'Drive Away Hunger' will aid food bank

Local schools will be collecting food for the Weyburn Salvation Army, through the annual Farm Credit Canada (FCC) "Drive Away Hunger" event.

This year marks the 11th anniversary of the FCC Drive Away Hunger collection. It involves driving a tractor and trailer through various communities to collect food and cash donations.

All funds and food collected in Weyburn will be donated to the Salvation Army. Laura Morrissette, Community Ministries Coordinator for the Salvation Army, said there are some food items that are always in need at the local food bank.

"We could definitely use Stove-Top stuffing, with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up. We also welcome school snacks, especially when they are peanut-free snacks," said Morrissette. "We can always use peanut butter, canned fruit, canned meat and Kraft dinner."

She said that the Salvation Army has a good supply of soup and pasta, after the "Stamp Out Hunger" food drive by the Weyburn Post Office.

Residents are reminded to check for expiration dates, before sending any non-perishable food as a donation.

Schools will be collecting food for the FCC "Drive Away Hunger" until Thursday, Oct. 16, when all the food will be picked up from schools, and delivered to the Salvation Army.

Morrissette noted that the Salvation Army needs some volunteers during the afternoon of Thursday, Oct. 16, to help with unloading all the donated food.

Another upcoming event for the Salvation Army is the Teddy Bear Toss, which will be held at the Weyburn Red Wing home game against Yorkton on Saturday, Oct. 18.

Residents are welcome to bring donated teddy bears to the game, and after the first goal from the Red Wings throw them out on the ice to be collected by the Salvation Army. There will also be teddy bears sold before the game, for those interested.

The Salvation Army will start their Christmas hamper applications during the first week of November.