The Inn of the Good Shepherd is hoping to receive donations of non-traditional items during the annual Family to Family Donation Drive, held in partnership with Tepperman’s and Blackburn Media's 99.9 The FOX.
Morning Show Host Sarah Woodley will be broadcasting from Tepperman's on Friday, December 5, from 6 a.m. until 10 a.m.
Residents are encouraged to stop at the London Road business to donate non-traditional items such as feminine hygiene products, toiletries, pet food, diapers, cleaning supplies, shampoo, and laundry soap.
"Some of these things are some of the more expensive [items] in the grocery store and families tend to do without," said Inn Executive Director Myles Vanni. "They won't get laundry soap because they need milk for their child's cereal -- that sort of thing."
Monetary donations will also be accepted.
Tepperman's will be collecting donations throughout the weekend.
New this year, the Tepperman’s Truck will drive to local businesses on December 5 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to pick up donations.
"We actually put it out as a challenge and thought it may be an opportunity to engage more workplaces," Vanni said. "But also that convenience of being able to have it picked up at the door rather than trying to make their way to Tepperman's."
Workplaces are asked to register by Thursday, December 4, by emailing fundraising@theinnsarnia.ca (with the business name and address. Participating businesses will be entered to win a holiday pizza party, courtesy of Tepperman’s.
Vanni said during the past few years, the donation event has done really well.
"The last three or four years, it's been hovering around the 2,000 pounds mark, which may not sound like a lot but when you think of things like maybe toothpaste or toothbrushes, toilet paper... that may not weigh a lot but it's about four or five of the refrigerator boxes filled."
The Inn of the Good Shepherd will pick up the last of the donated items on Monday, December 8.
