38TH ANNUAL ‘PROJECT PORCHLIGHT’ FOOD DRIVE IN HUNTSVILLE MOVES FROM HOME PICK-UP TO TWO FIRE STATIONS DEC. 2

HUNTSVILLE — The fire department is preparing for its 38th annual food drive with a new format.

Each December, firefighters hold collect home donations in support of the Salvation Army.

The HFD says it is pleased to announce the tradition will continue, but with some changes to how non-perishable food donations will be collected.

For the first time since the program began, it will be shifting from its usual door-to-door collection to special community donation events at Fire Station 1 in Huntsville and Fire Station 5 in Port Sydney on Wednesday, December 2.

These special donation events will include visits and photos with Santa and other activities, in the spirit of welcoming the community and having fun while supporting local families in need.

“Project Porchlight has always been about residents generously supporting the needs of our community, and we know this year will be no different. We are committed to keeping the food drive going strong as Huntsville continues to grow, and we appreciate the community’s support each year,” said Fire Chief Gary Monahan.

HFD happy to continue Porchlight food drive Dec. 2 at two of their firehalls, and at grocery stores. Just not door to door due to dwindling volunteers and fewer people leaving out donations at their driveways. PHOTO HFD

“However, over the last few years we have faced challenges with door-to-door collection because of having fewer volunteers to cover a larger number of neighbourhoods, risky weather conditions, and a decreasing number of donations.

“This new format will allow us to continue to keep the food drive going strong but in a way that is safer for our volunteers and more engaging for families. We are confident that giving residents and families a chance to take part in the food drive in a fun way will become a new tradition that will increase our ability to support families in need within our community.”

In addition to the two main Fire Station events, donations will continue to be accepted at local grocery stores.

The period for dropping off non-perishable food items at these locations will be extended, and firefighters will be on hand on certain days to accept any food drive items and personally thank the community for their generous support.

Dates, times and locations will be announced closer to the start of the food drive – stay tuned for all the details.

“Huntsville is a special place where neighbours take care of one another and always show up to help those in need,” Monahan said. “The Huntsville Fire Department is tremendously grateful for the community’s long-standing support and looks forward to another successful year of helping local families.

For more information, contact him at gary.monahan@huntsville.ca