FORT FRANCES — The Bargain Shop Fort Frances and Salvation Army are joining forces once again to help support those experiencing food insecurity in the lead-up to the Thanksgiving season.
The Bargain Shop's annual Thanksgiving Food Drive is now underway, officially kicking off and running until October 10, 2024. During the drive, shoppers will be able to stop off in-store and donate non-perishable food and personal care items.
There are also markers placed throughout the store indicating items that are particularly in need, meaning people can also fill their carts with a few extra items while doing their regular shopping and donate those at the till.
“We're collecting donations to support people in the community,” said The Bargain Shop's Kelsi Beare.
“We're taking cans and... items and donating them to the Salvation Army in town. We're looking for anyone that can help support or donate, even cash if they would like, or they can buy cans from our shelves here and donate.”
Ryan Daw, the family services co-ordinator for the Salvation Army in Fort Frances, said the organization is hoping to get quantities of much needed items through the annual drive.
“We're looking for non-perishable items, anything that has a long shelf life,” he explained.
“So that would be like rice, Kraft Dinner, anything with easy to open lids as those are convenient for seniors. Things of that nature.”
All items collected during The Bargain Shop's Thanksgiving Drive will be going to the local Salvation Army food bank, helping to support those in the community who rely on the organization to keep food on their table or make ends meet.
Beare said that while the store hasn't set an official goal for the drive, she's noted that people have been stepping up to make donations as they learn about the drive taking place.
“We have already had a really good show,” she said.
“People will donate pretty much whatever they've got, little bits here and there of cans, or if they have a little bit of change, they're very willing to donate to the community because they know it's going to a good cause.”
With over a week left to head to The Bargain Shop to help the donation drive be as successful as possible, people in town can be key in helping make sure someone has a meal in front of them this fall.
Daw said that as everyone is feeling the pinch of the rising costs of living these days, it's important for the Salvation Army to work with as many businesses and organizations as it usually does throughout the year to keep their food bank shelves fully stocked, as more and more people look for help.
“The need is very great in the community,” Daw said.
“There's a lot of people that utilize the food bank in our community, and it's some of the most vulnerable people. We appreciate business relationships with The Bargain Shop or any other community member that will step up. It's a great relationship, and we are very pleased with the donations that we receive.”
Fort Frances Times / Local Journalism Initiative
