Community ‘generous’ with holiday giving

While preparing almost 250 Christmas hampers and gathering close to 500 toys, local Salvation Army Envoy Eric Alcock said people in this area have been extremely generous this year.
“Everything has gone very well, and I’d have to say the most outstanding thing this year has been food and toy donations,” he remarked.
Receiving food, toys, and cash from individuals, businesses, and district schools, all the bases have been covered to not only provide needy families with a holiday meal but some special things under the tree Christmas morning.
“This community is unbelievable,” echoed Ray Engelbertink, owner of Canadian Tire here, whose store joined with Safeway, Mary’s Little Lambs, C.C. Complex, Northern Do-it center, Fairway Store, The Great Bear, The Place, and CIBC in the “Toys for Tots” campaign.
Alcock noted cash donations (the total of which was not available at press time) also helped with the toys.
“Normally, we have problems getting toys for teenagers,” said Alcock, referring to the fact most gift donations are aimed at those 10 and under.
“But thanks to some generous money donations, we were able to go out and buy for some of the older children,” he added, citing particularly hefty cash donations by the Rainy River Future Development Corp. and Canadian Tire.
Alcock did note two areas that were lagging a bit behind last year were kettle donations and letters of appeal to area businesses. “We’re still accepting donations through either until Dec. 23,” he stressed.
Monies from both not only will help the Salvation Army with holiday projects but throughout the year.
“I’m wondering if all the publicity for the hamper and ‘Toys for Tots’ program hasn’t made people forget about things like the kettle program,” he remarked.
But most of all, Alcock stressed it was people’s donation of their time that made projects like the hamper program possible. “We’ve had some good participation from volunteers and that’s helped a lot,” he said.
Those who applied for Christmas hampers have been picking them up at the old Fort Frances High School since yesterday, and will continue to do so through tomorrow.
Families with children will get toys at the same time.