LaSalle firefighters and volunteers spent Thursday selling newspapers as part of an annual fundraising drive supporting local residents in need. All money raised through the paper drive stays in the community. “Everybody needs assistance of some kind, so they go to the food banks. If you’re in LaSalle, they can help you,” volunteer Danny Curtis said while selling newspapers outside a Tim Hortons on Malden Road. Firefighter Stephanie Dufour said the response from residents was overwhelmingly positive. “A lot of people just really appreciate us being out here. A lot of people are saying stay warm, stay dry. It’s just cool to connect with everybody,” she said. The annual paper drive helps support the LaSalle Food Bank and other local community programs. The campaign raised $66,000 in its first year and $73,000 last year. “The paper drive has been phenomenal. It’s been very good. It’s helped us because we do purchase our meat, our beef, our chicken,” said LaSalle Food Bank co-ordinator Brenda McIntyre. The food bank, which began years ago in the basement of St. Andrew’s Church, now operates from its own storefront and warehouse space. It currently serves about 70 families, although that number can climb to as many as 115 families at different times of the year. McIntyre said the organization relies on 19 volunteers and four drivers to help meet demand. “We tell them we’re here to help them and not to go hungry, just to make sure they get their food,” she said. McIntyre added that donations are especially important during the colder months. “Canned veggies. Broth. We’ll take everything, as long as it’s not outdated,” she said. The paper drive also supports the LaSalle Hangout for Youth on Front Road. Meanwhile, the Essex Goodfellows are set to begin their newspaper drive on Friday, while the Windsor Goodfellows will take to the streets in two weeks.
