Food bank thanks Athens area community for support

Posted Jan 26, 2012 By Bernice McLean

Dear Editor:

Christmas for 52 families was made a much happier time, thanks to the generosity and efforts of the Athens area community. The overwhelming support received at the community food drive in October gave the committee a head start on supplies for the hampers, while still keeping the cupboards stocked for clients.

In keeping with the spirit of community, the Athens Fire Department collected food items and cash donations at the Parade of Lights in December and we so appreciate this. They have also assisted the Food Bank with other donations throughout the year.

The committee would like to thank the churches, area schools, and individuals for purchasing gifts for children, food items, knitted articles, and cash donations. Besides these helpers, donations were received from local and Brockville businesses and organizations.

We also would like to thank those who provided manpower to make the Christmas Hampers happen. Volunteers worked so hard from Wednesday, Dec. 14 through Friday, Dec. 16, setting up tables, constructing boxes, sorting, packing, labeling, stuffing envelopes, sorting gifts, carrying out hampers, making deliveries and of course all the clean up afterwards.

This week in particular brings many people closer together and everyone has a fun time, while feeling good about helping others.

Last but not least, we thank those volunteers who braved the cold and stood outside Food Town with Hugh Colton from Town and Country Chrysler in the "Build a Food Mountain" challenge, collecting items and cash for the New Year.

While we are beginning 2012 financially less stable than we started, we are hopeful that donations and funds will continue to come in. Our client population has increased in two years from 30 to 50. Monthly vouchers cost approximately $3,000.

Thank you again for your continued support and generosity and for providing a wonderful Christmas for so many.

Bernice McLean

For the Athens Area Food Bank