Midwestern

Bruce Grey United Way offers advice to help lower-income residents

The Bruce Grey United Way is suggesting the general public avoids grocery shopping on Friday.

Executive Director Francesca Dobbyn said the child tax credit for lower-income people will be going in bank accounts overnight so they'll have much-needed cash as of Friday.

"If you don't have children, don't go shopping tomorrow. Let the people who got an influx of money overnight go get the groceries they need. Stay out of the stores, let the moms, let the dads go shopping and get what they need," said Dobbyn.

Dobbyn said there's a multitude of issues the United Way and food banks are facing, most notably food distribution for people who can't or don't want to leave their homes. They're coordinating volunteers to drop off food on doorsteps. Dobbyn added food banks can not accept food donations because they don't have the resources or ability to sterilize all the items. It's best to donate money.

She said the United Way needs donations because their usual fundraising activities are on hold.

"We're on the ground responding to this as best as we can with the resources we have so if someone has the ability to make a donation please do and we're going to put that straight to work in our community immediately," added Dobbyn.

To find out how to donate or volunteer to help go to the Bruce Grey United Way web site or call the 2-1-1 information line.

Read More Local Stories