Christmas season better than last for Salvation Army

Whether it was donations of food to hampers for needy families or donating time manning the Christmas kettles, there’s no question local residents were even more generous this Christmas season than last, said Capt. Eric Alcock of the Fort Frances Salvation Army.
“The Christmas kettles did well. I think we had a total of $16,000–slightly better than last year, which previously was our best year,” he noted yesterday.
“The giving was good. We had a few problems with the scheduling,” Capt. Alcock added. “There we times we had to take down the kettles because someone didn’t show up, but overall the generosity was excellent.”
He noted 260-270 Christmas hampers, which doesn’t include more than 70 “Adopt-a-Family” hampers, were prepared by volunteers this year—the highest number in at least four years.
“That’s an even greater blessing—being able to help that many people,” Capt. Alcock enthused. “There were a few hampers that weren’t picked up, which was better than last year when there were quite a few.
“But things went well with the hampers. I think we did a better job packing them at the old North American Lumber building, where we could do them all at once.”
These hampers, which district individuals and families must apply for, are filled with food and toys gathered from local residents, businesses, and schools during the Santa Claus parade and at the “Teddy Bear Toss” at the Borderland Thunder’s Dec. 14 game, or bought using cash donations, such as the $6,000 given by the local Canadian Tire store through the Canadian Tire Foundation for Families program.
The “Adopt-a-Family” program also saw some growth this year, with more individuals, businesses, and organizations donating food and toys to make specific hampers that may be larger and more personalized than the standard one.
“There’s definitely a lot of potential with that program as more and more people learn about it,” Capt. Alcock said.
But as to why there seemed to be a little more giving this year than last, he noted maybe some good things are better left unexplained.
“We’re just thanking God for the community’s generosity,” he remarked. “Our ministry has been blessed not only with donations but with volunteers to help others.”