The Okotoks Food Bank received a few hundred pounds of food as well as a few hundred dollars on Monday (Nov. 28).
The Eagle 100.9, 99.7 Sun Country, and AM 1140 held a food drive at Christine's No Frills in Okotoks on Saturday, inviting listeners and No Frills shoppers to contribute food or monetary donations for the local food bank.
After the donations were weighed and counted, with help from Okotoks Ford who provided a truck to transport the food, it was determined that Okotokians donated 268 pounds of food and $250 in cash during the event.
Volunteer and events coordinator with the food bank, Char Hansma, says the local food bank has been experiencing the same challenges that food banks across Alberta have seen.
"With the economic challenges that are going on right now, times are tough for many people so our numbers have been increasing all year... We've hit new records each week for the number of people calling in."
Hansma wants to ensure those who might be hesitant to utilize the food bank that everyone is welcome.
"Lots of people just need a hand every now and then and we'd love to have them come here. I'd love to pass on the news that everyone is welcome. Our hours are posted on our website for the Help Yourself Shelves, we're open Tuesday to Friday for that, and registration is open for our Christmas hampers and our regular registration for hampers once a month is online as well."
A toy drive will be held at Canadian Tire in High River on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.