Another year of increased demand for Kamloops Mustard Seed’s Thanksgiving dinner

KAMLOOPS – Thanksgiving is on Monday (Oct. 9), and while most of us will be at home gathering with family, some in Kamloops don’t have any family or meal to enjoy.

In an effort to make sure no one goes without in Kamloops, The Mustard Seed is getting ready for its annual turkey dinner and anticipating even more attendees.

“We always do see a lot of people coming, especially on holiday seasons, to get food,” said Katie Hutchins, community engagement and volunteer services manager. “For a lot of folks, the holidays are spent with family and loved ones, and a lot of the people using our services maybe don’t have that connection anymore.”

Last year, The Mustard Seed said it served about 220 Thanksgiving dinners, and with the cost of living continuing to rise, the shelter is expecting even more guests this year.

To keep up with the demand, the organization is asking for donations of both food and essential items.

“Always food donations. We can accept here at the Outreach Centre. Any other donations we take at our Seymour location, which is 346 Seymour Street,” Hutchins said. “Especially with the winter season coming, we’re looking for donations of warm clothing, hats, toques, coats, all those things especially.”