Minto United Church Donates to Moose Jaw Food Bank
On Sunday, February 3, 2019, a cheque from Minto United Church was presented to Deann Little, Assistant Manager of the Moose Jaw Food Bank, in the amount of $825.50. This donation represents donations from a program called “the Celebrations Box”, where individual congregation members freely donate money each Sunday sharing with their church family any blessings in their lives that they feel fortunate to celebrate (ie) theirs or a family member’s birthday; an anniversary; friendship; good health, etc. The Minto United Church Council prayerfully considered what to do with this money and decided to support local charities and this money is to be “paid forward” every second month to those in our community who are less fortunate or find themselves in unfortunate circumstances, with faith that God will bless their lives as those who have so graciously and unselfishly donated. Past donations have been made to: The Transition House, Riverside Mission, Joe’s Place Youth Center, MJ Branch of the Canadian Red Cross, MJ Branch of Sask. Acquired Brain Injury Association, and the MJ Food Bank.
Deann Little, has worked with the Food Bank for 8 years. She explained that the needs of households in Moose Jaw has increased over the last year by 17%, with hampers increasing from 300 per month to 363. People from all walks have come to the Food Bank for help and anyone who can produce one piece of identification and a current piece of mail can be signed up to receive hampers of food. The size of hamper is determined by the number of people in the household.
Cash donations are always welcome. Each month the Food Bank buys about 300 dozen eggs and 1 dozen is included in each hamper. Purchases of milk for children under 18 and fresh meat are also made on a monthly basis.
Deann invited the congregation to come for a tour. Volunteers are also needed for the Food Bank Board of Directors each year and on a regular basis to help organize the hampers.
Minto United Church also collects Food Bank items throughout the year and the first Sunday of each month is designated as “Food Bank Sunday”.