Wheatley residents participate in The Gift

Many Wheatley residents participated in a Chatham-Kent wide initiative on Saturday, November 19 called The Gift.

Residents were asked to place non-perishable food items, personal care products and new toys on their doorstep. Volunteers spent the day going around town collecting the items in what is being called “the world’s largest toy and food drive”.

Many communities in Chatham-Kent took part in the event, however any items that were collected in Wheatley will be staying in town, benefitting the Wheatley Community Chest’s annual Christmas Baskets and the Wheatley Area Food Bank.

“Wheatley residents never fail to step up for others when there is a need,”said Tracy Loop from Wheatley Community Chest. “Living in a small town has advantages way beyond shopping malls and theaters. We have fellowship, caring and supportive friends, family and neighbours.”

The Gift initiative was established in 2020 by the organization Citizens of Chatham-Kent in response to the many hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. During that first year, organizers estimated that $3,000,000 worth of items were collected.

Volunteer Donna Matier stands with many of the donations collected for The Gift on Saturday, November 19 in Wheatley.