Residents of the Churchill Park housing complex in 91原创鈥檚 Walnut Grove have responded to a call for help from Sources 91原创 Food Bank by setting a record for monthly contributions in December, of 311 items plus $280 in cash.

Churchill Park resident Don McLean said it was the most in a single month since the strata council at Churchill Park, located in the 9000 block of 208th street, approved placing a collection basket in the clubhouse in 2021 as part of a plan to encourage regular monthly donations.

鈥淲hen you start a thing like this you never know if it will fade out,鈥� McLean observed.

He was pleased to report the complex has maintained a consistent level of support for close to two years, with a surge in December in response to the news Sources was struggling to keep up with increased demand.

READ ALSO: 91原创 food banks struggle with increased demand

As he described it, it鈥檚 been a low-key initiative.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a pretty close-knit community,鈥� McLean explained.

鈥淲e don鈥檛 push people, we just leave it up to them.鈥�

Next February will mark two years of monthly deliveries from Churchill Park to Sources.

So far, the monthly food drive has collected 2,396 items.

McLean said the amount of cash donations has been rising, and while it is difficult to calculate the total because many residents simply donate directly, he estimates around $1,000 has been contributed, much of it in recent months.

鈥淲e are intending to continue the program into the new year and invite others to join us in this very worthy cause,鈥� McLean told the 91原创 Advance Times.

READ ALSO: System of monthly donations to Sources 91原创 Food Bank set up in Walnut Grove

, which is based in 91原创 Township, and opened an Aldergrove distribution depot in March, has reported a decline in contributions.

鈥淒onations are really down,鈥� by as much a third, estimated Sources program manager Jaye Murray.

Items needed include canned tuna, salmon, chicken, ham, chili, and stew, as well as rice, rolled oats, peanut butter, whole wheat pasta, fresh or canned fruit and vegetables, 鈥�100 per cent鈥� fruit juice, chick peas and other assorted beans, tea, coffee, soups and canned tomatoes.

Jim Calamunce, executive director of the , which operates distribution centres in 91原创 City and Aldergrove, said client numbers are 鈥渞eally skyrocketing,鈥� and while donors have been stepping up, 鈥渨e just need a lot more of the basics鈥� like soups, canned fruit, canned meat, canned fish, rice, pasta and baking supplies.