Over 1,700 people received free clothing and hampers in Steinbach this past week, at Southland Church’s 9th annual Food and Clothing Drive.
Hundreds of people pack into Southland Church in Steinbach for the annual Food and Clothing Drive.
People searched through over 100 tables piled up to 18 inches high with clothing of all sizes, household good, bedding, and toys. Organizers estimate that 30 tons of clothing was given away including 2,500 pairs of shoes. “So many people have donated clothing, food, money, and time to make this event happen each year. A total of 590 people from our church volunteered and what stood out to me was how joyful everyone was as they served”, explained Grace Hiebert, one of the organizers of the annual event.
Each person or family who attended were supplied with large bags to fill, but many people came prepared with their own carts and bags lining up as early as 7:30 am. “My family recently moved here from the Philippines and we had no winter jackets. We have 5 children and were able to get each child a winter jacket, ski pants, mittens and warm hats,” commented a mother who arrived with several children in strollers. She was joined by hundreds of others including families from Steinbach, Winkler, Vita, Winnipeg and a group from the Island Lake Community, approximately 400 air miles north of Winnipeg.
“This was a wonderful year because we had over 200 more people attend then last year! Around 1,000 hampers were given out (including fresh bread, potatoes, carrots, sugar and lot more) and not one person was turned away. As a church we really enjoy putting this event on. Our whole church family from the young children to the seniors get involved and are very excited every year to bless the community. We do this so we can show the community we love them. My personal favourite part of the event is interacting and getting to meet new people in the community. Everyone was just so pleasant and grateful! I love the opportunity to encourage them and help them find items that they need.” explains Scott Rickey, the Southland Food and Clothing Drive Coordinator.
Organizers at Southland Church plan on a 10th annual Food and Clothing Drive to be held on Friday, October 16, 2015.
