Trisha Shanks
Arrow Lakes News
For one day in December the community bus is parked outside of Overwaitea Foods to drum up additional support for the local food bank during the Christmas season. This year, Ann Miskulin was busy grilling hot dogs to offer those who made a cash or a food donation. The bus was waiting to collect and cart off the extra donations desperately needed at this time of year.
Miskulin, is the Food Bank Coordinator for Arrow and Slocan Lakes Community Services, explained, “Overwaitea is great. They set everything up for us. All we have to do is bring the bus and have somebody here to man the hotdog stand. That’s it. They donate the hot dogs, too.”
For Nakusp and area residents going through hard times, the food bank is a valuable resource. During the Christmas season, up to 30 volunteers collaborate to wrap presents, sort and pack the hampers and check the expiry dates on everything.
“Come to our office, you can put someone’s name on the form — just make sure that those people will accept it.” Miskulin adds.
Some people might be too proud to receive the charity. Local hampers must be picked up in person — deliveries are only done in Edgewood and Fauquier. As of now, there are no formalities to regulate who gets a Christmas hamper.
“We are not there to say yes or no. If you have your name in, then you get a hamper. As long as they are a resident of the Nakusp area. People donate throughout the year, so the Fill the Bus is mainly to give something to those who are able to give today, whether it be food or cash. And to make it a fun event. A big thank you to the people of Nakusp who donate — Overwaitea, the stores. Everybody’s been great,” Miskulin stated.
The food bank operates year-round with access to free food every Friday between 10 a.m. and noon. The program is designed to assist each household once a month for a pickup and all items are prepackaged into hampers for singles and families. Call (250) 265-3674 ext 213 for more information.