Duane Hicks
The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas kettle campaign kicked off yesterday with Mayor Roy Avis taking the first shift of ringing the bells.
But many more volunteers are needed to ring those bells up to Dec. 24, Capt. Marlene Sandoval stressed.
She said not too many people have signed up to man the kettles so far, and that she and her husband, Capt. Angel Sandoval, greatly would appreciate if people would offer up some of their free time in the next few weeks.
Not only will they be volunteering for a good cause, but “you can have fun and meet people,” noted Capt. Sandoval.
Volunteer “bell ringers” are asked to donate their time in two-hour shifts, if possible.
High school students are
reminded this is a way they can earn their mandatory community hours needed to graduate.
To volunteer, either call 274-3871 or drop by the Salvation Army’s Citadel on Victoria Avenue (across from the clinic).
From now until Christmas Eve, kettles will be located at Wal-Mart, Safeway, and Canadian Tire, with one being set up at the LCBO starting next week.
As well, local banks will have kettles outside their doors on specific days when bank staff have agreed to ring the bells.
Capt. Angel Sandoval said the kettle campaign is very important for the Salvation Army as it helps them help others during the Christmas season.
He noted the Salvation Army so far has received 150 applications for hampers from local families, with still more coming in from Mine Centre and Rainy River.
He expects they’ll need to provide more than 200 hampers when all is said and done.
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.”
In related news, the Salvation Army will hold a community Christmas dinner on Sunday, Dec. 12 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Citadel.
Capt. Marlene Sandoval said everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy a free turkey dinner complete with all the fixings.
