A local non-profit will be starting some new initiatives.
The Olive Tree held a board meeting last week to discuss what to do with the $50,000 of allocated funds from City Council, back in mid-December 2015. Co-Director of the Olive Tree, Becky Schille, says some of the funding will definitely go towards hiring another outreach worker, but with a different role from the current worker they hired with the last funding they received from council.
The Olive Tree will also be using the funds to offer a new luncheon social program for seniors with puzzles and games, at a couple new locations than the churches the group traditionally deals with, growing their community army even more. Schille said that although donations always help and are greatly appreciated, the soup kitchen and thrift store are doing ‘ok.’ Recently, the organization has had quite a bit of help actually. Investors Group, Schille named as being big help: doing a food drive for the soup kitchen and supplying volunteers one night every month.
“Actually I got a phone call yesterday from an oil field company and he has a friend, and their group came and volunteered and brought food in December. So his company would like to come now… He asked about what the other group served and I told him he said, ‘well whatever they served for food, we’re going to do better!’ It’s been really fun to see everybody come together and have fun, you know, when you’re helping,” says Schille.
Schille also says they’re so lucky in a community like Lloydminster, where despite economic downturn and hardships, people in the community are still coming together to volunteer and donate.
Food donations can be dropped off anytime during business hours at the Olive Tree or for large donations it is recommended to call ahead and have Becky meet you at the warehouse. To get involved, call the Olive Tree between 930am – 4pm, Monday through Saturday, find the them on Facebook, or email [email protected].