Toy and food drives are back for another year

It might not be time for the holidays yet, but the season for giving back is here.

With Christmas coming up next month, shopping and spending being a big part of the holiday, a few organizations are pitching in to help support those in need of a little holiday magic. 

St. Clair College SRC is one of the organizations holding a Toy and Food Drive, to help students during an already busy time with finals on the way. This event has been going on for more than 18 years, and whether it’s warm or cold, snow or sun, it is always a successful drive. 

Angie Lopez, Vice President of student affairs for SRC, said SRC wants to help students however they can. 

“We want to provide some help with students,” Lopez said. “The most important thing about Christmas is to have fun and be with your family so we want to help where we can.” 

Outside of St. Clair, places like Windsor Essex Food Bank Association and Downtown Mission are also getting ready for the demand which comes with the holiday season. 

June Muir has worked as CEO of Windsor Essex Food Bank Association for about 20 years. She said the association is planning on helping out communities and residents for many more years. 

“We provide 26 programs and services to people,” said Muir. Two of those programs are the toy and food drive. “The goal of the food drive is to ensure everyone can sit down and enjoy a turkey dinner and no one goes without this holiday season, and the toy drive is to support families that cannot afford to purchase toys for their children. We do not want anyone to be left out and your donation will provide individuals and families hope this holiday season.” 

Jim Douglas, Manager of Donor Relations for the Downtown Mission, said there has been an increase of people who need a hand and giving back during the holidays and is especially important for our community. 

“We’ve seen an increase (of people coming to the Downtown Mission) for many reasons like the economy, unemployment and food costs,” Douglas said. “It’s a time for giving, many people in our community do not have food security and would have difficulty feeding themselves or their families without access to a food bank. Food donations keep people nourished and healthy.” 

 Altogether, these three organizations were able to help around one hundred forty-one thousand people over the last year. If you are looking to help out, you can visit any food banks website. Douglas also wants to remind people cash donations for food are just as valuable as donating a canned good or other grocery items.