Hours of Operation

Summer Hours – Open mornings only in July, closed in August (visit the Family Central Pantry Shelf for staples Thursdays 10am to 1pm)

Open Every Tuesday
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

The Food Bank is open from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM on the first Tuesday of every month.

No appointment necessary

Get Registered

How To Get Help

Our purpose is to serve all who come to us in need. Our volunteers will do their very best to make you feel welcome during your visit. Food provided to individuals and families is based on household size and available once per month. We serve clients on a first-come, first-served basis, no appointments required.

Clients must reside within East Elgin County and not access any other food bank.

Information Required to Register

The following documentation is required for assistance:

— One piece of identification for each family member or person residing in the household
— Verification of address within East Elgin (rent receipt or utility receipt)
— Source of income if any (such as an Ontario Works, Ontario Disability, EI, Employment, Child Tax Benefit, etc.)

Our Purpose

Mission

To provide support for families in need in the East Elgin area.

Our History

The Aylmer Corner Cupboard Food Bank began in January 1989 to distribute extra donations collected for Christmas Hampers, and has been going strong ever since. It has been housed in various locations including the basement of the Town Hall, and has been operating at its current location at 29 John St. N behind Aylmer Flooring and O’Neill’s Jewellery since 2006.

How to Register

Location and Dates

Apply in person at The Family Central (62 Talbot Street East).

2025 Dates will be announced in October 2025

Monday to Thursday: 9 AM to 4:30 PM
Friday: 9 AM to 7 PM

Delivery

Hampers will be delivered on the Saturday before Christmas. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please call us at 519-773-5548.

Requirements

One of the following for each person claimed on the application:

— Proof of Person (Adults and Children): Driver’s license, Birth Certificate, Citizenship Card, Ontario Photo Card OR Passport

—Proof of Address for applicant: Recent Rent receipt, recent Utility bill, Bank statement with name and address, OR ODSP

— Proof of Address (for other adults in the home): ODSP, or Bank statement with name and address

Ways to Donate

Locations

Christmas Care Donations are accepted at the following locations:

— Campbells Office Pro
— Meridian Credit Union
— Miller’s Independent
— Port Burwell Legion
— Port Burwell Post Office
— Aylmer Corner Cupboard
— Any local school

Items Needed

The last day for donations is December 17.

— Cereal and Oatmeal
— Sugar
— Rice
— Dry Pasta
— Canned Pasta
— Pasta Sauce
— Kraft Dinner
— Canned Meat
— Peanut Butter and Jam
— Tea and Coffee
—Canned Stew and Chili
— Canned Fruit and Applesauce
— Canned Vegetables
— Juice Boxes, Snack Bars, Pudding, Applesauce, etc.
— Soap, Shampoo, Toilet Paper, Toothpaste, Feminine Hygiene Products and Diapers (size 4 to 6)

Ways to Volunteer

The Christmas Care program requires many volunteers and there are many opportunities to volunteer.

Collection of banana boxes from schools

Sorting of food items

Packing of boxes

Delivery of care boxes

Please contact Patrick Stanat — patrick@mscc.church — to see how you or your group could volunteer.

Teen Christmas Bags

Donation Needs

Donations of hats, scarves, mittens, snacks, accessories, and toiletry items including deodorant, shampoo, full sized toothpaste and toothbrushes are greatly appreciated.

Financial contributions to EECAP will also help to complete these bags to show some Christmas spirit to our teens.

Donations can be dropped off at Campbells II or Campbell’s Office Pro.

Optimist Toy Drive

Donation Needs

Donations of new and gently used toys for children ages 6 months to 16 years. Toys are especially needed for girls ages 10 to 14. Colouring books and crayons are always needed, but an overabundance of stuffed toys are donated each year. Hats and mittens and games and puzzles are also appreciated. Your financial donations will also help buy toys needed to fill in the gaps.

Please contact the Aylmer Optimist with questions or donations.

Coats & Boots

How to access the program

St. Paul’s United Church 5 Queen Street, Aylmer Please use the office entrance.

Drop by to pick out FREE winter outerwear for children and adults including coats, snowpants, boots, hats, mitts, and socks!

Open from October until the end of January, every Tuesday 9:30 to 12. Closed between Christmas and New Years.  Also open multiple Saturdays – dates to be announced.

What/Where to Donate

We accept donations of new or gently used coats and boots for children and adults.

Please drop donations off at St. Paul’s United Church, corner of Talbot and Queen, during church office hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 AM to 12 PM.