Despite concerns over COVID-19, the annual Red Bag Food Drive went off without a hitch.
On Thursday night, November 26, volunteers combed neighbourhoods picking up donations that sustain The Salvation Army Food Bank.
Captain Ben Lippers of The Salvation Army was grateful for the support of the community.
“Hats off to Drumheller. We need this, and we need it every year. It amazes me every year, just the generosity that comes from Drumheller,” said Lippers.
Because of COVID-19, the annual drive looked a bit different. There was a limited number of volunteers due to protocols. Despite this, they quickly picked up and sorted the food with the crew they had on hand.
While there might not have been as many individual donations, Lippers noted the bags that came in were stuffed to the brim.
It was important for The Salvation Army to have a successful food drive. This year more Drumheller families had to rely on the food bank to meet their basic needs.
There have been more hampers provided by The Salvation Army this year than last year, and this does not account for the coming Christmas season.
With the Red Bag Food Drive complete, The Salvation Army continues to focus on its annual Toy Drive. The Tree of Toys is at The Salvation Army Thrift Store. This is where residents can come and take a tag with a Christmas gift for a family and fill it. If you cannot make it to the Thrift Store, a list of gifts needed is on The Salvation Army website and its Facebook page, as well as the Westergard Ford Facebook page. Toys can still be dropped at Westergard Ford.
The annual Kettle Campaign is already underway. The Salvation Army has a goal of $37,000 and is set up at major grocers as well as Ace Liquor. Those wishing to donate online can go to www.fillthekettle.com. An online donation uses your postal code and will direct your donation to local projects.
There is a need for kettle volunteers. To learn more or volunteer, call 403-823-2215.