Ursuline College Chatham students will collect food donations instead of candy this Halloween season as the “Lancers Scare Hunger” food drive returns to support Chatham Outreach for Hunger.
The drive takes place Thursday, Oct. 29. Students, staff and parent volunteers will cover 60 routes across Chatham from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Residents are asked to leave items on their porch. People who will not be home can drop off food or monetary donations at the school during regular school hours or on the evening of Oct. 29.
“I am so proud to see our school community come together year after year to support this important cause, demonstrating our Catholic values by helping those in need,” said Lisa Harnarine, the school’s principal. “A special thank you to our outstanding student leaders from the UCC Cares group for helping to organize this initiative.”
Grade 12 student Diya Thekkanath has volunteered with the drive since Grade 9 and helps organize it as a member of UCC Cares.
“Not only are you doing a good thing, but it’s also really fun,” Thekkanath said. “It’s a great way to get volunteer hours as well as get involved in the community.”
Catholic elementary schools in Blenheim, Ridgetown and Wallaceburg will also take part to support local food banks.
The drive is Chatham Outreach for Hunger’s biggest of the year.
“We have seen a huge increase in the number of families facing food insecurity here in Chatham-Kent over the past year,” said Brenda LeClair, the organization’s executive director. “This event has a tremendous impact on the families who receive food hampers during stressful times. Lancers Scare Hunger is a lifeline to so many and lets them know the community cares.”
Chatham Outreach for Hunger says it is especially in need of breakfast foods and lunch snacks such as juice, oatmeal, pancake mix, canned fruit, pudding cups and school snacks, as well as protein foods such as tuna and canned meat. Personal hygiene products such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant and shampoo are also needed. Residents are asked to check best before dates on their donations.
