It's one last chance to fill the shelves of the Rhineland and Area Food Bank heading into Christmas. Join CFAM 950, Country 88.9 and The Eagle 93-5 today for Stock the Shelves where we will be collecting food and cash donations in front of IGA at the Altona Mall between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m..
    
Volunteer Angelika Stoesz says a healthy cross-section of people use the food bank, picking up between 40 and 60 hampers each week. Whether it's large families, couples, single folks or seniors Stoesz says they are all grateful.

"They are extremely grateful, especially the people with young children. Your mandate has always been to make sure that the children are fed...we're always happy to see that we can give a big box of cereal to a family with children."

And while the FCC Drive Away Hunger food drive in October helped replenish the stock, Stoesz says the supply doesn't last long when there's 40 to 60 hampers going out the door every week.

Today we'll be looking to collect the most in-demand items like non-sugared cereals, peanut butter, canned meat and vegetables and pasta - $10 and $15 dollar hampers are also available for purchase at IGA. When it comes to baby diapers and food however, Stoesz says volunteers would prefer to use cash donations and purchase these items on an as-needed basis.

"We find out who they are, what kind of food they're needing and then we go out and buy specifically what they want especially with the formula because the children use specific kinds."

She adds if you choose to make a cash donation today, that's what some of the money would be used for.

Food and cash donations will be dropped off at the Rhineland and Area Food Bank Monday morning.