Several chances to help struggling families at Christmas, get deals, or find that ideal gift
With Christmas around the corner and the demands upon the Valley Food Bank in Woodstock already intense, the community has several ways to lighten the load for food bank staff and clients.
As part of the Greater Woodstock Chamber of Commerce Kick-Off to Christmas event downtown on Friday, Nov 17, Brighter Day’s Boutique at 162 Houlton Street will participate in Midnight Madness and welcome a special guest during the afternoon.
The boutique, operated by the Valley Food Bank, will welcome Santa and his helper between 3 and 5 p.m. Staff invites families to drop by with children to make their Christmas wishes and collect a treat.
Throughout the day, Brighter Days Boutique will offer its wide selection of clothing, household items and other merchandise at half price. It will also extend Friday’s hours from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Brighter Days Boutique will also host an online auction between Monday, Nov. 20 and 1 p.m., Friday, Nov. 24. Valley Food Bank will notify bid winners by 4 p.m., who can pick up their items at the boutique at 162 Houlton Street between Monday, Nov. 27, and Thursday, Nov. 30.
The Valley Food Bank, in partnership with Pure Country 104, will promote a Woodstock Christmas tradition on Monday, Nov. 20, with the annual Turkey Drive.
Valley Food Bank Executive Director Monica Grant said the annual event will change slightly.
“This year,,” she explained. “it is evolving to reflect the greatest need and will focus on collecting a variety of food items and cash donations.”
She explained a $25 donation represents a half turkey and $50 a full turkey.
Anyone wishing to donate can call Grant on Monday, Nov. 20, between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. at (506) 328-4417.
Donors can drop off food donations at the Valley Food Bank on Houlton Street between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday to Friday,
Monetary donations can be mailed to 162 Houlton Street, Woodstock, NB E7M 1Z1, e-transferred to vfsfood@nb.aibn.com or personally dropped off at the food bank.
