Yorkton's Soup Haven is taking its message to the public in a year when costs are up and donations are down.
The Soup Haven feeds about 300 kids in Yorkton's schools each day, in addition to providing food hampers and monthly dinners for needy families.
"Studies show that children who are not well-fed do not learn," wrote Dennis Dyck on behalf of the organization in a letter to local businesses. "Children must learn and get an education in order to break the cycle of poverty."
But this school year, need for the Soup Haven's services is up 5 percent and food costs have increased by almost 20 percent. Meanwhile, charitable donations are down due to the economy, and much of the money that is available has gone to flood relief.
"It's a lean year for people all the way around, but it is leaner because of the flood," says Soup Haven director Kathy Connors. "And there's so many organizations that are looking for extra funds because of this - so many people putting their fingers in the pot that it just makes it a little bit thinner."
The Soup Haven receives a government grant each year, but its expenses rise well above this number.
Connors believes that if everyone could give even a small amount, all of Yorkton's charities could continue to provide their essential services.
Otherwise, the Soup Haven may become unable to provide adequate lunches to the children who depend on it.
"No donation is too big or too small," Connors says.
