More than 1,500 pounds of food was stuffed into police cars this month for the Coquitlam RCMP’s annual Cram the Cruiser.
The fundraiser for the SHARE Family and Community Services’ food bank also took in $1,506 during the afternoon push on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Among those who helped to collect donations by Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam grocery stores included Mounties, community policing volunteers, and Coquitlam Express and Port Coquitlam Trailblazers hockey players.
“The holiday season can be challenging for families, but thanks to the generous support of the Coquitlam RCMP and our community, SHARE is able to bring comfort and joy to over 2,000 Tri-Cities families through holiday hampers this year,” said SHARE CEO Claire MacLean said in an RCMP news release.
Meanwhile, the social services agency continues to seek food and toy donations for its holiday drives; the food bank serves more than 5,000 Tri-City residents each month.
Here’s what’s needed for the food bank:
- rice
- pasta
- canned tomatoes (diced, sauce, paste)
- instant oatmeal and cereal packs (high protein and fibre, low sugar)
- canned vegetables (corn and mushroom)
- canned beans (red and white kidney beans, chickpeas, fava/broad, black beans, lentils)
- canned fish and meats (tuna or salmon)
- cooking oil (one litre or smaller)
- tea and coffee
- baby formula powder
- baby diapers (especially larger sizes)
And here is SHARE’s toy wish list:
Ages six to 10
- Akedo figurines
- car or truck sets
- colouring books
- craft sets
- Lego sets
- LOL Dolls Surprise: Tweens
- magic kit
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid books
- Dog Man books
Ages 11 to 13
- Akedo or Roblox figurines
- art books, journals and craft kits
- Beyblades or Rubik’s Cubes
- Lego sets
- makeup or nail polish kits
- Woobles crochet kits
- Steam gift cards
Ages 14 to 17 (most needed)
- books, games or puzzles
- colouring books or puzzles
- heatless curl sets or hair products
- makeup or nail kits
- sports gear or jerseys
- power banks
- wireless headphones or ear buds
- bluetooth speakers
- gift cards for Coquitlam Centre, Sephora or Game Stop
Meanwhile, the SHARE gift wrap and toy kiosks on Level 2 at Coquitlam Centre mall (by Walmart, 2929 Barnet Hwy.) are open until Dec. 24, 2024. To volunteer, you can visit the SHARE website.
As well, CFOX 99.3 FM is holding its Santa Fox 50/50 draw until Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 6 p.m., with half of the proceeds supporting SHARE.
As of Monday, Dec. 16, the pot was more than $300,000 (of which the winner would claim half). The winner will be announced on Dec. 18 at 8 p.m. on The Jeff O’Neil Show.
📣 Got an opinion on this story or any others in the Tri-Cities? Send us a letter or email your thoughts or story tips to [email protected].
📲 Want to stay updated on Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra news? Sign up for our free daily newsletter.
💬 Words missing in an article? Your adblocker might be preventing hyperlinked text from appearing.