THUNDER BAY - With several vans nearly full with everything from pasta to peanut butter donated by generous shoppers, Thunder Bay Shelter House expects its pantry will be full this holiday season.
On Saturday, the Shelter House held its annual Christmas Food Drive at all three Metro locations throughout Thunder Bay.
Amber Prairie, development officer with Thunder Bay Shelter House, was at the River Street Metro location and she said the response from the community has been great.
“We already have a full van here,” she said. “If this location is anything like the other locations, we are going to have a very full pantry for Christmas and it’s going to be great.”
The Shelter House partnered with Metro for their food drive last year as well and Prairie said the staff and management have been very helpful in making the food drive a success by putting together pre-packed meal bags that can be purchased for $5.99.
The Shelter House recently launched its annual holiday donation drive and is asking the public for help to ensure that no one is left this season hungry or in the cold. Prairie said events like the food drive not only provides food for those in need, it also eases the stress on the staff and volunteers by allowing for more meal options in the kitchen.
“When the weather gets colder, we have more people in the Shelter who are eating meals,” Prairie added. “We have two meals, lunch and dinner. We serve over 700 people a day so having food in our pantry is so important.”
The food drive continues at all three Metro locations until 4 p.m. Saturday. If anyone was unable to make it to the food drive but would still like to help, food donations are accepted at the Thunder Bay Shelter House at 420 George Street at any time of day. A full list of the most needed items can be found on the Thunder Bay Shelter House website.
“Even though we are doing it right now, we are always in need of food,” Prairie said. “Coming up in January, we are always going to need more food. We really do need a steady flow of food coming into our pantry.”
