THE BATTLEFORDS - The Empty Stocking Fund campaign for 2021 is under way in the Battlefords and area.
Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre launched the annual campaign last week on Nov. 18, and since Monday, Nov. 22 have been accepting applications for Empty Stocking Fund hampers.
They will be accepted from Nov. 22 to Dec. 10, Monday to Friday 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Required are proof of address, proof of income, proof of expenses (ie. power, energy or water bills) and identification (ie. driver’s license or health card) for everyone in the household.
The campaign began Nov. 18 with special purchases of Domino’s Pizza with proceeds going to the Empty Stocking Fund.
The Empty Stocking Fund is accepting donations during this time and there are a number of initiatives that are under way:
The Food Bank is accepting gently used outdoor winter clothing for their Share the Warmth winter clothing recycling campaign. Drop off donations at 1171 101st St. North Battleford, and contact 306-937-5505.
They will be receiving donations from the WPD Ambulance 'Cram an Ambulance' campaign. WPD is seeking to cram three ambulances with toys to fill the Empty Stocking Fund’s Christmas hampers. Call EMS Elves at 306-446-7309 for more information. You can drop off toys at 10113A Thatcher Ave. in North Battleford, and the deadline for drop off is Dec. 15.
The Battlefords North Stars are getting involved again by staging the Tocque and Mitten Toss and the ever-popular Teddy Bear Toss in December.
Loraas Environmental will be involved with the 2021 Food Bank Food Drive. They will be bringing Santa’s sleigh to businesses on Dec. 17 to collect items. The goal is to collect 10,000 lbs of non-perishable food for the Empty Stocking Fund. Call 306-445-3900 or email [email protected].
In an appearance on Access TV’s Talk of the Town show, the Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre's Executive Director Erin Katerynych explained the Christmas season is an important time for the Food Bank.
“The need is great, we are busy all the time” said Katerynych. “Luckily for us, the Battlefords is a great place to be. The community is very supportive and we get a lot of help — if we are ever in need of something the community always steps up and helps us.”
