Tillsonburg Helping Hand Food Bank coordinator Samantha Hamilton, left, and Lt. Drew Young of the Salvation Army load bags of food prior to Christmas. The two agencies work together on some programs, including an emergency pantry program. Mail donations for the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle campaign are still open. Jeff Helsdon Photo.
By Robin Krafft, Post Contributor
The town of Tillsonburg turned up to take care of its own throughout the month of December.
The Salvation Army was able to provide food assistance to over 300 households and 64 children. The Angel Tree Tags ensured that children had gifts to open and the Adopt-a-Family program supported an additional 35 families with gifts and food for the holidays. Through agency partnerships, another 25 families in the Houghton area also received support.The Salvation Army Kettle Campaign ran from Nov. 14 to Dec. 24 and resulted in contributions totalling over $104,000. This was short of the $185,000 goal, but didn’t include mail-in donations. The Canada Post strike delayed the mail-out campaign, but it will be rolling out soon to give people who usually send in a cheque the opportunity to donate. Lt. Drew Young said that every small donation counts but noted that “a few individual families gave upwards of $3,000, an amazing blessing for us, and all of that money stays local and goes back into community supports."
He added: "We don't discriminate against anyone’s cultural background, faith, gender, or race. Everyone is welcome and we help anyone to the best of our ability."
The Hub, a focal point for support, has been temporarily relocated to the church at 110 Concession Street West. Their normal services continue, including an emergency pantry (in partnership with the food bank), hydro bill assistance, and a daily feeding program.On behalf of the Salvation Army, Young wishes to send out a "massive thank you to the community for financial contributions, gifts and toys. Without the community, the staff and volunteers, we wouldn't be able to facilitate a Christmas for families in need.”
The Helping Hand Food Bank reported similar success. New coordinator Samantha Hamilton described it as "probably the most hectic December I've ever had, but it was awe-inspiring to see how many people came through the door with donations." A total of 17,000 pounds of food were donated in December through food drives from individuals, stores, schools and the general public, which doesn’t include large corporate donations. It's an uptick from last year, in keeping with the increasing number of families in need.There were 290 households (581 individuals) supported, compared to 204 households last year, and Hamilton has noticed that the people who use the service are coming more frequently.
"I really want to acknowledge how amazing the community is, the support of Tillsonburg for Tillsonburg," she said, adding it wouldn’t be possible without the “amazing volunteer pool who’ve been doing it for years.”
With food insecurity on the rise, she said that "even just giving a little has an impact." As we enter the new year, the need remains.
“We need everything,” Hamilton said, “with emphasis on school lunch items for kids and easy to make breakfasts (instant oatmeal, pancake mix, cereal) as well as anything warm for the cold weather such as soups.”As our population (and food prices) continue to increase, the need will continue to grow. Hamilton is hopeful that donations will continue to grow with it.
"We're seeing and caring for one another,” she said. “The small town caring for the community, remaining tight-knit, even though we’re growing so much."
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