Women’s Resource Society running low on food, multiple toy drives taking place

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The local women’s shelter is running low on “pretty much everything,” which is not typical for this time of year.

Lisa Jewell, with the Fort St. John Women’s Resource Society, says the lack of food donations is concerning, especially since the number of people accessing their outreach store has tripled since last year.

“We’re really low on food,’ said Jewell. “Usually, we get enough food at Christmas time, so we don’t have to fundraise again until like April. It gives the community a break, but we’re definitely not there.”

Earlier this month, the Society said over 10,000 people had been served through the shelter this year.

Jewell says the society also has very few toys right now, with Christmas around the corner.

Multiple toy drives are taking place to benefit the shelter at Fort Motors, Starbucks, Winners, Canadian Tire and Wendy’s for their annual Christmas tables. During the season, the toys are laid out in the Society’s outreach store for clients to come in and choose a gift for a loved one.

“[You can donate] any kind of unwrapped toy, it can be gift cards, hygiene supplies for teenagers, it can be stocking stuffers. Really just anything that you might consider working into your Christmas.”

A list of food items the Society needs can be viewed below: