Salvation Army Captain Jennifer Hillier and Shane Hillier, are getting prepared for the Christmas season. This kicks off on Thursday, November 26 with the annual Red Bag Food Drive.
Organizers will be distributing the red grocery bags to the community. Families are encouraged to fill the bags with non-perishable food items. Volunteers will pick up the Red Bags from your front door step on Thursday evening, November 26.
The items are then sorted, for the Christmas Hampers and any extra items go into storage. The main items needed are cereal, crackers, pasta, canned meat, canned vegetables and canned fruit. Extra items for the Christmas Hampers are cranberry sauce and boxed stuffing. To volunteer for the Red Bag Food Drive see the contact information that comes with the Red Bag on a separate letter.
To register for the Christmas hampers, call 403-823-2215 for an appointment. The Salvation Army will require ID for all family members in the same household, proof of income and expenses. Then they will assess your needs. The dates for registering are November 18, November 25 and December 2. The Salvation Army will make arrangements with you, to pick up your Christmas hamper on Friday, December 18.
The Christmas Kettle campaign kicks off November 27 and 28, Friday and Saturday. Each week thereafter, the numbers of days will increase. Each year there is a need for more volunteers for this fundraiser as some of their faithful volunteers are getting older. The Salvation Army needs more volunteers for the evening and weekend shifts. The shifts are only two hours long and if you need to bring your children, they are more than welcome. All that is required, is that you stand by the Christmas Kettle and greet people. Contact The Salvation Army to volunteer. Last year, the Christmas Kettle campaign raised $37,000.00 and their goal for this season is $40,000.00.
Coat’s for Kids and Parka’s for Parents will be ready for pickup Monday, November 16 to Thursday, November 19. They have coats for any age, one to one hundred. Barb Lubinski from Western GM was responsible for the drive for the past few years and she has received great response again this year. Thank you, Barb!
Captain Jennifer Hillier said there has been a 21% increase in usage for the food bank, since last October 2014. The food bank is open two days per week and every week they see new faces. Due to the downturn in the economy, some families have only one parent working and it’s been difficult for some trying to make ends meet. Your donations to the Christmas Kettle campaign will help these families in need. All members of the community need to step up and support these worthwhile causes. The Salvation Army is extremely grateful for all the support received.
