We can give Salvation Army a hand filling Santa's sack with good cheer

What a strange and frustrating year it's been, and what a great time to count our blessings.

We're struggling through a global pandemic that's dug its claws deep into our country and province. People are hurting, in many different ways.

But as I sit and type, I see blessings spread out before me — donations for Sporting Christmas, at a much faster clip than last year at this time.

Donors are providing a huge and much-needed lift as folks at the Salvation Army bustle about, filling Santa's very large sack with the good things found through their Christmas hamper program.

This is a different year for that program.

The Sally Ann tells us that requests are higher than ever.

There could be people who donated to us in the past and are now needing a hamper to get them through a tough time over the holiday season.

So please — keep it coming. It will be put to very good use.

“It's that time of year again,” writes longtime Sporting Christmas friend Bea Rochelle. “Little did we know the changes that would occur.

“As usual, I'd appreciate remembering my husband Rocky Rochelle in the paper. Over the years we rang the bells for our Kiwanis Club and also our parents were on our list for Sporting Christmas for many years. I appreciate that opportunity; thank you.”

And thank you to Bea.

The Riverside Optimist Club of Saskatoon sent us a note that “this will be the last donation to Sporting Christmas as we have now disbanded our club.”

They've been regular contributors, and we're grateful for their gifts.

It's always great to hear from the Kings Men Car Club, who again send us a donation and a card.

Elroy Mcnulty is remembered through a couple of different donations, John Grismer remembers the “Saskatoon 60-plus hockey players no longer with us,” and Bob and Kathy Pawluk honour “the hard work and dedication shown by Sask. teachers.”

Troy, Carissa, Kael, Shea and Maks Gasper are remembered by a generous donor, as is an anonymous giver's brother.

Our Starphoenix building remains closed due to COVID-19, and we're accepting donations in a slightly different way this season.

■ Online, visit the donation portal as usual at www.thestarphoenix. com/sportingchristmas

■ Donations, cards and notes can be sent or dropped off to the Salvation Army at this address: Sporting Christmas c/o The Salvation Army, 38 Bateman Cresc. Saskatoon, Sask. S7H 3C4