This time of year is always busy for our local Salvation Army as they gather for the annual Christmas hampers as well as try to fill the food bank shelves for the winter ahead.
On Thursday morning, Westergard Motors was at the Salvation Army delivering the two truckloads of toys donated through their annual toy drive at the dealership. According to Captain Robert Burrell of the Salvation Army, the community and surrounding area has stepped up in a big way again this year. “We’re just totally overwhelmed. The businesses in the community, the grocery stores, the library, the dealerships. We have kids in here from (St. Anthony’s) School helping us out sorting a big load of toys that had just arrived. We just had a wonderful lady that made a huge donation of hams. I could go on and on. We’ve ministered all across Canada and Drumheller is by far, head and shoulders, above any place we have ever been for community support. We are so blessed.”
Things are looking great for the Christmas hampers, food wise, but there is always a need as the food bank is used all year. Burrell notes that the typical staples can always be used. “The granola bars, the soups, the peanut butter, the standard items that we usually put in every hamper, is always in need.”
Another facet of the Christmas campaign for the Salvation Army is the kettles at a number of local businesses and Burrell shares that there are a few volunteer opportunities available. “We still have a few kettle spots to fill. We are looking very good this year with about 90 percent of our slots filled. That’s been a blessing as well.” Burrell notes that the donations at the Salvation Army kettles are on par with last year. The kettles will be out at numerous locations until Christmas eve. If you are unable to make it to a kettle location but still want to make a donation, the Salvation Army is open weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM. Burrell explains that the funds raised through the kettles help to purchase the perishable items for their food hampers, including dairy products, meat, margarine, fresh fruits and vegetables, those types of items.
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