By: Michael Bennett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Ridgetown Independent News
It’s The Gift that just keeps on giving!
Hundreds of residents have experienced the joy and excitement of being beneficiaries of The Gift over its first five years.
Local organizers of The Gift will hold their sixth annual food and toy drive this Saturday to help people in need in the community.
Residents are asked to place their donations of food, toys and clothing on their front steps by 12 noon. The items will be collected by volunteers from the Kiwanis and Rotary clubs, Fire Station 11 firefighters, and the East Kent Celebrates group.
The teams will take their collections to the Scout Hut for sorting and packing, where they will be available for pick-up on Saturday, Dec. 6.
Collections from the Morpeth, Rondeau, Highgate, and surrounding rural areas will also be brought to Ridgetown for sorting and distribution.
Residents can rest assured that all donations collected in town will stay in town to be distributed to local residents.
“This is a very generous community; they have always supported The Gift really well,” said Charlie Mitton.
The Gift is important not only to the people receiving the donations, but also to the large number of volunteers who collect, support, and distribute the items.
“It brings a smile to my face when I check with the groups and they all agree to do it again,” Mitton said. “They say ‘just let us know when and where’ and everybody pulls together to make things better for those who are in need.”
“There is always a huge need in the community, a lot of people are looking for help this time of year for their families,” he added.
Suggested non-perishable food items for residents to consider donating include canned meats, fruits and vegetables, boxed items such as cereals, pastas, crackers and rice, peanut butter and jams, coffee and tea, juice boxes and cases of water. Residents are reminded to check the expiration date on all food items.
Baby needs (food, formula, diapers, wipes) are also suggested, as well as hygiene products (toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap, deodorant, feminine products).
If you wish to donate toys, games, books, or puzzles, please note that only new, unopened items will be accepted.
New clothing items, including winter coats, gloves, hats, scarves and thick socks, as well as art supplies and backpacks.
Gift cards are also very welcome donations.
Distribution takes place on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Ridgetown Scout Hut, located at 26 Ebenezer St. W., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. No registration or qualification is required to request a food package, toys, or clothing.
Residents in the Ridgetown area, as well as in Morpeth, Rondeau, Highgate, and surrounding rural areas, are welcome to visit the Scout Hut.
“If you need help, just show up,” Mitton said. “We’ll give you a pre-packed bag with various non-perishable foods, and if you have children, we’ll give them toys for Christmas.”
Anyone interested in volunteering with the four collection teams or assisting with the unloading, sorting, and packing afterwards can simply show up at The Scout Hut on Saturday.
Volunteers are also welcome for the Dec. 6 distribution. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Mitton by email at charlesmitton@gmail.com
The local Gift Committee is grateful to the 1st Ridgetown Scout Troop for making their facility available for the week.
The Gift CK will run similar campaigns in communities all across Chatham-Kent on Saturday.
