With just five days to go until this year's June 27th Miracle, the donation drive is still looking for volunteers.
Last year, 10,000 people volunteered to make the event a success, both during the drive and afterward distributing the more than 2-million pounds of food donations across Windsor-Essex.
"One of the things that we learned from last year was that not only on the day of but even post-Miracle was when we needed people to help out," said Matt Hernandez, a member of the organizing committee. "If you can't help this weekend because of previous plans, please sign up for post-Miracle as we're going to be needing people."
(Photo courtesy of Morgan Ryan)
Those interested in taking part can sign up on the event's website, along with organizations that wish to receive donations to distribute.
Earlier, organizers were concerned about was storing this year's donations since the WFCU Centre will not be available. It is hosting a mass vaccination clinic this year. However, Hernandez told BlackburnNews.com the community has come through in a big way.
"Since last Thursday when we put the call out, we were inundated by the community and people who had storage," he said. "I'm happy to say that is one of the things we no longer have a challenge with."
If you plan to donate, now might be a good time to start thinking about what you plan to put on your porch Sunday morning. While food donations are the main focus, Hernandez said toiletries are in high demand too.
"They don't have an expiry date, per se, and they have a long shelf-life. So, toiletries, shampoo, soaps, toothpaste, all of that type of stuff is very much in need all throughout Windsor-Essex," he said.
Hernandez is also calling on the community to decorate, show their support for this weekend's event.
"Try to have fun with it, whether it's painting a sign or putting out a lawn sign or putting a blue sticker on their car," he suggested.
All the donations collected in Windsor-Essex will stay in the region.
