Legion members drop by to visit St. Joseph Island and Area Food Bank

NEWS RELEASE
ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BR. 374
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The Legion Executive wanted to add a personal touch to their donation, instead of mailing a donation to the St. Joseph Island and Area Food Bank, a phone call was made and the members were invited on Feb. 5 to drop in and learn about this wonderful community resource.

Greeted by the Food Bank Board Chairperson Rev. Adrian Collins, Pastor of the St. Joseph Island Free Methodist Church, the Legion members were given a tour and were in awe at the system presently serving 80 different families from Echo Bay to Bruce Mines and St. Joseph Island.

The Food Bank is located at Harmony St. Mark's United Church, accessed through Fellowship Hall. It is open Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. As you walk into the Food Bank, bins are organized and ready to serve both families or single persons and couples.

These totes are stocked with items like pasta, sauce, canned goods, and crackers. Clientele can pick out more items such as flour, sugar, oatmeal, rice and powdered milk. Also available are bread, milk, margarine, eggs (mostly donated by local farmers), fruit and vegetables (during the summer months, with much more available due to local donations).

But that is not all. There are school snacks, toiletries even some clothes and toys. At Christmas time, a full gift section is open. The cupboards are currently well-stocked.

Food Bank Board Member Joan Bishop says this is not always so, especially in the summer months.

The Committee of Outreach of Harmony St. Mark's United Church organizes the Food Bank with a full Board complemented with 25 volunteers. Some regulars and others help in the summer months.

Seeing the food available for those in need, we asked about the financial support for the Food Bank. Rev. Adrian Collins advised there is no government funding. The Food Bank is entirely community-driven. Monetary donations, designated to the St. Joseph Island and Area Food Bank can be forwarded to Harmony St. Mark’s United Church (address below article) and a tax receipt will be issued. Donations of food and other items can be left in the Fellowship Hall.

Rev. Adrian emphasized: “We are thankful for the on-going community support by individuals, service clubs, schools, local municipalities, churches and merchants. It is possible because of You!”

He continued with a smile chatting about how everyone loves it when they have frozen pancakes and sausages donated from the pancake breakfasts. In today's world, tough economic times may fall on any of us. There is beauty and strength in a community that gives generously. Help is available. Do not hesitate to ask.

The Legion's vision is to support veterans and their families, plus youth and seniors. At Branch 374. They have continuously been conscientious and generous when it comes to community support.

The Legion hosts fund-raisers and lotteries to raise money. A portion of funds raised goes to support Community programs.

It is pleased to make a $250 donation to the Food Bank.

The St. Joseph Island and Area Food Bank is located at Harmony St. Mark's United Church Fellowship Hall, 1176 Richards St., Richards Landing. Its mailing address is P.O. 216, Richards Landing, P0R 1J0 and hours are Wednesday, 1 to 3 p.m. If these hours do not accommodate a person, arrangements may be made.

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