Salvation Army launches annual Christmas effort
The Salvation Army kicks off its annual Christmas campaign Monday, collecting goods to create a brighter holiday for those in need.
Hope for All Seasons 2018 is a food and toy drive, paired with the Christmas Kettle fundraiser.
It supports residents in need, who would otherwise go without over the holidays.
Lately, that number is increasing, Major Kathie Sharp said.
The Salvation Army serves a daily breakfast at the temple from Monday to Friday. Last year, 7,500 breakfasts were served. By the end of September this year, 11,000 meals hit the table.
The number of people accessing The Army’s food bank has also increased, Sharp added. About 30 families a day are using the food bank.
Sharp suspects the upsurge could be because of job losses. With the minimum wage increase, employers can’t afford to keep staff on, she said.
And that’s changed who is using The Army’s services, too.
“The people who would have been giving to us to help others, are now the people we’re helping because of circumstance, finances,or losing jobs.”
Any leftover funds or goods raised during Hope for All Seasons goes toward the food bank and other urgent needs throughout the year.
Christmas Kettles will soon be at various locations around the city, such as LCBOs and Walmart, until Dec. 24.
Meanwhile, non-perishable food items, toys, and knitted goods can be dropped off at The Salvation Army from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Toys are most needed for two age groups, infants to two-year-olds and kids aged 7 to 12.
They should be new, unwrapped and include batteries if possible.
Non-perishable food items most in need are canned fruits and veggies, soups, tea, juice boxes, peanut butter, and boxed pasta.
Monetary donations can also be dropped off at the Simcoe St. temple.
The Army would like to have all donations by Dec. 8.
Anyone who’d like to apply for a Christmas hamper and toys can fill out an application at The Army between 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Dec. 7.
This year’s fundraising goal is $440,000. It’s the same amount as last year, which The Army met.
Other ways to contribute to the campaign are the Santa Shuffle on Dec. 1 (a run organized by the Running Room), the Peterborough Petes Teddy Bear Toss on Dec. 6, or the Miracle Broadcast Toy Drive at Lansdowne Pace on Dec. 8.
The Army is also looking for volunteers to help with the campaign. To become a volunteer, contact Johnathan Sharp, volunteer co-ordinator, at 705-742-4391 ext. 27