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By Shaun Penner
For those in need

GPCSD to host reverse food drive for local food banks

Feb 20, 2021 | 7:00 AM

The Grande Prairie and District Catholic Schools will be hosting a reverse food drive next weekend, where they will be collecting items for local food banks and other agencies in need.

Unlike a traditional door-to-door donation drive, students, parents and staff from around the division will be at St Joseph’s Catholic Church (10404 102 Street) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 6 to collect items. Those donating can drive up, pop the trunk and volunteers on hand will collect the items in a COVID-19 friendly way.

GRCSD Superintendent Karl Germann says the division had been looking for a way to help the community and found now was when organizations like food banks need support.

“One of the things we did with our research, is we found that March seems to be a slower time, where people have kind of gotten off the Christmas break or the January run where they decided to help people,” said Germann. “Now, the agencies start to need more food, more necessities.”

Concurrently, there will also be reverse food drives held at the catholic schools in Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Spirit River between 10 and 11:30 a.m.

Suggested items for donations include canned and non-perishable food items, personal care products, household laundry and cleaning supplies, as well as grocery, gas and pharmacy gift cards.

“It only takes a matter of seconds to drop something off,” said Germann. “So, if you want to collect stuff (from) your street, or you just want to drop off something yourself, that would just be great.”

Collection boxes are also available at all GPCSD school sites prior to March 6 for those who will be unable to attend but would still like to donate.

by Shaun Penner