Staff
The local Salvation Army’s 2011 Christmas campaign, “Beyond Personal Compassion and Hope,” is well underway—but they need the community’s support to be able to help others over the next few weeks.
“Christmas is the time when everybody can feel joyful, sharing and supporting those in need in our community and district,” Capt. Angel Sandoval noted yesterday.
But he added the demand for assistance is high this year and donations could be better.
The Salvation Army is expecting to help about 200 families who will need hampers, including at least 150 children and 25 teens.
“The needy and less fortunate people can’t afford the basics, much less the extras,” Capt. Sandoval stressed.
“The Salvation Army is always striving to stand in the gap for people in Fort Frances and Rainy River District.
“Rent prices continue to go up and utilities costs continue to rise in this economy, as we read in the daily newspaper, or we hear through the radio broadcast that social assistance isn’t increasing and the ability to find affordable housing isn’t getting any easier,” added Capt. Sandoval.
“Daily basic food costs have also increased 4.5 percent this year.”
The Salvation Army is perhaps best-known for its social work and support to the needy and less fortunate in Fort Frances and Rainy River District, said Capt. Sandoval.
Its Christmas campaign includes a good example of that with its “Adopt-A-Family” and “Sponsor-A-Family” programs.
“These two programs are a simple way that you and your family can make a difference in our community,” he remarked.
With the “Adopt-a-Family” program, the Salvation Army provides a profile of a family, along with a food list and a wish list (the latter will include a minimum of two gifts per child—one large gift for $30 and one small gift for $15—with gifts for parents being optional).
The “adoptive” family—often a workplace—then will gather the items, put together a hamper, and donate it.
Under the “Sponsor-a-Family” program, a benefactor may donate $260 to the Salvation Army to help a family of four, or $150 to help a smaller one.
The Salvation Army will use the money to purchase the things that are needed, then put the hamper together themselves.
Capt. Sandoval said even if people cannot or do not want to sponsor an entire hamper, they can donate new toys to children in need.
The goal is to see each child receive two gifts.
As well, the Salvation Army has its annual Christmas kettle campaign underway, with five kettles located around town needing to be filled with cash donations.
“This year, the organization is hoping to raise $18,000—an increase from previous years to help serve the increased number of families in need,” said Capt. Sandoval, adding money raised goes towards Christmas hampers.
Volunteers are needed to ring the bells.
To help out in any way, either call 274-3871, e-mail salarmy@jam21.net, or drop by the Citadel (316 Victoria Ave.)
