Some early Christmas gifts from Catholic teachers in the Dryden and Rainy River districts.

The Northwest Unit of the Ontario English Catholic Teacher’s Association is providing five agencies with cheques, each totalling $250.

“We acknowledge that none of our communities are exempt from hardship and poverty,” a release states. “The Unit pledges that it will continue to be an ally in the fight against poverty and inequality.”

Recipients include the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau, the Emo Food Bank and Thrift Store and the Atikokan Community Food Bank.

Food banks in Dryden and Sioux Lookout are also benefitting.

The Northwest Unit of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) represents over 100 permanent and occasional members in Atikokan, Dryden, Fort Frances, Stratton and Sioux Lookout.