Interviews with Theresa Luedtke in regard to the Carlyle & District Food Bank always centre around optimism and gratitude.
With being a member of the Food Banks of Saskatchewan, Theresa and all the food bank volunteer staff focus on safe handling and disbursement of food hampers for their clients. Masks, distancing and a no entry to the foodbank method will continue to be followed to provide monthly and emergency food hampers to those in need until further notice.
If you follow their Facebook page you will see the many businesses, service groups and individuals who make generous and much needed donations. Luedtke continually points to the donors and volunteers who give resources, time and talents to make this food bank run efficiently. The use of the United Church’s basement is truly a gift.
With all of that being said, now more than ever, individuals and families are placed in unprecedented times of uncertainty. As society argues back and forth over the severity of the COVID-19 virus and the proper ways to deal with it economically, politically and morally, many are caught in a tight spot.
There are so many factors that contribute to a family needing to utilize the services of a food bank but the overarching theme to focus on is the community’s awareness of the need and desire to help.
For the next month, Carlyle A&W will be raising money and collecting food for the food bank. All sales will be rounded up and canned food will be collected inside the building and at the drive thru. Cash donations are always welcome.
Many of the businesses where food hamper items are purchased make donations to the food bank possible year-round. The efforts of owners and staff are much appreciated from Arcola Foods, Southern Plains Co-op in Carlyle, Carlyle Food World, Carlyle Bakery, Carlyle Bargain Store and Carlyle Pharmasave.
Seasonally, Country Garden Greenhouse and Fresh from the Garden are generous givers.
As well as preparing for the Dec. 16 food hampers, the volunteers are preparing hygiene bags to augment the food. These will contain toothpaste, toothbrushes, underarm deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, hand lotion, and soap. “We are looking for new brushes and combs to include and I was really hoping we could add socks to the list,” Luedtke expounded. Each household receiving the food hamper will also receive a hygiene bag with supplies for each person in the home.
“I am getting phone calls from people we have never served before,” she said. “There are already 13 hamper appointments set up for December.”
Home for the Holidays is a program that has just come out from Saskatchewan Foodbanks with the goal to raise $1 million within the province.
“We would get a small piece of that as members of the association based on the numbers we have. In the 2020 year to date, we have given out 561 hampers that feed 1,508 clients,” Luedtke reported.
“Obviously the initial COVID shutdown put a glitch into how we served and who requested for a couple of months while everyone regrouped, but that is still a significant number for this area.” Expecting at least 100 hampers to go out in December is not out of the realm of possibility with layoffs, temporary unemployment and entire communities standing by as new COVID regulations are rolled out.
Consider how you can give to the foodbank this season. Perishable and non-perishable food items? Cash for perishable items? Personal hygiene items? Warm, cozy socks for boys, girls, men and women? Tax receipts are issued for financial donations.
For any individuals or families struggling at this time, the foodbank can be reached to make an appointment. Please text or call 306-575-9401.
To keep up on your local food bank happenings, please follow them on FaceBook @ Carlyle & District Food Bank.
