Today is the annual food drive for the St. Albert Food Bank, and it's most important one in the agency's entire 32 years. Demand is now twice what it was a year ago and supplies have been on a steady downward spiral, resulting in hampers nearly half the size of what they were in September 2015.
People who can give are encouraged to put their non-perishable food donations on their front steps by noon today. Please use the brown paper bags that were delivered to your mailbox or into any plastic bag labeled for the food bank. Volunteers will drive around and retrieve the collections.
The goal is 60,000 pounds of food. The most needed food items are peanut butter, powdered milk, canned fruits or vegetables, canned fish, canned meat, and rice.
If your bag doesn't get collected, please call the food bank at 780-459-0599. You can also drop it off at the food bank itself at #30, 50 Bellerose Dr. or at any grocery store or fire hall.
Local chiropractors get their foot in on helping collect socks
The second annual Toasty Toes Sock Drive is only on for the next two weeks. Chiropractors all over the province are hoping to bring in at least 25,000 pairs of socks for vulnerable people on the street.
Socks are one of the most consistently requested items for the homeless population, yet remain one of the most seldom donated items.
"Individuals who access shelter services often walk for hours during the daytime," stated Jennifer Forrest, resource development director with United Way Central Alberta, one of the partner agencies participating in the effort. "Without socks, walking in severe winter weather can lead to some very serious health issues. Every donation of socks is well used and very appreciated."
Once the campaign is over, the socks will be given to Alberta shelters and agencies that can then hand them out to the people who need them the most.
The collection runs until Oct. 1. In St. Albert, you can make your donation to the following locations: Grenier Place Wellness Centre, Revive Whole Body Health, Core Chiropractic Center, Wandler Chiropractor Clinic and Restoration Chiropractic.
For more information, visit www.albertachiro.com.
Foot facts for the homeless
• As of December 2015, there were 12,840 homeless individuals receiving housing and supports from the Government of Alberta.
• Socks are the most requested, yet least donated item to Alberta shelters.
• For daily use, the Alberta government provides 3,500 emergency shelter spaces in 30 facilities across Alberta.
• Homeless individuals without access to (clean, dry) socks and shoes risk foot injuries and disorders, such as sores/blisters, frostbite and skin infections, as well as onychomycosis (fungal nail infection), tinea pedis (Athlete's foot), corns and callouses, and immersion foot (trench foot). Recovery is often impeded by an inability to get adequate rest and medicine; many do not have insurance benefits and cannot afford to fill prescriptions.
