The Melfort Mustangs teddy bear toss game supports Salvation Army Christmas hampers. (Facebook/Melfort Mustangs)

By Angie Rolheiser

Christmas Giving

Community supports Salvation Army Christmas hamper program but more donations are needed

Dec 11, 2019 | 12:00 PM

The Salvation Army Christmas Hamper campaign is down to the final week and a big last push for donations is being made.

Captain Rick Robins said although there have been some successful community events that have brought in donations, they are still a fair way from their goal.

“Last year we were actually behind in our final totals at the end as well and we are behind what we were looking at last year,” Robins said. “We are sitting at just under half of what we need to make.”

Nearly 200 hampers will be distributed this year if the donation goal is met.

Over the weekend, several events were held in support of the Christmas hamper campaign including the Skate with Santa event and the Melfort Rotary Carol Festival.

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Despite there only being one show this year for the Carol Festival rather than the traditional two, it was still a success. Robins said around $5,000 was brought in at the event. Last year between the two shows, there was over $7,000 raised.

The Bargain Shop in Melfort has also been hosting a toy drive throughout the past few weeks which has resulted in a donation of $1,686 for the Salvation Army.

Over $2000 worth of toys were donated by the Prairie North Co-op in Naicam. The Melfort Mustangs teddy bear toss game was also in support of the hamper campaign.

Prairie North Co-op in Naicam donates $2,000 worth of toys to Melfort Salvation Army Christmas hamper program. (Facebook/The Salvation Army Melfort)

Robins said in talks with their Toy Coordinator Cassie Davis, they are low on gifts for a couple of specific areas.

“We are short on gifts for girls aged nine to 13, and babies,” Robins said. “That is a new thing because usually we have lots of baby toys but we do have huge number of babies this year.”

The deadline for donations is next Thursday when hampers will be assembled and distributed.

Drop boxes are still up around the community and at the Thrift Store.

The Salvation Army will be hosting their annual Christmas Dinner which they need volunteers for to help set-up, serve, and clean. The dinner takes place on Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is open to absolutely everyone.

“Please help us get to our goal this year to help us raise money to help people at Christmas and throughout the year,” Robins said.

He added this is their big fundraiser for the whole year which funds their community ministries.

The army also continues their kettle campaign until Dec. 24., which Robins said they still have a few open shifts for If anyone would like to help out.

On top of toys, there is also a need for toques, scarves, mitts, and socks that also go into the hampers.

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angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser