Altona residents have responded generously to a group of young people who roam the streets collecting donations for an annual spring food drive.
It went well! It was very crowded,” said Angelica Stoes, president of the food bank. “We had so many young people showing up. As soon as they started coming, cars started coming in and our truck was full. It was amazing! We received quite a few cash donations. However, some of the items were quite expensive.When we went in, we set up a table inside the building and it was full. [the donations] There were a lot of good things that happened. ”
Stoes said the food bank has always had strong support from the community.
“We live in a great community. But I think as people realize how much money it costs for groceries, they also realize how many people can't actually afford it. They've seen our numbers increase and their support has increased as well. It's just amazing.”
Stoes highly praised the young people who gave up their nights to go door to door collecting donations.
“Ever since I was working, [W.C. Miller Collegiate]When I needed help, I talked to young people and they helped me. I love that they are so eager to go out and do this. We all know that the volunteers of the future will come from the younger generation. The more we can involve them, the more they enjoy what they do, and the more likely they are to be there when we need them. ”
Stoes doesn't expect the food bank's customer flow to slow down over the summer.
“Once the gardens start producing, it may go down a little bit, but a lot of our customers don't have that option. My hope is that we won't always need this much support, but for now, people need it, so we'll give it to them. We are there to provide.”
~With files from Candace Dirksen~