Salvation Army still looking for help

As a follow-up to a letter of appeal sent out to 7,500 district residents two weeks ago, Capt. Angel Sandoval is reminding district residents that the local Salvation Army still is looking for sponsors for both the “Sponsor a Family” and “Adopt a Family” programs—and it’s not too late to give.
The deadline for needy families to register for a Christmas hamper was this past Tuesday, with Capt. Angel Sandoval noting the Salvation Army has about 200 hampers to take care of this season.
While a total of 63 families were adopted for the hamper program last 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 that are facing some sort of crisis at this time of year.
Those who choose to “Adopt-A-Family” will be given a profile of a family and then, 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 can each 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, instead can participate in the “Sponsor-A-Family” program.
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 Salvation Army also needs volunteers to help put together Christmas hampers. Those interested in lending a hand can contact the Citadel at 274-3871.
In related news, the Salvation Army kicked off its Christmas kettle campaign here yesterday, with Mayor Roy Avis pulling the first shift ringing the bells at Canada Safeway.
Depending on the number of volunteers available to man the kettles, the kettles will be out at area businesses from Monday through Saturday until Dec. 24.
Feel free to help out by donating a little loose change to help us help others, said Capt. Sandoval, who noted donations made to these kettles will go directly to helping the people of our own community.
Capt. Sandoval added more volunteers are 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, either by volunteering their storefront as a spot for kettles to be set up or, better yet, having staff take turns ringing the bells for a good cause.
Those interested in volunteering with the kettle campaign also are asked to contact the Citadel.