Thanksgiving Food Drive in support of East Toronto’s Grace Pascoe Food Bank now underway

By MATTHEW STEPHENS

For the first week of October, Centre 55 is teaming up with Grace Pascoe Food Bank to host a Thanksgiving Food Drive.

The Grace Pascoe Food Bank is based out of Cavalry Baptist Church at 72 Main St., just down the road and across the street from Centre 55.

“Thanksgiving is a great time when people are thinking about giving thanks for what they have, and are wanting to give back to others who might be in need,” said Rev. Ruth Bartlett, Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church.

“We wanted to take this opportunity to remind the community of the need that’s out there for all of our neighbours who are looking to be able to put food on their tables as well.”

The food drive is now underway and will run until Oct. 9. Those who wish to drop off contributions can do so each day from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Centre 55 at 97 Main St. Non-perishable items can be dropped off at the front reception area.

Contributions can also be made at Grace Pascoe Food Bank (Calvary Church) on Wednesdays when receiving crews are on site.

Executive Director of the Calvary Grace Food Bank Debbie Visconti said donations are needed now more than ever as the cost-of-living crisis continues to afflict members of the community.

“As families struggle to pay for housing and daily essentials such as food, we find an increase in the number of local people coming into our food bank. We could really use the help of the community to assist us in providing the necessary food for families that deal with food insecurity,” said Visconti.

Items most needed include canned vegetables & fruits, canned meats, canned Soups & stews, rice, pasta, & beans, boxed stuffing & mashed potatoes, canned cranberry sauce & gravy, peanut butter, cereal and oatmeal, canned tuna and meats, baby food, diapers & formula, as well as granola bars and school snacks.

Financial donations will also be accepted and will receive a tax receipt.

Bartlett said she remains thankful for the East Toronto community’s support each year to bolster services at the food bank.

“I’m really appreciative of the fact that this ministry of the church is just neighbours helping neighbours. The 40 or so volunteers that we have helping on Wednesdays with the delivery or Thursday nights with either greeting people or registering people or working the food tables – they’re all people that are just neighbours that want to help neighbours,” said Bartlett.

For more information about the Thanksgiving Food Drive, head to https://www.centre55.com/events/turkey-drive/