Securing enough resources for back-to-school season can be tough for families on a shoestring budget in these tough times. Pens, paper, backpacks, new clothes all seem to be September necessities, but continually topping the shopping lists of parents at this summer's close will be food to fuel their kids’ minds while they learn.
That’s where Stuff that Bus comes in.
The annual end-of-summer food drive returns to Drumheller on Thursday, August 25, 2016, from 10 am to 3 pm at the ATB parking lot, and The Salvation Army will again be looking for Drumheller to support the community's members
“Our big food drives for the year are in November and December,” says Drumheller officer Jennifer Hillier, “so the biggest stretch for us without a food drive is January to the end of summer. We’re continually in need of resources, and we tend to run low on supplies, so we’re looking forward to Stuff that Bus and for the community to come out and support their neighbours.”
“Gearing up for back-to-school time can be a stressful time for families – it can be a drain on resources to purchase everything you need, so we certainly see families show up at the food bank looking for support.”
Hillier says last year The Salvation Army saw a huge increase in demand, which has since levelled out, but it’s a continual struggle stocking the shelves for individuals who just can’t make it independently.
“The last few years have been a struggle for people throughout the province,” said Hillier.
“What we’re seeing now is a typical pattern of need for the food bank. We would love to work ourselves out of a job and not have a need for the food bank, so anytime we see a decrease in need is good news for us.”
She says there’s a demand for kid-friendly, non-perishable items like granola bars, pudding, fruit cups, cookies, and crackers throughout the year, but the school year boosts the need for these items.
Organizer Shannon Wade said the focus of this particular drive, which aims to fill a school bus full of goodies, is on students.
“We’re trying to promote getting things kids will need so they have good, healthy lunches and can function at school. It doesn’t have to be breakfast stuff – they will still have to eat suppers, too. We promote the back-to-school thing to make sure they’re eating well,” Wade said.
For every pound of food donated, Encana will donate $2, or $1 for every $1 donated up to $5,000. Cash donations are also accepted and will be exchanged for a charity receipt.
“Cash is just as good as groceries if they prefer,” said Wade. “That way, The Salvation Army can go get whatever they need off of the store shelves."
