It is said that the Christmas season brings out the best in all of us. That was made quite evident in regards to Drumheller this past Christmas.
    The generosity of the community was described as “overwhelming” by the Drumheller Salvation Army.
    In total, $99,964 was raised from the kettles and donations, 18 skids of food collected from the annual food drive, just over $10,000 worth of toys handed out to children in need in Drumheller, and 95 hampers with a total value of just under $15,000 given to local families.
    “It was a success. We are so thankful to the community, individuals, and volunteers. We’re always overwhelmed by God providing,” said Lieutenant Rachel Sheils with the Drumheller Salvation Army.
    The figures were up considerably from last year. In 2011, the Christmas Campaign raised roughly $81,000.
    The kettles alone raised $41,043 this year, which is on par with the $41,010 raised in 2011. However, there were times when it looked like the kettles may not provide as much.
    “They were right on track, for which we are very thankful. They were looking good for a bit, then they weren’t, then they were, but it came in right around last year,” said Sheils.
    Aside from the donations raised, Sheils was deeply moved by the generosity of the community when it came to volunteering.
    “There were a number of times where a volunteer would cancel or not show up to a kettle. Before I would even get into the office, someone would have called to volunteer,” said Sheils. “There was one time I went to visit a kettle and there was no one there. I stood there trying to find a volunteer on my cell phone, but couldn’t get anyone. Then, God sent a volunteer through the door. She had volunteered before, but I thought she came for another reason, so I wasn’t going to ask her. Then she offered to volunteer. I thank Him for putting it in people’s hearts to be generous.”
    The donations saw the Salvation Army through the Christmas season and will help in the coming months.
    “We’re about to do budgets for the upcoming year. It takes a lot for the food and one staff that runs the food bank,” said Sheils.
    The food bank does not just run during Christmas. Food is needed year round and donations to the Drumheller Salvation Army are always welcome.

    Drumheller Family Literacy is inviting residents to recognize family literacy in a new way this year.
    On Saturday, January 26, 2 p.m., at the Elim Pentacostal gymnasium, Drumheller Family Literacy has invited entertainer Mary Lambert to give an interactive concert designed for the entire family.
    “Mary engages and amazes kids of all ages with her colourful props, dances, and wonderful voice,” said Louise Henrickson, coordinator for Drumheller Family Literacy.
    The concert is meant to recognize Family Literacy Day, which has been held on January 27 for the last 15 years across Canada.
    The goal of the special day is to raise awareness of the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy related activities as a family.
    Drumheller Family Literacy was established locally in 2006 to assist families with the essential skills that are necessary for a successful start to formal education.
    “By using a team approach, parents get access to individual support. This support can become a vital asset, especially if you are unsure of the skills necessary to begin school.  Reading, writing, financial, digital literacy, oral communication, thinking and working with others are all essential skills Canadians require to live a fully engaged life.  All of these skills start at an early age in the home and we want you to celebrate your family’s success,” said Henrickson.
    Although literacy is taken for granted, there are some unsettling statistics. Fifteen per cent of adult Canadians have reading and writing skills too limited to deal with material encountered in everyday life.
    To take part in the concert, those interested are asked to register by calling 403-823-1660 by January 21.