WINDSOR JUNCTION: When the call goes out for volunteers at Christmas time, the community of Fall River and area knows how to step up.
That was evident as you walked inside the Windsor Junction Community Centre on Dec. 13—food box packing night for the Lions Christmas Express.
PHOTOS: Big turnout on food packing night
In the larger than normal space from previous years, there wasn’t much room to move as volunteers from the Lions Club; former Councillor Barry Dalrymple and his wife Margo; DASC Executive Director Cathy Deagle-Gammon; the LWF Ratepayers Association; the Christmas Express; and a plethora of youth from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint worked collectively for the same goal.
Stephanie Dube, who heads up the Lions Xmas Express food drive, said the turnout was great.
“It was almost overwhelming to me,” said Dube. “There were so many new faces. It was really nice to see.
“I love seeing the familiar faces from year to year, but it’s really nice to see a lot of new, young people coming out. It really energizes the Christmas spirit.”
She said the volunteer firefighters from Station 45 in Fall River were a great help in taping and then stacking the boxes as they were heavy.
Dube commended all the youth who were there.
“It fills me with joy to know there’s so many good people in this world who want to go out and help others,” she said.
She said this year’s numbers will likely be between 100-125. In past years, the Christmas Express has had 80-100 food boxes for clients. There were also warm coats, mittens, and toys donated.
“This year our numbers are up a little bit,” said Dube. “We still will be able to pack more boxes because we have food leftover.”
The food boxes will make sure those less fortunate in the Lakes community will have a joyous Christmas season. Pickup day for recipients is Dec. 16.
