LaSalle Rotary’s ‘One Extra Item’ campaign fills shelves at local food bank

By: Matt Weinagrden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter

On Aug. 9 and 16, members of the Rotary Club of LaSalle Centennial rallied the community with a simple but powerful request: buy One Extra Item while shopping at Zehrs or Shoppers Drug Mart in LaSalle.

The initiative, part of the county-wide Rotary Feeds Our Community campaign, encouraged residents to add a non-perishable item to their grocery haul and donate it on-site. The response was overwhelming.

“Last weekend, we collected eight SUVs full of groceries. This week it was even more,” said Mary Lou Amlin of the Rotary Club of LaSalle Centennial. “Cash donations and gift cards were also collected.”

All food and funds were delivered to the St. Andrew’s Community Food Bank, which supports more than 100 local families. Volunteers say the timing couldn’t be better, as the food bank prepares for the busy fall season when demand typically increases.

“This kind of support makes a real difference,” said a spokesperson from St. Andrew’s. “It helps us stock our shelves and provide families with the essentials they need to get through the coming months.”

The LaSalle effort was one of 12 coordinated food drives across Essex County, with each Rotary club supporting a food bank in its own community. The campaign reflects Rotary’s mission to serve others and strengthen local networks of care.

In LaSalle, the drive was more than just a collection — it was a community moment. Shoppers paused to chat with volunteers, children helped carry donations, and store staff pitched in to promote the cause.

“We’re so grateful to Zehrs and Shoppers Drug Mart for their partnership,” said Amlin. “And thank you, citizens of LaSalle. Your generosity is incredible.”

The Rotary Club of LaSalle Centennial continues to seek new ways to support the community, with upcoming initiatives planned for the fall and winter seasons.