‘Lancers Scare Hunger’ Food Drive Returns to Support Local Families

Instead of collecting candy this Halloween season, the Ursuline College community will once again be collecting donations, helping stock the shelves for neighbours in need.

The ‘Lancers Scare Hunger’ food drive in support of Chatham Outreach for Hunger will take place on Thursday, Oct. 29. Students, staff and parent volunteers will cover 60 routes across Chatham from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Residents are asked to leave items on their porch. Those who are not at home during collection hours are welcome to drop off food or monetary donations at UCC during regular school hours or on the evening of Thursday, Oct. 29.

“I am so proud to see our school community come together year after year to support this important cause, demonstrating our Catholic values by helping those in need,” says Lisa Harnarine, Principal of UCC. “A special thank you to our outstanding student leaders from the UCC Cares group for helping to organize this initiative.”

Grade 12 student Diya Thekkanath has been involved with Lancers Scare Hunger since Grade 9, volunteering alongside a group of friends. She also helps organize the event as a member of UCC Cares.

“Not only are you doing a good thing, but it’s also really fun,” says Thekkanath. “It’s a great way to get volunteer hours as well as get involved in the community.” 

Catholic elementary schools in Blenheim, Ridgetown and Wallaceburg will also participate in support of local food banks in those communities.

The ‘Lancers Scare Hunger’ event is the biggest food drive of the year for Chatham Outreach for Hunger.

“We have seen a huge increase in the number of families facing food insecurity here in Chatham-Kent over the past year,” says Brenda LeClair, Executive Director of Chatham Outreach for Hunger. “This event has a tremendous impact on the families who receive food hampers during stressful times. Lancers Scare Hunger is a lifeline to so many and lets them know the community cares.”

While all non-perishable food items are greatly appreciated, Chatham Outreach for Hunger is currently in need of items families enjoy putting on the table, including:

• Breakfast foods and lunch snacks (e.g. orange and apple juice, oatmeal, pancake mix, canned fruit, pudding cups, school snacks)
• Protein foods (e.g. tuna and canned meat)
• Personal hygiene products (e.g. toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo)

Chatham Outreach for Hunger kindly asks residents to check the best before dates on their donations.