How you can help spread the love of Christmas to Whitecourt’s less fortunate

It’s of no surprise to anyone that prices are going up. Going through the till at the grocery store, filling up the family vehicle with gas, or paying an electricity bill costs more these days, and price increases aren’t slowing down. For Lori Coffey, Director of the Whitecourt Food Bank, the evidence of higher prices is visible in the increased clientele she welcomes at the door or greets at the pickup window.

She said that people are getting into the position of deciding between paying their electricity bill or buying groceries. “Can you imagine sitting in your house and choosing not to eat because you can’t afford to buy food? If you are deciding between bills and food, then pay your bills and come see us for food. I would rather you have lights on and heat in your home. Some will say that other people need it more than they do, and I say, if you’re in that position, then you are that people (sic).”

Coffey worries about families, seniors, and single people in the community with colder temperatures in the forecast and higher prices on the shelves. “Once you get into a spot where there’s an unexpected bill, or you get behind in your bills, it’s so hard to get caught up. With groceries costs going up, and gas expensive like it is, and now with winter and heating bills, it becomes a hole for many people, and it’s hard to climb out of it.”

She said that many people are already struggling, as evident by the increasing need at the Whitecourt Food Bank. With the trajectory of inflation, Coffey said it would only get worse. “How do you live like that? Deciding between food and heat? And then, God forbid, you get a flat tire or an unexpected bill. Getting behind on bills can happen to anyone. That’s a cycle that can get out of control fast. What will you do if you can’t buy food until payday, and that’s days or a week away?”

To help those who need it most, Coffey looks to her community for help. Each year, residents dig into their pantries, their wallets, and their hearts to give to the Whitecourt Food Bank and each year, Coffey is reminded just how generous the community is. “The businesses that support the food bank and the people who donate are amazing. The town really comes together. It can get hard sometimes because you get so emotional seeing people helping like this. It’s beautiful.”

Six times a year, clients can access a hamper. Coffey said that the hampers have become more diverse over the years. “We try and include everything, even lunch kits for children. It’s supposed to fix the household for two weeks. Seeing the look on people’s faces, that relief they feel when they get a hamper, is awesome. They know they are good.”

Coffey explained that things like the toilet paper drive at Ecole St. Joseph’s School and the cereal drive at Ecole St. Mary’s School are hugely impactful. Some businesses collect items throughout the year, and groups come together to raise specific things. Either way, every single donation matters and is needed. The support at the Whitecourt Food Bank lasts all year long, and the donations that come through big at Christmas help support the effort 365 days a year.

Items that Coffey said they always need more of are toiletries. “I won’t buy toiletries because I put all the money I have into getting food, but we want to provide this stuff. If they come to us for food, other areas of the household are also struggling. If you can’t buy groceries, you’re probably not buying toothbrushes or deodorant.” Men’s and women’s deodorant, shampoo, and conditioner are high on the list of needed items, as are pads and tampons. For diapers, Coffey said the size they struggle to get their hands on is sizes 5 and 6.

When residents donate gift-like items, such as lotions, nail polish, face masks, bath bombs or toys, Coffey uses those to create gift bags for parents and kids. “Sometimes we see a parent come in, and we can see that they are all stressed out. We grab them a mom’s bag or a dad’s bag. The kids always get taken care of, but the parents are struggling. I think sometimes they can use something just for them. You can see when someone needs that boost,” said Coffey.

Any presents donated are used as birthday gifts in hampers throughout the year. “If a parent comes in for a fill and is stressed about their child’s birthday, the food bank has a small collection of items that can be used as a gift for that child..” Sometimes they receive cakes from IGA and freeze them, pulling them out when there’s a birthday. “It makes their day. Birthdays are expensive, so it’s nice to provide something to take that stress away,” said Coffey. “Chevron this year made birthday bags with party favours and plates that match, and they did it by age and gender. With their generosity, we could take care of everyone’s birthday through the summer. We still have a couple of them left. That’s amazing.”

All this to say that donations to the food bank can be something other than food items. Though that is the primary purpose of the Whitecourt Food Bank, keeping food on the tables of the community’s less fortunate, there are so many options for what can be donated. “We want to uplift people who come in for a hamper. We want them to feel good about themselves and not have shame for needing help.”

Those looking to grab food items are encouraged to donate things that Coffey won’t buy, like kid’s lunch items, juice boxes, snack items, canned meats, boxed potatoes, side dish items, sweet treats, hearty canned soups with pop tops and similar things. Since Coffey focuses on the basics, having the “extras” donated means she can provide a well-rounded hamper.

Those wanting to grab something non-food-related can let their imaginations run wild, donating anything from gift items for parents and children to toiletries and the extra things that would bring a smile to someone’s face to receive. “If you are one of the haves, please help. It makes somebody’s day, and you are helping your community in the nicest way possible,” said Coffey.

Residents with donations but no way of getting them to the food bank have a new option this year. “Store To Door has become my newest sponsor. If anyone has food or anything at their house that they want to donate, they will pick it up and bring it here. I’m so grateful for their help,” said Coffey, adding, “I am one of the most supported food banks, and I appreciate it so much. Our community is absolutely amazing. Together, we are helping people!”