Duane Hicks
Preparations at the local Salvation Army are well underway to help make the holidays a better time for many district residents.
What’s needed now is the community to give their money and time to make that aid possible.
Capt. Angel Sandoval said Monday that about 175 families turned in applications for Christmas hampers last week. But since 298 applications were picked up by people earlier that week, he fully expects more late applicants to come forth.
But the real concern now is how they will fill those hampers as few people so far have come forward to sponsor those families.
Capt. Sandoval is hoping that will turn around soon—and more people take this year’s campaign message, “Joy of Giving Hope,” to heart.
“We want the different associations, the different workplaces, the unions to help us,” he requested. “All of the people that can help us are welcome to.”
Capt. Sandoval noted the Rainy River Legion agreed to donate one turkey for every family hamper the Salvation Army provides in that community and encouraged other groups, like the Fort Frances branch of the Legion, to do the same.
On a similar note, Capt. Sandoval said he challenged all local car dealers in the past to donate $50 for every automobile sale they make this Christmas to the Salvation Army, and would love to see them do something like that again.
People can help out the Salvation Arm by giving monetary donations (cash donations get a tax receipt) or, more specifically, through two hamper programs: “Adopt-a-Family” and “Sponsor-a-Family.”
With the “Adopt-a-Family” program, the Salvation Army provides a profile of a family, along with a wish list for gifts for the children, and a food list, which includes a turkey, butter, canned vegetables, cereal, Christmas oranges, powdered milk, coffee/tea, bread and buns, potatoes, carrots, cheese, pancake mix and syrup, bacon and eggs, cranberries, stuffing, pasta, cookies, juice, chips, candy/nuts, chocolates, and a Christmas dessert,
The “adoptive” family then will gather the items, put together a hamper, and donate it.
Under the “Sponsor-a-Family” program, a benefactor may donate $225 to the Salvation Army to help a family of four, or $150 to help a “singles” family.
The Salvation Army will use that money to go out and purchase the things that are needed, then put the hamper together themselves.
With both of these programs, the recipients and benefactors all remain anonymous.
A letter of appeal was sent out to district residents last week, and those who want to help out are encouraged either to mail back the included form with a cash donation, call 274-3871, or drop by the Salvation Army’s Citadel on Victoria Avenue (across from the clinic).
While the letter noted a deadline of Nov. 27 to sponsor or adopt a family, the letters were sent out later than expected and Capt. Sandoval said all donations are still welcome.
As well, those who would like to help put together hampers later this month should contact the Citadel at 274-3871.
In related news, the annual Christmas kettle campaign kicked off here yesterday, with Mayor Roy Avis taking the first shift ringing the bells.
But more volunteers are needed to ring those bells up to Dec. 24.
Kettles will be located at Safeway, Canadian Tire, the LCBO, and Wal-Mart. As well, local banks will have kettles outside their doors on specific days.
Volunteer “bell ringers” are asked to donate their time in two-hour shifts, if possible.
Capt. Sandoval said he’d love to see businesses and service clubs sign up their staff and members, adding high school students can earn their mandatory community hours needed to graduate by ringing the bells.
To volunteer, you either can call 274-3871 or drop by the Citadel.
The kettle campaign raised $17,541 last year. Funds are used to help district families get hampers this Christmas.
