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Support for food bank is laudable

Sometimes it takes a community to make a difference in people’s lives.

Sometimes it takes a community to make a difference in people’s lives.

This past weekend, a community-wide food drive in Okotoks and surrounding area, organized by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, collected more than 30,000 pounds of food for those in need.

The generosity of residents left Okotoks Food Bank executive director Sheila Hughes speechless and filled with gratitude – and showed the giving spirit of people in the area.

This is typically a difficult time for the food bank, coming off summer when donations are usually lower than winter months, and before schools and other organizations begin their annual Thanksgiving and Christmas pushes to collect food.

Okotoks came together to support a very worthy cause, giving help where it’s most needed to support those families in town who need a hand to make ends meet.

The show of support was heartwarming and goes to show how ready and willing the people of Okotoks and area are to step up when they’re called into action.

It’s important to remember the food bank needs this same support throughout the year. While 30,000 pounds of food may sound like a lot, it doesn’t last very long. Possibly three months, according to Hughes. Each hamper given out at the food bank weighs approximately 100 pounds, and the number of families accessing the food bank for groceries is increasing, especially in this economy (the number went from 90 to 207 between 2015 and 2016).

The community-wide food drive was a testament to the giving nature of Okotoks residents. We should be mindful to carry that attitude all year, keeping organizations like the food bank in mind on a regular basis.

After all, people aren’t only in need during the holidays.

Let’s keep up the good work and support year-round.




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