Donation pantries gone

A number of by-donation food pantries have quietly disappeared from the Vernon community.

Karla Jerke had been dropping food off to the pantries for the past few years, but over the course of the last year they’ve been disappearing.

“The one by St. James school was my go to, but that one was gone a while ago. I later found another one on 31 Street, but sadly about two months ago it was also gone,” said Jerke.

“I managed to find another one outside of Happy Days store which I've been donating to since, but when I went the other day, it was not there.”

According to Turning Points Collaborative Society, who didn’t operate the pantries but helps vulnerable people in the community, the bins were run by different religious groups but have shut down due to a lack of volunteers.

Jerke recently took to the Facebook page Vernon Rant and Rave to try and find alternative places she donate. She’s found a few other options around town for where to donate, thanks to the post.

“I've learnt of a couple other donation boxes that I will be going to from now on, in hopes that those stick around..” said Jerke.

Some places accepting food donations in Vernon are Alexis Park Church, the Salvation Army and Trinity United Church.