The Boyle and Community Food & Clothing Bank has finally found a new home.
“Today is the official opening of the Boyle Food Bank Association,” vice president Steve Wilcox proudly stated at their opening day last Tuesday.
The Food Bank moved into the Gateway Community Church – formerly known as the Family of Faith Church – just over a week ago, and is now an official member of the Alberta Food Bank Network Association, which enables them to apply for government grants, an advantage they had not enjoyed prior.
“The people of the church welcomed us with open arms,” Wilcox said. “It’s been awesome.”
Prior to the move, the Seventh-Day Adventist Church housed the Food Bank since its launch in 1996.
Veronica Dribnenki, a representative of the Adventist Church, thanked the community of Boyle for their support while the Food Bank occupied the basement of her ministry, adding that she “wishes the Food Bank continued support and success for the future.”
The Food Bank has grown substantially over the past 15 years, and despite the efforts of the Adventist Church, it lacked sufficient space required for both food and clothing donations.
Moving from their former location to the rear of Gateway was a spirited endeavor for the organization’s staff.
Over the weekend, they transported all the food and clothing from the Adventist Church, and Wilcox, despite being visually impaired, was able to construct the shelving needed to accommodate their needs. “I just finished at 5 p.m. last night so we could open today.”
Gwen Hall, who was initially involved with the creation of the Boyle Food Bank, is its new director; Marie Gladu is the assistant director; Leeanna Pavnell the secretary/treasurer; Julian Nakonechny is the president; and Carolyn Gale lends a helping hand when need be.
Local trucking companies have arranged a contest to see who can bring in the most weight in food. “It was their idea,” confessed Wilcox. “Whoever brings in the most weight in food will have bragging rights for the year.”
Boyle School will be holding their annual Christmas concert on Dec. 9, and in an effort to help the Food Bank during the holiday season, they will be collecting donations from those who attend.
A Christmas dinner will be held at Boyle Community Hall on Dec. 15. Organizer Marilyn Schroder confirmed, “We will be making donations to the Food Bank.”
Demand has remained ‘pretty steady,’ explained Hall.
Opening day saw 15 people come through the Food Bank’s doors. “Fifteen to 20 people is a regular day for us,” Hall proclaimed, while also admitting that donations are currently quite low.
A drop-box where people can leave clothes and non-perishable food items is located next to the Food Bank’s door at the rear of the church. Those who wish to donate can also contact Leeanna Pavnell at 689-5190 or 213-1254.
The Food Bank will be closed from Dec. 22, reopening in the New Year on Jan. 4, where regular hours will ensue, opening on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
On Dec. 21, they will be handing out Christmas hampers to those in need.
“We’re so grateful to the church for giving us this space,” Wilcox said. “Thank you to the volunteers, local businesses and the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.”
