Deltassist’s Emergency Food Cupboard is bare and the organization is putting out an urgent call for donations to fill it.
On its social media channels last week, Deltassist asked residents to contribute several staple items to help replenish its supplies, especially with the start of its Christmas Hamper program right around the corner.
Needed items include:
• Small bags of rice (plain and flavoured)
• Small bags of lentils
• Pasta-and-sauce packages (e.g. Sidekicks)
• Dry pasta (especially spaghetti)
• Pasta sauce
• Macaroni and cheese/Kraft Dinner
• Cereal (including individual hot cereals)
• Canned salmon and tuna
• Canned ham
• Canned chili
• Canned meat (e.g. Spam, Prem, corned beef and chicken)
• Canned stew
• Canned pasta
• Canned fruit (especially peaches, pears, fruit cocktail, applesauce, pineapple tidbits)
• Canned hearty soups
• Canned regular soups
• Canned vegetables (including tomatoes and beans)
• Tea bags
• Coffee
• Hot chocolate
• Peanut Butter
• Jam
• Jello (not instant pudding as it requires milk)
• Juice (litre size preferred)
• Baby food (strained and Junior), formula, cereals – expiry date 2024 or more
• Diapers (size 4, 5 and 6)
As well, Deltassist is requesting various items to restock the homeless cupboard, including easy-to-open cans of protein, vegetables or fruit; small jars of peanut butter; soda crackers; ready-to-go meals in cans; granola bars; small sized snacks; and fruit cups.
Donations can be brought to both of Deltassist’s offices, though the North Delta location (9097 Scott Road) is preferred. The South Delta office is located at #202 - 5000 Bridge Street in Ladner. Both are open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though the Ladner office is closed from noon to 1 p.m.
Cash donations can also be made by visiting deltassist.com/help-out/donate.
SEE ALSO: ‘Haven’t eaten in days’: Canada’s food banks reporting massive spike in demand
Deltassist is also looking for volunteers for its Christmas programs. Jobs that need filling include program registration (runs Oct. 30 to Dec. 8), toy sorting (Nov. 20 to Dec. 8), staffing the annual toy depot (Dec. 11 to 14) and Arabic translation services at the toy depot (Dec. 12 to 14).
Those interested in helping out are asked to email Randi-lee at christmas@deltassist.com or visit deltassist.com/help-out/volunteer.
Registration for this year’s Christmas programs opens on Monday, Oct. 30.
This year’s toy depot will be held at East Delta Hall (10379 Ladner Trunk Rd.) Dec. 12-14, while Christmas food hampers will be delivered by local service clubs on Dec. 23.
Eligible families and individuals must fill out an application and either submit it in person along with proof of residence, proof of income and their children’s CareCards, or email the completed form to christmas@deltassist.com and staff will contact them to set up a time to come in with their documentation.
Christmas program eligibility and the application form are available online at deltassist.com/community/deltassist-christmas-programs-information-and-registration.
The application deadline for the toy depot is Dec. 8, and the Christmas hamper deadline is Dec. 15.
