Through COVID-19, Central Station Community Centre in Winkler has had to find creative ways to serve the community without putting clients or staff at risk.

"We want to make sure the community knows we're still available," says Bev Wiebe Executive Director. "We are actively working to connect with our friends to ensure they have the necessary resources they need as well as checking in to make sure they feel cared for and not alone. We're going to see needs increase with layoffs and unemployment, so we want to be accessible for people who need to access us. While we can't guarantee we can help everyone, we certainly want people to reach out."

If there's a tangible way for Central Station to assist, they will do their best to do so, says Wiebe, and although their doors are locked, they are accessible by phone, email, and have a doorbell at the centre if something is necessary to be picked up or dropped off.

Central Station and the Winkler and District Food Cupboard are also blown away as donations of rice and pasta come in to meet the increasing demands for food hampers. She adds it's not just food items, as the has community has come forward in so many ways.

"It's been phenomenal to see how the community has stepped in and supported its own. We are confident that we can continue to support our community with love and concern and bridge gaps where needed. We are so grateful for the continued outpouring of support from our donors and the community as you have stepped up with offering to deliver meals, dropping off food for the food bank, providing gift cards for families in need, and financially donating so that our staff can continue the necessary work. We appreciate the commitment to caring for our city and our community. We are anticipating the needs will grow as people lose their jobs and financial difficulties are faced."

Both Wiebe and the team at Central Station say they are appreciative for these commitments, but always need more, as increasing numbers in the community require the services they provide. Currently, people can help with further food donations for the Winkler and District Food Cupboard with items of canned fruits and soup, peanut butter, and jams.

Anyone who can spare these items is asked to drop the items in a bin outside of the Winkler Food Cupboard doors at the Central Station building.