in Huntsville. And thanks for mentioning the Salvation Army as I feel they contribute so much, so selflessly, to our community….so grateful to live in this Town of Huntsville with people like you giving to make this the best place in the World to live.
Enid Young says
We live in an amazing town. When you donate to Salvation Army you know it will be given to anyone that needs it, regardless of colour, race or religion. They are angels in our community.
Jeanne O’Neill says
A suggestion to all who really don’t need that $300 supplement the government is giving out to all over 65. Donate it to your favourite LOCAL charity. It will be put to much better use.
Kay Miller says
It was an amazing time to be with and help out Kiwanis members and friends at the food drive recently and I will look forward to the next one in July.
It is great to see the generosity of people in our community donating to this great cause.
Thanks to all the community for pulling together to help out with donations. Even the smallest item is considered to be a gift of heart for those in need and believe me, there are many who are struggling in these trying times.
Hang in there Huntsville ! You are a great community with generous hearts !
Thanks to Martin and Rick for your guidance and all the volunteers .
Kay Miller says
To Majors Darren, Suzann Wiseman and Krystal and all the volunteers at The Salvation Army as well, many thanks for your presence and help with many needs in our community and for your spiritual guidance.