Residents of the St. Thomas area are being encouraged to donate to a food drive this weekend, as officials say the need is "greater than ever."
A holiday food drive will be held at Railway City Brewing Company in St. Thomas on Sunday, December 4. All proceeds from this event will go to the St. Thomas Elgin Food Bank.
The event will run from 1 - 4 p.m. and will feature live music from two local bands, as well as free pizza, raffles, and other attractions. To enter, each guest must bring one or more non-perishable items for donation.
Representatives from the food bank suggest donating food such as cereal, pasta, condiments, soup, and other canned goods. There is also a need for personal care items such as feminine products, soap, toothpaste, diapers, and baby food. Monetary donations will also be accepted and appreciated.
The fundraiser is being held in memory of Liette Dalla-Vincenza, who passed away earlier this year. Her daughter, MaryEllen Allen, is the lead singer of SuperFalcon, one of the bands that is set to to perform at Sunday's event.
"Her whole life, she did without and did for others," Allen said about her mother. "She was a tiny woman with a great big heart who loved to help people and who loved the community of St. Thomas. We have come to see so much more evidence of people having a tough time in our community."
"The need is greater than ever with the rising costs of food, fuel, housing, etc.," said Karen McDade, the food bank's manager of public relations and administration. "All monetary and food donations are truly appreciated, even more so during the coming holiday season."
