by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Vernon posted Dec 2, 2016 at 6:00 AM

North Okanagan residents can help their neighbours just by opening the door. The 39th annual Realtors Food Drive takes place Wednesday, Dec. 7 in Greater Vernon, Armstrong and Enderby starting at 5 p.m. “We like to give back to our community,” said Dawn Taylor, food drive co-ordinator, adding that there is significant need. “Working people are not making enough money to make ends meet.” Items collected in Armstrong will go to the Okanagan Boys and Girls Club food bank while those collected in Enderby will go to the Feed Enderby and District Food Bank. Lumby realtors will not be going door to door Dec. 7 but donations can be dropped off at real estate offices in the village.

In Greater Vernon, donations collected at homes will help the Salvation Army food bank. “There’s a steady flow of people coming in,” said Stefan Reid, with the Salvation Army. About 25 families a day are helped in Vernon, and it’s anticipated that 855 hampers could be handed out for Christmas. Reid is hoping for another successful Realtors Food Drive. “This is the most critical food drive of the year for us. This helps us until at least May,” said Reid. Taylor is always impressed with the generosity of residents. “Each single can of food given and received adds to a pile that grows into an enormous amount that will keep the shelves of the food banks open,” she said. Many areas in Greater Vernon will be pre-bagged Dec. 6, and beyond realtors, the food drive involves volunteers from local financial institutions and the North Okanagan branch of the Early Childhood Educators of B.C.