It’s beginning to look like a good Christmas for the Sooke Food Bank.
A few weeks ago demand was up and donations were down at the food bank.
What a difference a few weeks make.
The food bank has gotten donations almost non-stop since then from residents, businesses and organizations, said Kim Metzart, coordinator of the Sooke Food Bank.
“Part of us able to do so good is because we get so much help during [Christmas] time,” Metzart said.
Metzart said whatever stock the food bank accumulates in December will have an impact on what 2017 will look like.
Those hampers won’t just sit there Metzart pointed out that while things are stable at the moment, there’s still a great need for basics such as cereal, craft dinner, soups, and other non-perishables.
And more help is on the way.
Edward Mine Community School’s Leadership students will lend a big hand with this year’s 10,000 Tonight event (held on the night of Dec. 1 and the week prior) where thousands of nonperishable food items are collected, sorted, dated and sent to the food bank – all in one night.
Sooke Fire Rescue holds its annual Sooke Santa Run on Dec. 10. Annually since 1993, firefighters have paraded through Sooke with decorated fire trucks, handing out treats to children and collecting donations.
Taking the 10,000 Tonight lead this year is Grade 12 student Nick Gakena.
“We’re trying to get people into the Christmas spirit and do something for the Sooke Food Bank once a year,” he said. “It’s gratifying, having the real impact that you can as you’re organizing these events. It’s unlike anything else we do.”
Gakena’s second in command, Grade 11 student Ella Constandinou, is helping out with coordination efforts within the community. She’s among the thousands of youth and locals who want to see those shelves packed to the roof with food.
“Being able to put food into them and leave seeing them full was satisfying, so the effort paid off,” Constandinou said.