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(Facebook/Cassie Davis)
Christmas giving

Melfort Salvation Army toy drive into final two weeks, fill a fire truck this Saturday

Dec 6, 2021 | 5:13 PM

The Melfort Salvation Army toy drive is into its final two weeks.

On Friday, Melfort Mustangs fans contributed 287 stuffed animals at the annual teddy bear toss game for the Christmas hamper campaign.

(Facebook/The Salvation Army Northeast Circuit)

The Northern Lights Palace arena played host to the annual Skate with Santa event on Sunday which also brought in some toy and cash donations. Attendees were able to hit the ice with Santa and friends.

Skate with Santa on Sunday at the Northern Lights Palace Arena. (Angie Rolheiser/northeastNOW staff)

However, toy coordinator Cassie Davis told northeastNOW more help from the community is required to bring Christmas to those in need this year.

“Currently, we are sitting with 188 children under 12 as well as 63 teens who are in need of help this Christmas season,” Davis said. “We are having quite a gap in the donation period right now.”

There are certain age groups that are usually lacking when volunteers go to put the Christmas hampers together, according to Davis.

“The 10 to 11-year-old girl always seems to be short as well as anything for babies like outfits, rattles, baby toys of all kinds,” Davis said.

Things like nail polish, bath bombs, lotions, and scrunchies for girls are some ideas Davis provided, plus puzzles, colouring books and markers as well. Cash donations are also being accepted for those who are unable to go shopping for toys.

Toy bins can be found around the community at Mohawk Animal Clinic, TJ’s Pizza, Cindy’s Independent and Co-op Grocery at the Melfort Mall, and the Salvation Army Thrift Store.

The Salvation Army is now looking to the community to fill a fire truck of toys this Saturday at the Melfort Bargain Shop.

The Bargain Shop has been collecting toys over the past few weeks and will have look to fill a fire truck of toys with the increased need this year.

(Facebook/The Bargain Shop)

“We are very aware that it is a hard time for a lot of people so we are very appreciative of anything that they are able to donate at this time so we can make sure everyone has a good Christmas,” Davis said.

Salvation Army Captain Rick Robins said he has faith that the community will come through again this year for the community.

“There is a great need in the community that we are trying to fill so we hope that people will help any way that they can,” Robins said.

The fire truck will arrive at the Bargain Shop at around 2 p.m. on Saturday and will be there until 6 p.m.

angie.rolheiser@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser