The Millet Food Chain campaign is progressing nicely after a boost Dec. 7 as the CP Holiday Train traveled through town.
Despite temperatures approaching -30 degrees with wind chill, many hundreds of residents braved the cold to watch live Christmas music and boost the local charity drive to help both the Millet Community Food Bank and the Millet Lions Club Christmas hamper program.
Food bank vice-president Nicole Harrington said both organizations and all volunteers were impressed with the turnout Dec. 7. “It looked really awesome to be up on that stage and see all of those people,” she said at the food bank office Dec. 8.
Harrington said the food chain campaign received $1,045 in cash donations that night, adding up to a running total of $5,860 as of Dec. 8.
She said there was no estimate for food donations yet, but there was a very large amount received.
Millet Lions Club hamper program chair Audrey Smith said the food donations haven’t been weighed yet, but “There was a pile of it. We were very pleased with it.”
The Millet Lions Club is currently accepting nominations for its hamper program, which provides a turkey dinner and toys to families in need.
The hamper nomination forms are available and can be dropped off at the Town of Millet office on Hwy #2A or before Dec. 16. Cash collection and food/toy donation boxes are around town now. The wrapping night will be Friday, Dec. 16 at the Millet Lions Club, the distribution night will be the following Friday, Dec. 23.
Harrington noted the Millet Food Chain will proceed into December until the goal of $8,000 is reached.