Christmas hamper donations sorted into their designated category during 2018 preparations. (File photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Angie Rolheiser

Christmas Cheer

Salvation Army Christmas hamper campaign getting underway with new toy coordinator

Nov 14, 2019 | 2:00 PM

As the holiday season approaches, the Salvation Army is thinking about families who may need some extra assistance for Christmas.

Applications are being accepted for the annual Christmas hamper campaign that typically serves around 200 families each year.

A few days and times have been set aside for applications, one being today from 1 to 5 p.m. with another coming up next Thursday at the same time. In Tisdale, interested applicants are welcomed from 1 – 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20 and 27.

Here in Melfort, Captains Rick and Jennifer Robins are putting the necessary plans in place to fill the needs in their community.

Rick told northeastNOW it’s always great to give back to the community while also teaching a lesson to the younger age groups.

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“A lot of times it is forgotten that we may have what we need but sometimes kids don’t understand that there are others that don’t have what they need,” Robins said. “To be able to instill that in them to help, is a great thing.”

Donations of toys and gifts can be dropped off at the thrift store with other drop boxes to be set up at various locations in the community in the coming weeks. The army also plans to team up again with the Skate with Santa Day at the Northern Lights Palace, the Rotary’s carol festival, as well as other events happening in the next month to potentially draw in more donations.

“We always need people to donate, it is what makes the program a success,” Robins said. “The community has stepped up in the last few years and has always helped us out and we look forward to partnering with the community again.”

This year’s toy coordinator will be Cassie Davis according to Robins and they are excited to have her on board with the program.

Davis is just as excited to get involved.

“I really enjoy spreading the Christmas cheer to everyone especially those who would otherwise go without and I really don’t like to see anyone left behind in the holidays,” Davis said.

Davis also traditionally runs a Secret Santa for Seniors each year where she teams up with home care making this a great fit for her.

“We are also going to combine it with the Salvation Army because they know of some seniors that home care doesn’t work with so hopefully we can make it even bigger this year,” Davis said.

Last year, the program helped over 100 seniors have Christmas.

There are certain age groups that are sometimes more difficult to fill gift needs for in the Chritsmas hamper program. Captain Jennifer said that is where donations of cash are great to fall back on.

“Cash donations are always very helpful too so that Cassie can go and purchase items that are needed if they haven’t been donated,” Jennifer said.

Toques, scarves, mitts, and socks are also included in the hampers so any donations of that nature are welcomed as well.

“You never want a kid to go to school feeling like Santa didn’t think of them like he did the kid next to them, so if you have the ability to give, anything matters to these children,” Davis said.

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angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca

@Angie_Rolheiser