Grandma is their mother now

The following is a first-person account by an individual who is helped by the Salvation Army food bank, the recipient of this year’s Be An Angel campaign. To donate, visit The Herald office, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., at 101-186 Nanaimo Ave. W., or visit www.pentictonherald.ca.

I have come in to the Salvation Army to ask for a Christmas hamper.

I have, for just two months now, been raising my grandsons. They are four and two. Because of an alcohol addiction, my daughter can’t take care of them anymore. There is no safety for them in their mother’s home anymore.

The boys’ father has not been on the scene since day one. I am married and 59 and sure never thought I would find myself in a position of need, but here I am. I have worked it out.

I retired early, this is my choice to do this, and once I work a few more financial things out and make a new and much more frugal household budget, I will have enough money to raise these boys properly.

In the meantime, while I await paperwork, I swallowed my pride and came knocking at the Salvation Army for help. I looked at things realistically and decided that if I was going to put on a Christmas for the boys like they deserve (they have had so much upheaval) that I needed to ask for some help.

The Salvation Army lady here said I will receive a gift card to purchase a turkey and then a box of produce (carrots, potatoes, onions) stuffing, cranberries — everything to make a great Christmas dinner. They will also pack two toy bags for the boys. She even asked what kind of gifts they would like.

I feel so much better; I can tell my grandsons to go to bed early on Christmas Eve or else Santa won’t be coming and know in my heart that Santa will come. Thank you to the Salvation Army.

And I asked them to say prayers for my daughter’s rehab since I think this is pretty much rock bottom for her now.