(File photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Ben Tompkins

The giving season

Melfort Salvation Army just a week away from Christmas hamper distributions

Dec 14, 2022 | 5:22 PM

In just seven days, local families in need will get a helpful Christmas gift, courtesy of the Salvation Army.

The Melfort Salvation Army is set to distribute its annual Christmas hampers, next Wednesday, Dec. 21.

“The Christmas hampers are for people in need at Christmas time, so they come in and fill out an application form, and if they qualify, then they pick up their hamper on hamper distribution day,” auxiliary captain, Glenna Cryderman said.

While applications are now done, the Salvation Army is still accepting donations, right until next Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the kettle campaign will run until Dec. 23.

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“Generally, people are coming in and making cash donations, and of course, they could drop any cash donations into the kettles as well. If they’re wanting a receipt, it would need to be in an envelope separate with their name and information on it,” Cryderman said.

Hampers typically feature things like chocolates and cookies, as well as a gift card or voucher, giving families the opportunity to purchase themselves groceries or a Christmas meal.

Families who have children will also get a handful of toys.

In 2021 a total of 204 hampers were distributed, and Cryderman is expecting even more this year.

She noted both the demand and the results have increased this year, also in Tisdale.

A big part of the annual campaign was the toy drive and the Melfort Mustangs’ teddy bear toss.

According to Cryderman, a total of 252 stuffies were collected from the toss, and a handful of tables are currently full of toys.

She did say, however, that there is still a “high demand”, as there are “lots of families this year.”

Toys can still be purchased and dropped off at The Bargain Shop in town, or at the Salvation Army.

“I just want to thank the community for their contribution to the Christmas hamper and their generosity,” she added.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8