A popular Point Edward establishment is getting ready to host its 12th annual food drive this weekend to support the Inn of the Good Shepherd.
Original Albert's had their last day of the season on October 31 but will welcome back patrons on Saturday, November 6 to hold a food drive from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Only cash or non-perishable food items will be accepted. Patrons can get a drink, small gravy or small cheese sauce for $1 or one food item, a hot dog for $2 or two non-perishable items, or a small plate of fries for $3 or three non-perishables.
"We also contribute all of our tips and bake sale proceeds to the Adopt a Family program," said Part-Owner John Sinclair. "All of the staff also donates all of their time, any tips that we get are all donated and all of our food suppliers also help by donating buns, hot dogs, potatoes, et cetera."
Original Albert's food drive. (Photo courtesy of Original Alberts/Suzys Ice Creamporium via Facebook)
The food drive has grown throughout the years. Sinclair said it used to be held in partnership with Point Edward's Christmas in the Village but since it wasn't held last year (or this year), Original Albert's has taken on the initiative.
"The community is very supportive. We're just trying to help out everyone we can in times of need, especially around the Christmas season," said Sinclair. "We like to help out where we can, when we can."
Sinclair said last year's food drive resulted in 2,644 pounds of donated food items and $4,750 for the Adopt a Family program, nearly double the amount raised in 2019.
COVID-19 measures, such as the mask mandate, will be followed during the food drive, which will serve take-out food.
Some items listed by the Inn as "most needed" include cereal, school snacks, juice boxes, large soups and stews, canned fruit, jams, Kraft Dinner, dish soap, sugar, and coffee.