The Loaves & Fishes Outreach food and clothing bank in 100 Mile House is experiencing lower volumes in its donations supply, and could use a helping hand from the community to stock up the shelves.
Loaves & Fishes Outreach Project secretary Gayle Christianson says the crucial service it provides is used a lot and greatly needed by families at risk in the South Cariboo all year long – not just at Christmas time.
"At the [100 Mile House Food Bank], they don't work their regular hours in the summer.
"We never close. We're open every Wednesday, so that means sometimes we have more people coming.
"Of course, Christmas is the time that people think of giving, of donating, [but] not right now."
As a standalone non-profit organization that receives no grants and no support from food banks (except very occasionally), Loaves & Fishes depends entirely on community donations to feed the many families and individuals who depend on it, she explains.
The busiest months last year were April, with 386 folks served, and September, with 369, while December saw 309 people assisted (not including the holiday hampers).
Currently, about 450 families are registered with Loaves & Fishes for receiving monthly hampers, which represents a much higher number of people it feeds, with up to seven or more members supported in local households.
Christianson notes funds are also "right at the bottom" and are needed for purchasing items not always in stock.
This includes perishable foods, the higher-volume hamper needs of canned goods, flour and sugar, and protein sources, such as peanut butter, to provide balance in the hampers.
"We are an emergency outreach, but in the summer, less money means we don't have the basics that we try to provide – the oatmeal, spaghetti, eggs, margarine, potatoes, carrots – that kind of stuff."
Folks who have surplus produce from their gardens or who wish to donate other perishables, such as butter, are encouraged to do so, she adds.
Last year, volunteers for the local project handed out food and/or clothing for 3,786 people.
"As volunteers, we have been able to see the relief on many faces as they leave with more than they had ... food, clothing, smiles and hugs."
Noting Loaves & Fishes Outreach is a Christian organization, Christianson says every hamper given out also includes a prayer for the recipients.
"When we help people out, they give back when their circumstances change ... they will come back and donate stuff to us ... it's kind of one of those 'what you give, you get back' things."
The hours of operation are Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and food hampers are restricted to one per household per month (but clothing and bread are available every week).
Donations may also be dropped off at those times (or by calling ahead to 250-395-2708 to arrange other times).
Loaves & Fishes is located at 550 Exeter Truck Rd. (beside Bethel Pentecostal Community Church).