(Facebook/The Salvation Armt North East Circuit)

By Angie Rolheiser

Christmas Hampers

Increased need predicted in northeast Salvation Army Christmas hamper campaign

Nov 7, 2021 | 9:00 AM

The Salvation Army in Melfort and Tisdale will once again be helping families in need over the holidays.

Families can get registered for Christmas hampers throughout the month of November.

Captain Rick Robins told northeastNOW around 270 hampers are dispersed in the Melfort and Tisdale area each year, and an increase is expected for this year.

“Just with what we have seen over the last year in our serving in the community we think there will be a bit of an increase,” Robins said. “We are really going to be looking for help this year from the community to get us through as they did last year.”

So far, around 60 families have registered for hampers this year. Those still wishing to get an appointment to register can call 306-752-5364 or 306-752-3525.

Iran War

Iran calls on public to find 'enemy pilot' as U.S. continues frantic search

5h ago

Cheese recall

Co-op product sold in Sask. among items recalled over listeria concerns: CFIA

5h ago

Twist on a classic

Regina board game designer puts new spin on crokinole

22h ago

“We are hoping to get the bulk of registrations done next week because we have people that are able to help with the registrations then,” Robins said.

The Army will look to the community for donations of cash as well toys to make the program a success.

“We usually spend between $15,000 and $20,000 just on the food and then there is at least usually another $10,000 on top of that for toys in Melfort,” Robins said. “In Tisdale, we spend about $5,000 on food and about $3,000 on toys.”

Donation boxes will be set up starting around the middle of November to coincide with the kick-off of the kettle campaign which begins on Nov. 22.

“We do have people that have already dropped off donations for Christmas, so anyone is more than welcome to drop off right at the Salvation Army in Melfort or in Tisdale,” Robins said.

A teddy bear toss with the Melfort Mustangs is tentatively booked, but events such as Skate with Santa have not yet been confirmed. Other fundraisers are in the works and more details on those will be released later this month.

“We all live here together, and we all have a role to play in helping those vulnerable in our society,” Robins said. “We sit in our homes and open gifts around our tree, and many may not have a tree and not have gifts, if we can play a role in helping someone have that experience, let’s do it.”

Robins said each donation is about giving hope to the vulnerable population.

–

angie.rolheiser@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser