Christmas is around the corner and the Drumheller Salvation Army is getting geared up for the season to support families.
The Annual Salvation Army Red Bag Food Drive is coming up Thursday, November 25.
Amanda Courtenay, Community and Family Services coordinator at The Salvation Army says the demand on the food bank has increased. While it is not as dire as in larger centres, there is still a need.
“I know some people who weren’t able to work their full hours over the summer, they don’t qualify for EI anymore. They claimed CERB last year, so now they don’t qualify for either. So that might cause the number to get higher,” she said.
They have been able to meet the demand.
“The community has been great and we did get an agriculture grant that helped to keep going with the perishables as well.”
Volunteers will be forming up in muster points throughout the community at 6 p.m., November 25, to comb neighbourhoods to pick up donations on the doorsteps of residents in red bags, which were distributed to the community in the November 10 edition of The Drumheller Mail.
Muster points include the Newcastle Community Hall, Nacmine Community Hall, The bottle depot, Midland Community Hall, Oasis Car Wash, DVSS parking lot, the parking lot of Court House, The Brick parking lot, Rosedale Hall, and Greentree School.
Courtenay explains they will be adhering to COIVD -19 protocols. Persons entering the building will need to prove vaccination, and masking and social distancing will be practiced.
The Christmas hamper registration begins right away, Courtenay says they will be booking appointments from November 15 to November 26, Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Wednesdays booking until 8 p.m. Those wishing to register for a Christmas hamper must bring ID for the people in the households proof of residency such as a lease or utility bill, proof of income, and proof of expenses. To book call 403-823-2215.
The Kettle campaign will also be kicking off on November 19.
Last year because of COVID they were not able to have volunteers with the kettles. This year they will be manned, and those wishing to volunteer can call to book. Volunteers must be vaccinated.
One addition last year because of COVID was the option of the Tiptap touchless donation at the Kettles. They have retained this technology allowing donors to give$5, $10, or $20 with a tap of their debit card.
“It worked last year and they decided to do it again,” said Courtenay.
