Local high school students are gearing up for some spooktacular food-raising on Halloween.
For the 17th year, UCC students will be out and about on Oct. 31 in Chatham – and beyond – asking for donations of non-perishable food items.
All donations in Chatham will go to help stock the shelves at Outreach for Hunger.
Brenda LeClair, Outreach’s executive director, said the need is more dire than ever.
“It makes a big difference,” she said of the student-led night of support, “especially when our numbers are practically double compared to what they were just a year ago. The need in Chatham-Kent is quite serious right now.”
LeClair said the support comes in the form of more than just food for the food bank, but also as education to the public.
“People are learning what they give is important. People are being more conscientious about the dates on the canned goods and making sure what we’re getting is food of quality,” she said.
The students are happy to help.
“It’s a really special thing to be part of this because it is not only our school, but it is also affecting our community,” Norah Lucier told The Voice.
“I just like getting with my friends and doing something for a good cause,” Victoria Matteis said as to why she’s quick to step up.
“It’s a really nice way to support our community in a way. It gives our activity of trick or treating a purpose to help our community,” Arwen Martin stated.
Renee Culverwell is a teacher at UCC and one of the educators that leads the UCC Cares outreach team. She said the Lancers Scare Hunger effort has expanded beyond Chatham, as there are students in Blenheim, Tilbury and Wallaceburg who will be gathering food in their respective communities. Items collected in these locations will be donated to food banks inside those communities.
“Hopefully each community will take ownership and help people in need,” she said.
LeClair said when she hears from UCC each fall, it warms her heart.
“We look forward to it every year. I was so glad when I got the phone call that they were doing it again,” she said. “There’s so much that comes in. It really gives us a shot in the arm to get through the winter months. It’s a phenom start for the holiday season.”
Culverwell said participating students going door to door will have a UCC sticker or identification badge.
“It reassures the public it’s for a good cause,” she said.
Handy Bros. is once again donating vehicles and manpower to help move the collected food to Outreach for Hunger once collected food is organized at the school.
