The shelves are once again full for the fall and the Okotoks Food Bank is beyond happy.

This year's food drive was held this weekend and with the help of the local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the generous donations of Okotokians and surrounding communities the food bank has collected a record amount of food.

Executive director of the food bank Sheila Hughes says the event was nothing but a success.

"Much more than we could have imagined was donated, and we received 30,000 pounds of food donations. It was just beyond our imagination."

The collection has currently made the food bank, several businesses, and multiple garages around town its home until it's properly organized.

Hughes says the outcome wouldn't have been possible without the 600 Latter-day Saints volunteers.

"They made all the difference in the world. We are so happy to collaborate with them, they were wonderful to work with, such a wonderful, warm group. Many hands and hearts were involved in this food drive and it made such a difference. Our community just went above and beyond and we are just so proud."

With the collection the food bank should be relieved all through the fall and into Christmas, helping to take the stress off of Christmas donations as well.

The local organization has also already filled its help yourself shelves with the 30,000 pound donation and Hughes says though it will be a lot of work, once organized all the helping hampers should be 100 percent stocked.

"We are just so thankful, we have a lot of work to do but we are doing it with a big smile on our face."

The food bank plans on maintaining the changes of this year's food drive for future events due to the success of having it in the fall and welcoming communities surrounding Okotoks to participate.

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