With the arrival of summer, the Salvation Army food banks in Estevan and Weyburn are feeling the heat.
"We're down to 30% full," said Salvation Army Lieutenant Brian Bobolo, who along with his wife June, recently took on leadership roles at the Weyburn Salvation Army branch. "We really need all items to last throughout the summer."
Aside from soup, a prevalent food item in Estevan's food bank, things like canned fruit, peanut butter, instant potatoes, coffee, tea and juice boxes, are in high demand.
With many regular donors leaving the city for the summer, donations have slowed down considerably according to Bobolo. The need for food items however has hit its peak, as it usually does this time of year, with regular recipients who can't afford to leave town still requiring assistance.
"We also have people coming in from other parts of the country entering both communities looking for work, and they quite often come with nothing," Bobolo continued, adding entire families entering the area sometimes need extra assistance to help feed their children as they settle in.
"It's very difficult to find permanent housing here, so this is also the time where you see people sleeping in the ravines, or sleeping in their cars," the Salvation Army lieutenant explained. He encourages anyone who sees someone in this scenario to give the Salvation Army a call, so they can go out and deliver food directly to those in need.
Despite the organization's ongoing community support, the pressure to keep their shelves full this summer is prominent. In hopes of revitalizing both the Weyburn and Estevan food banks, the Pre-Vacation Fill the Food Bank Drive, which begins June 10, aims to re-establish supplies for the summer.
Though supplies are currently low, Bobolo strongly advises people who need help to come in, regardless of the seriousness of their situation.
"Don't worry about the mechanics of our operation, that's our job to figure out and maintain. Come in and get the help you need. That's our purpose."
Weyburn City councilor Laura Morrissette, who recently became the Community Ministries Co-ordinator for the Salvation Army in Weyburn, strongly agrees with this statement.
"If you missed a pay cheque, or your hours got cut, please come in and see us," she said. "Don't let your pride get in the way of feeding your family or feeding yourself."
Bobolo stressed the Salvation Army accepts cash donations for which people can receive an official charitable income tax receipt that can be used on tax returns. Cash donations are used to buy fresh meat, fruits and vegetables, and other items found in the Canadian Food Guide.
