Flooding in the West Island is causing headaches for food banks struggling to help displaced victims.
In response, an army of volunteers is mobilizing to help out.
A drop-off centre opened at Plaza Pointe-Claire Thursday morning, moving from its previous location at Fairview Shopping Centre.
Plaza Pointe-Claire is location at 269 St Johns Blvd at Highway 20.
The food bank is open from 10-6 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The food gathered will go to the West Island Mission and in turn redistributed to local food counters.
"What we need the most is non-perishable food items so top of the list is peanut butter, canned meat, canned fish, canned beans, pasta, pasta sauce, oatmeal, cereals," said Leanne Bayer of Community Shares.
The food bank is also accepting pet food and toiletries.
"People have been clearing their houses, so thick hand cream, band-aids, bandages, also some thick socks," said Bayer.
The response so far has been overwhelming, especially since other food banks on the island have been damaged by flooding.
Ste. Anne de Bellevue Mayor Paola Hawa said that agency has nowhere elso to go.
"The issue with them is they don't have another location to go to right now, so they need money more than non-perishables so they can keep a day-to-day stock going," said Hawa.
Most of the donations are being sorted and repackaged at a warehouse in the West Island.
Wendy Gariepy of the West Island Mission said demand for the food banks is expected to increase in the coming month "in one or two weeks when they have to go back to their own homes that have been devastated or partly devastated, and they have to put their lives back together."
The Red Cross has, so far, colleced $2.4 million for flood relief.
What do people need most?
Non-perishable food items like cereal, oatmeal, canned vegetables, canned meats, baby food and so on.
Toiletries like diapers, wet wipes, items for babies, toilet paper, tampons, sanitary napkins, sanitizers, bandages and so on.
Pet food is very welcome
What should you NOT donate?
Clothing – volunteers can not handle the load at the moment
How to help
Volunteers are very much welcome.
Drop by Thursday, Friday or Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to lend a hand.
