With Christmas a week away, the Salvation Army in the Comox Valley is in need of assistance.
“As of Dec. 14, we have raised a total of $181,000 of our $250,000 goal, which means that we are still $69,000 away from our goal,” says Pastor Darryl Burry.
Each dollar raised through the Christmas Kettles, the mailer campaign or through online donations helps support the work of the Salvation Army here in the Comox Valley — not only at Christmas time, but throughout the entire year.
“Every day, we have people walk through our doors looking for hope. As each individual is treated with dignity, our desire is to provide them with a hand up not a handout,” says Burry. “We want to ensure that every child wakes up Christmas morning to find something under the tree, and that every adult is able to have their basic needs of food, clothing and shelter met. These needs are able to be met by way of the generous support received from this community.”
In addition, The Salvation Army has received only about one-third of its usual donations of non-perishable food items.
“These donations help support our emergency food bank, not only at Christmas, but generally last us for the first six months of the year,” says Burry.
Volunteers are also needed to help keep the Christmas Kettles out in the community until Christmas Eve. To volunteer for the Christmas Kettles, call 250-338-6200.
Donations can be dropped off at any Salvation Army location in the Valley. As well, credit/debit card donations are accepted at all three thrift stores as well as at the church office (1580 Fitzgerald Ave.). You can also make a donation online by going to www.cvsalarmy.ca and following the links for the iKettle.
— Salvation Army