While Christmas is more than a month away The Salvation Army is already busy getting ready to make sure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the Christmas season, no matter what their means.
    This week Christmas Hamper Registration has already begun. Those wishing to register can drop by The Salvation Army Church between 10 a.m. and 4 pm. Until Friday, November 22.
    Right around the corner is the annual Christmas Food Drive and Amanda Courtenay, family services coordinator at the Salvation Army said the demand for the food bank has been high this year.
    “We are seeing a lot more this year, it is probably about 10 to 15 per cent higher across the board,” said Courtenay. “It is more families.”
    She says the Salvation Army has been proactive in the last few years and has joined up with Food Banks Alberta.
    “That helps a little bit because we can order stuff from Airdrie, but they don’t have everything either, and the stuff we are running out of, they don’t have either,” said Courtenay.
    The Salvation Army has also teamed up with local churches, which alternate months doing a food drive within their congregations, which has also helped.
    The biggest event of the year, however, is the Annual Christmas Food Drive, which goes on Thursday, November 28 and it is a one night blitz of the community. Volunteers come out in great support collecting the red bags on doorsteps as they comb the neighbourhood. They will muster at points throughout the community from 5:45 to 6 p.m. and then go collecting the food is then taken to the Salvation Army Foodbank where it is sorted.
    “Usually the food we get at the food drive lasts us until  March or April, “said Courtenay,” It doesn’t last as long as you think.”
     Some of the items most in need include peanut butter, canned beans, macaroni and cheese, juice, and instant noodles.
    The season of giving is coming quick and the annual Kettle kick-off is this Friday, November 22 at  Freson Bros.  Kettles will be at many local grocery stores and businesses for the Christmas season collecting for the Salvation Army. These funds are used locally to support the work they do in the community. Courtenay says there is always a need for volunteers. To learn more or to volunteer contact the Salvation Army at 403-823-2215.
    The annual Toy Drive is also kicking off on Friday, November 22 at Westergard Ford. Once again they are hosting the tag tree. Those wishing to give can come and take a tag from their Christmas tree and then fulfill the Christmas wish, and drop the gifts at the dealership.