Staff
The local Salvation Army kicked off its annual Christmas kettle campaign yesterday at Walmart here, but many more volunteers are needed to ring those bells up to Dec. 24.
Capts. Angel and Marlene Sandoval are asking the public to volunteer an hour or more of their time.
Those interested either can call 274-3871 or drop by the Salvation Army’s Citadel on Victoria Avenue (across from the clinic).
“We encourage you to help us with the kettles,” said Capt. Marlene.
“We’re still low with the volunteers,” added her husband, Angel, noting that high school students can ring the bells as a way to can earn their mandatory community hours needed to graduate.
“We want to see new faces,” stressed Capt. Marlene, adding it’s a good way to have fun and meet people.
If the Salvation Army does not get enough volunteers to man the kettles, they must get paid staff to ring the bells. Unfortunately, this means putting a cost on an activity which is meant to be a fundraiser.
From now until Christmas Eve, kettles will be located at Walmart, Canadian Tire, Safeway, the LCBO, and The Place.
The kettles also will be located outside the CIBC, RBC, Northern Lights Credit Union, and TD Canada Trust at various times
during the campaign, where bank staff have volunteered their time.
Capt. Angel said the kettle campaign is very important for the Salvation Army as it helps them help others during the Christmas season.
And this year the need may be greater than ever, with upwards of 260 applications for hampers that have come in from families in need.
People also can help out the Salvation Arm by giving monetary donations (cash donations get a tax receipt) or, more specifically, through its two hamper programs: “Adopt-a-Family” and “Sponsor-a-Family.”
To help in this way, call 274-3871.
