The Charity Checkstop is returning to Milligan Drive once again after being driven to virtual events over the last two years.
Members of Okotoks municipal enforcement, fire services and RCMP will be on location on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. to collect non-perishable food items and monetary donations in support of local community organizations.
"It's a positive twist on a checkstop where we stop cars and ask for donations," said peace officer Jesse Steele. "We're back live, as we call it."
The event was not able to carry on as normal during the pandemic, given the inability to practice physical distancing, he said. So, if residents had items they wanted to donate to the food bank, they'd have to go there themselves.
This event allows emergency services to act as a bridge between the public and the organizations, said Steele.
The beneficiaries of this year's event will be the Okotoks Food Bank, Foothills Regional Victim Services and Rowan House. Representatives will be on site during the checkstop to meet drivers.
"They also come out and have representatives tapping into the Christmas spirit and hoping that people will look at helping these services out," Steele said. "I know Rowan House and the food bank are struggling a bit right now and we want to help them out."
Monetary or non-perishable food donations are requested from area residents and businesses to support the individuals accessing these services.
The goal is to raise awareness for the individual causes and support the organizations as a whole.
Okotoks Charity Checkstop has been going on for more than a decade in support of local causes.
"There's no obligation [to donate] but the goal is to raise awareness for those in need during the holiday season and if we can interact in a positive way and help people during the season we'll be quite successful and we'll definitely help a lot of people out," Steele said.
