By Angie Rolheiser/CJVR

Volunteers, donations needed for Salvation Army campaigns

Nov 30, 2018 | 4:00 PM

Gearing up for the holiday season next month is on the mind of many, especially for those at the Salvation Army in Melfort.

The organization is in the midst of collecting donations for the Christmas hamper campaign

Captain Rick Robins said unfortunately they have not found a new leader to collect donations for the Stuart Eisner fund but the campaign is still a go.

“We do have a plan B in place in case that doesn’t happen so that we know that people won’t go without this year,” Robins said.

The donations intended for the Stuart Eisner Fund that allows for ‘in memory’ donations can be dropped off at the store.

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Robins said they receive funds in a few different ways this time of year such as donations made at the community Christmas play that was put on last weekend as well as the Rotary Carol festival set for next Sunday. 

He said members are hopeful the community can come together to help the over 200 families that receive hampers each year.

“Bottom line is none of us want to be in a place where we can’t have what we need but that sometimes is the case,” Robins said. “We just pray that others will be there to help when someone is in need and if they can help us facilitate that, then that is fantastic.”

The Salvation Army kettle campaign also kicked off on Monday and runs Monday to Saturday until Dec. 24. The kettles are located in the Melfort Mall outside of the Co-op and at Independent Grocer.

Also underway for the organization is the fill-a-sunshine bag campaign for seniors over the Christmas season.

Donations of tooth brushes, tooth paste, combs, and other essentials are collected and then delivered by the Salvation Army.

“I usually take my guitar in there when we deliver and then we sing Christmas carols with the folks and have a good time and then we hand out the sunshine bags,” Robins said. “This is one thing we can do to give them a little hope and to share a bit of love.”

A Christmas day dinner is hosted at the Salvation Army from 11 a.m. to 1p.m.

“Last year we had people come from as far as Hudson Bay to come for Christmas dinner so we invite one and all,” Robins said.

Volunteers are needed to prepare and serve Christmas dinner. 

“I just hope that with all of the splendor and stuff that we have in our world that we take a little bit and share it with someone else that may not have what we have,” he said.