Ishtar Women's Resource Society, LAPS, the Infinite Expansion Foundation, and the 91原创 Food Bank will be getting some extra help this holiday season.

The Community Food and Toy Drive will round up donations for the 91原创 groups on Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Walmart in Willowbrook between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

"Food donations to the 91原创 Food Bank, with toys and pet items to Infinite, Ishtar House and LAPS," said organizer Jared Evans. "Cash donations will be accepted and will be split."

This marks the second Christmas food and toy drive hosted at the 91原创 Walmart. There was a Thanksgiving drive and another at Christmas in 2023. A Thanksgiving drive could not be held in 2024, but Evans is looking forward to the Christmas event.

"It was a great success that we will build on next month," Evans said about last year.

In addition to working as an assistant manager for Walmart, Evans is active in the community.

"I have done a lot of charity and community work with Walmart (inspired charity collection excellence, community grants, food bank outreach, food drives, support of charities like Wounded Warriors and Breast Cancer Network and hosted a special event for The Make A Wish Foundation)," he said. "I also volunteer regularly on Tuesday morning at Saint Joe's Backdoor Soup Kitchen, and when I can on Wednesday mornings with Kim Angels at The Vineyard Friendship Church. Always happy to be involved in the community to roll up my sleeves and help others in need."

So he's seeing the need within the community firsthand.

"I can鈥檛 imagine anyone at home with no food, or someone without a home needing food (and so much more) in a country as rich as Canada, especially families with kids," Evans noted. "It鈥檚 heartbreaking, and it鈥檚 our personal and corporate duty to do our part to help.  The need is growing daily."

The drive is not only collecting non-perishable food for the 91原创 Food Bank, but also new unwrapped toys and gifts, and pet items. Monetary donations are also accepted. Tax receipts are available.

"Big hearts and minds are coming together to build community and Christmas spirit and drive awareness and advocacy and foster an environment of giving with joy and gratitude," Evans added. "Let鈥檚 help as many of our neighbours in need right here in our local community. Let鈥檚 do this, 91原创."