While Christmas is just around the corner, there are many in the community who will have trouble making the season joyous, or even making ends meet. It may be someone you know, it may be really close to home.
The Salvation Army provides Christmas hampers to those in need; however, those needing support are required to apply.
The church is holding a sign-up day on Thursday, December 8 at the church in downtown Drumheller. They will have staff on hand from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. to process applications, but they ask that those in need call 403-823-2215 for an appointment.
While the Thursday date is optimal for the church, it will accept appointments on other days.
Lt. Rachel Sheils says it is helpful if registrations happen sooner rather than later. This allows time for better planning, the ability to help identify the needs in advance and be able to construct the hampers to suit the needs of the families.
So far, the Salvation Army’s Christmas campaign is going along well. They are coming off a successful food drive, and this Saturday following the Santa Claus parade at 1 p.m. in downtown Drumheller, they are once again hosting a viewing of The Polar Express at the Napier Theatre at 2 p.m. Admission to the show is a donation of funds or food.
Sheils said the kettle campaign is a little bit ahead of last year, but the rest of its campaigns are a little behind.
They are still in need of volunteers to man the kettles. Shifts are about two hours in length.
The iKettle program is also continuing this year. This is a safe secure online way to donate to the Salvation Army. Although the donation is in cyberspace, the funds will flow directly to local programs. She says this is an easy way for someone to donate using a credit card. Tax receipts are mailed directly to the person donating.
Last hear the Drumheller Salvation Army finished in the top 10 in the country for iKettle donations, and this year they are right on track to do it again. To donate online go to www.salvationarmy.ca/ikettle, or go to www.drumsa.org and follow the link.
To volunteer for working a kettle, to register for a hamper or more information contact the Salvation Army at 403-823-2215.
