A small group working hard to help Vernon’s homeless is facing its own challenges.
Packman Opens Hearts serves a weekly Monday night dinner to those living on the streets.
“Our group is really struggling right now trying to stay afloat,” said Tracey Griffin, who started the service several years ago with her husband and a few volunteers. “Things are tough for everyone which I realize and donations are way way down.”
Griffin doesn’t like to ask for help, and often thinks she can handle everything alone. But she admits this time she needs some help.
“We are in dire needs of donations. It is at the point now that if we don’t get help, we will have to stop doing what we love doing.”
There is a lengthy list of items needed as the Packman Opens Hearts cupboards are empty. The list includes: coffee whitener, sugar, sandwhich baggies, snack size baggies, pastas, serving containers, lunch meats, cases of water or juice, eggs, mayonnaise, potatoes, snack items (cookies, granola bars, popcorn, chips), cereals of any type, peanut butter and fresh fruit,
The group does not need breads of coffee as there are two businesses that donate these items weekly.
“There are so many other things that people don’t realize that are added costs to do what we do. Things like the storage unit to store the clothing, blankets, hygiene items etc. Gas, insurance, maintenance on vehicle if need be. All these things are necessities to keep this going. Any help would be greatly appreciated.”
Those who have the means to donate and don’t want to do the shopping can etransfer “and we will be happy to do the running around,” said Griffin. Email packmanopenshearts@gmail.com.
You can also reach out by calling 250-307-6312
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