It is said that the Christmas season brings out the best in all of us. That was made quite evident in regards to Drumheller this past Christmas.
The generosity of the community was described as “overwhelming” by the Drumheller Salvation Army.
In total, $99,964 was raised from the kettles and donations, 18 skids of food collected from the annual food drive, just over $10,000 worth of toys handed out to children in need in Drumheller, and 95 hampers with a total value of just under $15,000 given to local families.
“It was a success. We are so thankful to the community, individuals, and volunteers. We’re always overwhelmed by God providing,” said Lieutenant Rachel Sheils with the Drumheller Salvation Army.
The figures were up considerably from last year. In 2011, the Christmas Campaign raised roughly $81,000.
The kettles alone raised $41,043 this year, which is on par with the $41,010 raised in 2011. However, there were times when it looked like the kettles may not provide as much.
“They were right on track, for which we are very thankful. They were looking good for a bit, then they weren’t, then they were, but it came in right around last year,” said Sheils.
Aside from the donations raised, Sheils was deeply moved by the generosity of the community when it came to volunteering.
“There were a number of times where a volunteer would cancel or not show up to a kettle. Before I would even get into the office, someone would have called to volunteer,” said Sheils. “There was one time I went to visit a kettle and there was no one there. I stood there trying to find a volunteer on my cell phone, but couldn’t get anyone. Then, God sent a volunteer through the door. She had volunteered before, but I thought she came for another reason, so I wasn’t going to ask her. Then she offered to volunteer. I thank Him for putting it in people’s hearts to be generous.”
The donations saw the Salvation Army through the Christmas season and will help in the coming months.
“We’re about to do budgets for the upcoming year. It takes a lot for the food and one staff that runs the food bank,” said Sheils.
The food bank does not just run during Christmas. Food is needed year round and donations to the Drumheller Salvation Army are always welcome.
