The local Knights of Columbus have donated the equivalent of a king's ransom to the Salvation Army in Chatham.
Steve Brent of the Knights of Columbus Council #1412 told CK News Today that the club collected over 15,000 pounds of food in Chatham last weekend, their biggest collection to date for the Salvation Army food bank.
Brent and some club members along side volunteers from Ursuline College (UCC), Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation, Chatham-Kent Community Living, and Salvation Army also handed over a cheque for $4,500.
Salvation Army Chatham-Kent Director Major Larry Bridger said words are not nearly adequate enough to express appreciation to the Knights of Columbus and the community for their tremendous support of the local Salvation Army.
"I can't begin to tell how much it means to the Salvation Army to be able to get this kind of bounty. It's so much food, it'll keep us going for a few months. And with the busy Fall and Christmas season coming up, we'll be able to use gift cards as well to help with Christmas in addition to the food assistance," said Bridger.
Major Bridger said all of the donations will be used to help about 600 people a month in the community who struggle to simply make ends meet.
Brent said the Knights of Columbus supports the Salvation Army food bank because they are one of a few that don't receive government funding and still do a great job helping marginalized families with nutritious food.
"There's so many stories that come to us through the food drive about the success of the Sally Ann in people's lives that made a difference for them. Every time we have the food drive we get reminded of the greatness and the relief and the big role that the Salvation Army has been able to play in so many families in Chatham-Kent," Brent noted.
UCC volunteer Shelby Marcovich said she has learned in her two years helping out with the food drive that the community always comes through when asked and it's important for youth to help out those who need it.
"Honestly, it's such a blessing to see how we can aid others in need because you never know when you're going to go through a hard time. So, when we're able to make an impact on others, it really warms my heart," the Grade 11 student said.
This Mega Food Drive was the seventh drive organized by the Knights of Columbus Council #1412 in Chatham.
Gift cards from Food Basics and Real Canadian Superstore, both in Chatham, were also part of the donation along with personal hygiene products.
