The Salvation Army is well on their way to reaching their $40,000 goal.
For the busy holiday season, the Salvation Army held their Red Bag Food Drive on Thursday evening, November 30, at the Greentree Mall. “We did well, there were lots of red bags coming into that room,” said Jennifer Hillier, Salvation Army Captain. “We expect that what we received last week will get us through the Christmas season.”
Hillier applauded the community for their efforts with the food drive and financial donations.
“The other part that I really love about this event is the that the community shows itself and what I saw last night was the community at its finest. People of all ages and stages coming out to help out, bring bags in, store food, it was really great to see.”
The Salvation Army also has Christmas Kettles at three high traffic areas in town to collect donations and food bank items. This is their largest campaign of the year and will run until Christmas.
“Our Christmas Kettles are in full swing,” said Hillier. “The money that is dropped into those kettles goes directly to people in the Valley and surrounding area.”
The money provides food and any other types of expenses for people who are in need. All proceeds will be recirculated into the Drumheller economy as most items are bought and given locally.
“We really need the support of the community behind us to do what we have to do in the coming year and just asking folks that can get out to put in what you can,” Hillier asked.
Westergard Ford is home to the angel tree which The Salvation Army has provided. The tree is decorated in little tags with a child’s gender, age and a wishlist item.
“If you want to buy something specific that is on someone’s wish list then please stop by and get one of those tags,” said Hillier.
All of these items given must be new, unwrapped, and dropped off at Westergard Ford by December 9.
“We need a couple of weeks to start sorting and putting those tags together,” said Hillier.
Anyone that is in need of support from The Salvation Army can call the office at 403-823-2215.
“People who are in need at Christmas can call our office and they’ll just need to come in and provide us with some information. We can work together to help them get what they need,” Hillier explained.
Drop off any donations at the Church at 242 1st Street. Their hours of operation are Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Items can also be dropped off at the Thrift Store at 349 Centre Street. Their hours of operation are Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
“Sometimes people say it’s just a little bit but all those little bits add up to something great and we’re able to use that to help people who just need that little bit of extra support,” said Hillier.
