Interfaith makes it easier to donate

By Lethbridge Herald on December 5, 2025.

Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Lethbridge Herald

With the Christmas Holidays just around the corner, the Interfaith Food Bank is in dire need of donations, and to make it easier for people to donate, they have extended their hours of operation. 

Danielle McIntyre, executive director said because some members of the community work during their operational hours, they wanted to make it easier for them to stop by with donations. 

“To make giving easier, Interfaith Food Bank and The Second Door Thrift Store will be open additional hours for the first three Saturdays in December to allow donors time to stop in with donations of food or funds,” said McIntyre. 

The hours for the Dec. 6, 13 and 20 will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for donation drop off only, not client services. 

The Second Door Thrift Store is a year-round thrift store that offers both new and gently used items at garage sale pricing, with the proceeds going towards Interfaith Food Bank programs. 

“Currently, we have an abundant stock of Christmas decorations and other holiday items, great stuff for stocking stuffers, gift wrapping, and decorating for the holiday season,” said McIntyre. 

She added that all Christmas items in the thrift store are 50 per cent off for all of December. 

“If you are coming down to bring in a donation, poke your head into the thrift store, as you may be able to grab a last-minute gift and also support us further,” said McIntyre. 

In terms of their need, McIntyre said they are looking for non-perishable and fresh food as they have the ability to take in the fresh and the frozen. 

“At this time of the year, we are looking for the special Christmas items, like turkey, ham, chicken, cranberry sauce, gravy, stuffing,” said McIntyre. “Along with the regular items for our regular food hampers like pasta, cereal, pasta sauce, peanut butter.” 

She added that since people sometimes don’t know what to donate, monetary donations and grocery store gift cards are always welcome, since that gives them the ability to purchase specific items they need. 

“We also accept new or gently used items for our thrift store, including small household appliances like coffee makers, mixers, anything that helps people with their food, also dishes, cleaning products and seasonal things,” said McIntyre. 

She said they do not take linens, clothing, large appliances, or furniture but other things that people use at their house, they can bring it for their clients to use them at theirs. 

“You don’t have to be a client to shop at the thrift store, anyone can shop there because the money will come back to us to benefit our services,” said McIntyre. 

If even with extra hours of operation, people are still unable to stop by the Interfaith Food Bank, there are several locations throughout the city, including all major grocery stores, with collection bins for Interfaith Food Bank. 

There is also a way to make monetary donation online at http://www.interfaithfoodbank.ca. or by mail to Interfaith Food Bank 1103 3 Ave. North Lethbridge AB T1H 0H7. A secure mailbox is available at the food bank as well. 

Financial contributions postmarked by Dec. 31 will be receipted for the 2025 tax year.