Salvation Army gearing up for Christmas appeal

With Christmas quickly approaching, preparations at the local Salvation Army are well underway to help make the holidays a better time for hundreds of district residents.
This year’s campaign is called the “Joy of Giving Hope.”

“This year is going to be a difficult time for some families, but we trust and believe in the generosity in the hearts of everyone in our community,” Capt. Angel Sandoval said yesterday.
“They have supported us in the past, and we expect for no less this year,” he added.
Capt. Sandoval said letters outlining the Christmas appeal will be sent out by the end of the week, and he urged those who receive one to open it, read it, and give it consideration—not just put it aside and forget about it.
He explained people can help out by giving monetary donations (cash donations get a tax receipt) or, more specifically, through two hamper programs: “Adopt-a-Family” and “Sponsor-a-Family.”
“The two ways are really wonderful opportunities to support the less fortunate,” Capt. Sandoval remarked.
With the “Adopt-a-Family” program, the Salvation Army provides a profile of a family, along with a food list and a wish list.
The “adoptive” family—often a workplace—then will gather the items, put together a hamper, and donate it.
Under the “Sponsor-a-Family” program, a benefactor may donate $225 to the Salvation Army to help a family of four, or $150 to help a smaller one.
The Salvation Army will use that money to go out and purchase the things that are needed, then put the hamper together themselves.
With both of these programs, the recipients and benefactors all remain anonymous.
If you’re interested in helping a family in this way, contact the Salvation Army no later than Nov. 27. You either can call 274-3871 or drop by the Citadel on Victoria Avenue (across from the clinic).
Those who would like to receive a Christmas hamper this year must pick up a registration form on Nov. 23-24. To sign up, you need to provide legal ID for each family member as well as documentation of your annual income.
Forms must be returned to the Salvation Army on Nov. 25-26.
As well, those who would like to help put together hampers should contact the Citadel at 274-3871.
Parade, kettle campaign
In related news, the public also will get a chance to donate non-perishable food items and money during the annual “Parade of Lights” here next Saturday (Nov. 28).
“We ask the people to support us with food and money,” said Capt. Sandoval.
“It’s time to put their hands in their pockets and reach for all the change they can,” he chuckled.
After that, the Salvation Army’s annual Christmas kettle campaign will kick off Tuesday, Dec. 1, with volunteers needed to ring those bells up to Dec. 24.
Kettles will be located at Canada Safeway, Canadian Tire, LCBO, and Wal-Mart. As well, local banks will have kettles outside their doors on specific days.
Volunteer “bell ringers” are asked to donate their time in two-hour shifts, if possible.
Those interested in helping out can contact the Citadel at 274-3871.
Last December, 220 hampers were given out here, helping 275 adults, 152 children, and 47 teens at Christmas.
Meanwhile, $17,541 was raised during the Christmas kettle campaign, and more than 200 families either were sponsored or adopted by district residents, businesses, and groups. Hundreds of toys also were donated at several community events prior to Christmas.
Capt. Sandoval noted the local Salvation Army covers not only Fort Frances, but also from Rainy River to Atikokan and north to Sioux Narrows.