Timmins High and Vocational School food drive happens Thursday

The Blues Closet at Timmins High and Vocational School is a quiet area where students can go to pick out free clothing when they’re in need.

It’s also where they can get something to eat.

“There are specific days that it’s open, but when it’s open, you don’t have to make an appointment,” said Hayley Lachance, a Grade 12 student at Timmins High and Vocational School.

“You can just walk in and there is a teacher there that helps students and anyone that needs it.”

Right now, the food inventory in the Blues Closet is low. Lachance hopes people will change that by donating to the school’s food drive Thursday afternoon.

“We like to get the kids out in the community and give them the opportunity to give back as part of their character education that we like to promote at our school,” said James Aston, a teacher and organizer of the school’s food drive.

“And it puts the kids in a positive light in the community, which is nice to see these days, as well.”

Aston said eight school buses, donated by Leuschen Transportation and First Student, will be loaded with about 300 students.

They’ll be driven to Wards 1 and 5 where they’ll walk door-to-door to collect non-perishable food items.

“Hygiene products would be good and cash donations are accepted, as well,” Aston said.

“If people want, they can even bring, food to the school.”

Food for Friends

The ‘Food for Friends’ food drive is a 20-year-old tradition that’s back this year after a five-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lachance said she’s looking forward to participating for the first time.

“Just interacting with everybody, going out, getting to see everyone, and supporting my school, putting our name out there,” she said.

“We’re doing these kinds of things for everyone in the community right now.”

Aston said around 3,500 pounds of food was collected during the school’s last food drive in 2019.

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The collection will take place from 12:30-2 p.m. Donations will be delivered to the Timmins and TH&VS Food Banks and the food bank at the First Baptist Church.

People are asked to leave food on their doorstep if they’re not going to be home.