October 7, 2021 · 0 Comments
By August Bettinelli
The season of giving is back and the Orangeville Lions Club is gearing up to support a great cause.
In partnership with the local Metro (150 First St.), the Lions are running a food drive in front of the store, running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday. All proceeds are going to the Orangeville Food Bank.
“Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for what we have, but also to remember those who have less. Every donation helps, and collectively we can make a difference,” said Kris McBride, event organizer.
Last year, the Lions were able to generate 2,922lbs in food donations and $3,400 in cash between two food drives, with the support of Metro Orangeville.
During this Saturday’s food drive, all donations will be accepted, but the Food Bank has provided the Lions with a list of “most needed” items:
Most needed perishables include fruits, vegetables, and dairy; most needed non-perishables include baby food in jars/pouches, sidekicks pasta/rice, Kraft Dinner, spaghetti sauce, gluten-free crackers and snack bars, ketchup, and sugar.
Other high demand items for the Orangeville Food Bank are canned meats/salmon, canned pasta, juice boxes/large juice, hamburger helper, cooking oil, spices, diapers (size 4 and up), and personal care items.
Additionally, Metro has pre-packaged bags of items available inside the store, varying in price range, specifically for donation purposes.
Being impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, the Lions have not been able to “serve” as much as they would have liked the past year and a half, but the food drive this Saturday gives members a great opportunity to give back, while staying safe. All pandemic protocols are being adhered to.
The food drive also comes at an important time, as the Orangeville Food Bank has a greater strain put on it during the holiday season. With this in mind, the local Lions Club has decided to, along with hosting a Thanksgiving food drive, organize a second event on Dec. 18, also running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the local Metro.