While Christmas is just two weeks away, the Salvation Army is busy hoping to fill the community’s need to bring Christmas to the in need.
Once again the demand for hampers is up. In fact, over the last five years, demand has gone up 45 per cent. This means they are hoping for a strong push leading up to Christmas.
Captain Ben Lippers says last year they filled 157 hampers, and there were 168 children who were served last Christmas. Already the demand has surpassed last year’s total and as of Monday, The Salvation Army was still taking appointments.
“People are feeling the pinch so we have to meet the need,” said Captain Lippers.
Drumheller residents have shown their generosity with a stellar result for the annual Red Bag Food Drive. Many tags have also been taken and fulfilled from the Tree Of Hope at Westergard Ford. The Salvation Army has since had to add more tags to the tree in hopes of filling the hampers with toys for those in need. The deadline is December 12.
The Kettle Drive is also coming along. As of Monday, December 10 they have collected $ 11,647.35.
“We are a little behind in the kettles,” said Lippers.
The kettles will be at area grocery store leading up to Christmas.
“We are looking for a strong push to finish,” he said.
One thing he says is heartening is the generosity of the community.
“This community is very generous, we know that. We are just a little behind, give us a push, get us ahead. We can’t say thank you enough, even the Red Food Bag Drive was remarkable to see. That just shows the community spirit that is behind us,” he said.