It's winding down

We are winding down from this years Food Drive. It looks like we are very close to 10,000 pounds of food raised for our Food Bank Partners. There is a lot to learn from this first attempt. Some people were missed that had put food out. We are very sorry. You can still leave a message at 905 831 2758 if you have a pickup.

There are an incredible number of people to thank. Hundreds of people gave of their time, energy and talents to make this possible. Rather than center out some, I would rather thank all. Thank you, thank you, thank you. We showed the world that Pickering Cares!

It's Done - The Food is in

Well, Saturday was amazing. Over 9000 pounds of food was collected. Our partners and volunteers were amazing. We are now cleaning up the loose ends. It is apparent that some houses were missed. If you have food for the food banks we would love to come and pick it up. Either email pickeringcares@gmail.com or leave a message at 905 839 1383 and a car will be dispatched.

There are lots of photos at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pickering-Cares/119849874715041?v=photos&ref=ts

Thank you Pickering. It is true that Pickering Cares!!!

It's Almost May 15th - The Big Day

After months of planning, hours of execution by dozens of volunteers and thousands of flyers distributed, we are finally ready to begin the collection of what we trust will be tons of much needed food. There is excitement and anticipation all around the project. Our last pre-collection meeting is tonight.
The big deal here is the people who will be helped. This sumer, the foodbanks will be full, not empty. Clients will be served, not sent away. Children will be fed, not hungry.
And it is all becasue of love. I know that Pickering Cares!

The Distribution of Door Hangers is Done

As I write this, with the help of the other churches, Amberlea's youth group, The 84th Pickering Pathfinders, the Salvation Army volunteers, Amberlea adults and volunteers from the community, we have covered the L1V postal code of Pickering with over 12,000 door hangers.

This is an amazing step. Thank you to everyone of you who has helped us get this far. Now we focus on Saturday, May 15th. This will be the day to put your food bank gifts out on your front step. (If they are in a bag or a box, either tape the flyer to it or mark it with a "P".

This time next week we hope to have tons of food for our two foodbanks. It just takes everybody contributing just a little to make a huge difference. Let's show the world that Pickering Cares.

Top Ten List of Food Needed

We asked the Food Banks what they needed the most for this summer and they gave us a list.

1. Dry Soups ( example Mr. Noodle )
2. Meal Helpers ( examples Sidekicks and Hamburger Helper )
3. Canned Pasta ( example SpagettiO's )
4. Tins of Tuna and Salmon
5. Canned Fruit
6. Canned Beans
7. Tea/Instant Coffee/Sugar
8. Crackers/Cookies
9. Kid's Luncheon Snacks
10. Canned Chli and Stew

Let's make sure that no family goes hungry this summer in Pickering. Pickering Cares!

How you can help

Two significant ways you can help are as follows:

1. Between now and May 15th we need hundreds of good quality boxes 1.5 to 2 cubic feet. You can drop them off at Amberlea Church, 1820 Whites Road Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 10:00 AM and Wednesdays @ 7:00 PM.

2. On May 15th we need help sorting and packing tons of food. Please email pickeringcares@gmail.com or phone 905-839-1383 to sign up. (You are welcome to help from 10:00 am to about 4 pm or any part thereof.)

Thanks for your interest in making a difference. Pickering truly cares.

Door to Door Food Drive

Our first project under the banner of Pickering Cares will be a door to door food drive in Pickering. There is a need to restock the food banks in time for summer and we thought it would be a great idea to get the community to help.

We have 6 churches and some Scouts and Pathfinders that are willing to roll up their sleeves and give us a hand. So, if you live in the L1V postal code of Pickering, you should receive a flyer attached to your door between May 2nd and 8th giving you the details. The food pickup will be May 15th.

Keep checking back here for more information.

Pickering Cares - An introduction

This is the beginning. "The beginning of what?" you may ask. The beginning of something that will make a difference. The beginning of something that will change the world for the better. The beginning of something that matters.

So, please stay tuned.