Duane Hicks
Following up on a letter of appeal sent out to 10,000 district residents back on Nov. 18, Capt. Angel Sandoval is reminding everyone that the local Salvation Army still is looking for sponsors for both its “Sponsor-a-Family” and “Adopt-a-Family” programs—and it’s not too late to give.
The deadline for needy families to apply for a Christmas hamper has been extended until the end of this week, with Capt. Sandoval noting that (as of Monday) the Salvation Army has about 210 hampers to take care of this year.
While an average of 75 families are adopted for the hamper program each year, only 14 have been so far this holiday season.
These programs are tangible ways you can make a difference in a family’s life, said Capt. Sandoval. They are designed to assist families whose finances cannot support the added costs that Christmas can bring or those who are facing some sort of crisis at this time of year.
As well, the cost of living, especially food, goes up all the time. Recent statistics from the Northwestern Health Unit, for instance, indicate the cost of food in Northwestern Ontario has jumped 30 percent since 1998.
“Without the community’s support, it is impossible to feed all the families we have,” Capt. Sandoval noted, adding the community has been very supportive in the past—and hopes that proves to be the case again this year.
Those who choose to “Adopt-a-Family” will be given a profile of a family and then, armed with this information, put together a complete hamper for the family they’ve adopted.
This will include a minimum of two gifts per child, as well as food items to ensure the adopted family has well-balanced meals for at least seven days.
This includes everything from a turkey, stuffing, potatoes, bread, buns, and Christmas dessert to cereal, eggs, bacon, juice, and coffee (a total list is available from the Salvation Army).
While individuals or families can “Adopt-a-Family,” this option is ideal for workplaces, where employees each can bring in an item for their hamper.
Those who would like to help a family this Christmas, but don’t have the time to put together a complete hamper, can participate in the “Sponsor-a-Family” program instead.
The sponsor business or family can donate the amount of money needed so the Salvation Army can buy items for the hamper. The cost is $125 for a hamper for an individual in need while the cost to sponsor a hamper for a family of four is $200.
The options to “Sponsor-a-Family” and “Adopt-a-Family” were outlined in the letters of appeal sent out Nov. 18, but Capt. Sandoval noted if anyone has thrown theirs out or can’t find it, they can contact the Citadel directly at 274-3871 or drop by 316 Victoria Ave. to pursue either option or simply make a donation of any amount.
Capt. Sandoval stressed the Salvation Army does not receive funding from any other source, such as the provincial or federal government, and relies solely on monetary donations from local residents, businesses, and organizations.
The Salvation Army also needs volunteers to help put together Christmas hampers in a few weeks. Those interested in lending a hand can call the Citadel at 274-3871.
In related news, the Salvation Army kicked off its Christmas kettle campaign here Monday morning with deputy mayor Sharon Tibbs pulling the first shift ringing the bells at Canadian Tire.
Other members of council also will be manning the kettles leading up to Christmas.
Depending on the number of volunteers available to man the kettles, they will be out at area businesses from Monday through Saturday until Dec. 24.
Capt. Marlene Sandoval said Monday that more volunteers are desperately needed to do this, and encouraged anyone wanting to man the kettles to sign up for two-hour shifts if possible.
Businesses are encouraged to get involved by having staff take turns ringing the bells, as are service clubs, churches, and other organizations.
Participating sites this year include The Place, Canadian Tire, LCBO, Safeway, Wal-Mart, and local banks.
Feel free to help out by donating a little loose change to help us help others, said Capt. Angel Sandoval, who noted donations made to these kettles will go directly to helping the people of our own community.
Those interested in volunteering with the kettle campaign also are asked to call the Citadel.
