The North Hastings Community Cupboard is preparing for a busy holiday season as more Bancroft and area people are reaching out for help.
The operation offers a grocery store-style food bank along with a hot meal program Monday to Friday. Executive Director Monica Piercey said this time of year, staff and volunteers are busy putting together holiday hampers.
“We are still accepting registrations for that. Last year, even in this small community, we did 200 hampers and that included those who are unhoused. We have special hampers for those folks. This year, it looks like that number could be even higher.”
When Piercey first joined the organization eight years ago, it handed out 80 hampers. She added there are still many generous donors in the community, but at the same time, she is seeing more older adults struggling financially.
“We have an increase in the number of seniors coming in to access our services, who had always been self-sufficient. It’s a challenge when their hard work for pensions are not enough to help them meet their needs. That’s a big hit to their dignity.”
Piercey added she is also seeing a trend of multiple family generations moving in under one roof.
“We have huge families coming in because there are three and sometimes four generations. It’s the only way they can afford to live and there is no housing for them. We are seeing some interesting trends we haven’t seen before.”
Donations of non-perishable food items can be made at donation bins found at Bancroft grocery stores. A Radiothon in conjunction with Moose FM is also being held on Friday from 8 a.m. to noon at Tony and Jill’s No Frills, and again from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bancroft Foodland. Cash donations can be made at the checkouts of both stores.
“It’s really helpful to us if people donate cash because we know what we are short on and we look for cost-reducing ways to access those products. Sometimes we can make a dollar stretch further,” added Piercey.
If you or someone you know needs assistance during the holidays, contact the North Hastings Community Cupboard at 343-476-0177 or northhastingscc@gmail.com. A takeout, full turkey and ham dinner with all the fixings is also being served on Dec. 23 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
