(Facebook/The Bargain Shop in Melfort)

By Angie Rolheiser

Christmas Hampers

Fill a fire truck brings Salvation Army toy drive to halfway point

Dec 13, 2021 | 1:29 PM

Some children in the Melfort area may be going without Christmas presents this year unless a significant number of toys come in over the next two days.

The Melfort Salvation Army needs to double current donations for Christmas hampers for those in need in the community.

Captain Rick Robins told northeastNOW the generosity of Melfort shone through at Saturday’s fill a fire truck event at the Bargain Shop.

“About $5,000 of toys was donated, I think it is the most that we have had there and it was fantastic but the need is much greater,” Robins said. “We need the community’s help to be able to make it this year for families in the community.”

The fire truck and members from Melfort Fire and Rescue were on hand from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday to help out with the event.

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The Brunswick School In Melfort and the Star City School both had their own toy drives last week to contribute to the program as well.

The Star City school collected 407 items and $250 in gift cards for the Salvation Army Christmas hamper campaign. (Facebook/ The Salvation Amy North East Circuit)

Hampers go out to the registered families this Thursday. There are 188 children under the age of 12 in the program this year as well as 63 teens which is a major increase from previous years.

Toy coordinator Cassie Davis said this is her third year of being involved with the program and is the most stressful yet.

“Being the coordinator, I have a big heart for these people, and I feel like I’m going to let some of them down this year,” Davis said. “Melfort has always come through so I still have faith that it is going to be ok.”

Davis shared a message from one man who donated at Saturday’s fill a fire truck event.

“When I thanked him for donating, he told me that being able to donate is a privilege and a gift,” Davis said. “So, if you are in an area where you are privileged and gifted and can give, I recommend and would really request that you do that.”

Donations can be made directly to the Salvation Army from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until Wednesday. If those times don’t work, call the thrift store at 306-752-3525 to line up a time that is more convenient.

Robins and Davis both thanked everyone who has been able to give up to this point, all of which gets the program a bit closer to its goal of bringing Christmas to those in the community who are less fortunate.

The goal for the kettle campaign this year is $70,000 and is currently sitting at around $35,000. Kettles will be out until Christmas.

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angie.rolheiser@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser