While out grocery shopping for this weekend's Thanksgiving meal, we're being asked to think of those less fortunate.
Inn of the Good Shepherd Executive Director Myles Vanni said they're appealing for donations for their annual food drive, and residents should have received a paper donation bag in the mail.
"Trying to make it as easy as possible for folks to donate," said Vanni. "Most of the grocery stores have a barrel on the way out with our name on it, you can drop the food in there or fill the paper bag and drop it off at any of the Sarnia fire halls or even at the Inn on John Street. And if you want to avoid the crowds shopping, you can always make a donation online on our website www.theinnsarnia.ca."
Vanni said before the pandemic they used to spend about $2,000 a month on food, that's up to nearly $30,000 a month now.
"Our usage numbers are certainly higher, particularly the biggest impact is on our homelessness level," he said. "Prior to COVID we had 35 people in shelter, the other night we had 190 people in our care. It's not just housing these folks, but we have to feed them and when there in overflow shelters in motels or something, all they have is a microwave and a kettle to cook with."
Vanni said the food drive is especially important, since the pandemic has forced the cancellation of other major events for the food bank.
"We've lost Cyclone Aid and CANstruction the last two years, so each year we've lost 80 thousand pounds of food, so the purchasing is trying to make up for those differences."
He said they're most in need of cereals, canned fruit, soups and stews, side dishes and oatmeal.
Donation bags can be dropped off until October 15.