BGC filling hampers with food and hygiene products for youth, says demand has gone up due to the pandemic

KAMLOOPS — BGC Kamloops, set up a box in the lobby of the John Tod Centre to collect donations of non-perishable food items and personal hygiene products to fill backpacks for youth during the Christmas break.

The group formerly known as Boys and Girls Club of Kamloops has given full backpacks of food and hygiene supplies to youth between the ages of 11 to 24 who need them, but they’ve noticed an increased demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abby Smith, youth programs leader, said BGC Kamloops would give out 10 hampers a month at most pre-pandemic. Now, BGC Kamloops hands out 40.

“Youth self-identify their needs,” Smith says. “If someone wants granola bars or a package of toilet paper, we do not question it. It’s not for us to determine if they need it or not. We know that some youth have never experienced food insecurity before, and the pandemic exposed them and their families to gaps in income and food. We also know that youth who might be couch-surfing or do not have proper ID can be denied services and we don’t deny anyone from getting what they need.”