Volunteers gather to organize Christmas hampers in Melfort. (Submitted photo/Rick Robins)

By Angie Rolheiser

Christmas Hampers

Salvation Army bringing Christmas to those in need

Dec 20, 2019 | 11:26 AM

With Christmas only five days away, the Salvation Army is distributing their Christmas hampers in the northeast over the course of a few days.

Over 400 hampers will be dispersed between the Melfort, Tisdale, and Nipawin stores.

Melfort’s Captain Rick Robins told northeastNOW that 172 hampers went out in Melfort and only one toy needed to be purchased on top of this year’s donations.

“Going from two weeks ago, I thought we would have to buy a lot but thanks to the community coming through, we had one toy that we had to purchase so it turned out very well and we are just so thankful for the community support,” Robins said.

The Melfort hampers were picked up by the families in need on Thursday, Dec 19.

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Sixty-three Tisdale area families are getting their hampers on Dec. 20. and the 129 Nipawin Christmas hampers will go out on Monday, Dec 23.

The goal for this year’s Christmas hamper campaign in Melfort is $50,000, and currently sits at around $30,000.

“We still have a long ways to go in these last few days so hopefully we have some last-minute givers to help us out so we can continue in what we do to help people in the community as best we can,” Robins said.

The funds brought in on top of the Christmas hamper toy donations are used for programming throughout the year including emergency food.

“A little bit from everyone makes a big difference,” Robins said. “It’s great that we can give a little bit of ourselves to help somebody else, it just creates community.”

Robins also extended appreciation for this year’s toy coordinator Cassie Davis as well as other volunteers who helped to lighten the load of the campaign and its efforts.

“It’s huge that they are part of this and really help us to do what we do,” Robins said.

Group of volunteers that organized and distributed Christmas hampers in Melfort on Thursday. (Submitted photo/Rick Robins)

Up next for the Salvation Army members and volunteers is Christmas Day Dinner.

“I always say that the atmosphere is like going to grandma’s place for Christmas,” Robins said. “Come hungry and go home full.”

The army makes plan for a large turnout of people who come from as far as east of Porcupine Plain and Hudson Bay.

“This is the only Christmas Day dinner in the northeast that I know of so anyone is welcome,” Robins said.

There is live entertainment with singing of Christmas carols to accompany the full Christmas meal.

Volunteers are still needed for both set-up on Christmas eve and on Christmas Day which includes decorating, serving, cleaning and everything in between.

To lend a hand for one or both days, call the thrift store at 752-3525.

“I just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and happy new year and that as they gather together with their families, think of others this Christmas,” Robins said.

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angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser