The Salvation Army Christmas kettle campaign — as of Monday morning — is about $40,000 short of its goal to raise $130,000 this year in the Comox Valley.
Community ministries director Brent Hobden said the local branch of the Salvation Army has filled all of its kettle locations for the remainder of the week.
“So we have enough volunteers,” Hobden said. “What we need is the continued support of our friends in the Comox Valley. As you’re buying a Christmas present for a loved one, remember the less fortunate people because even during the merriest of seasons, everyone needs an army.”
Normally, the Salvation Army averages 12-15 kettle locations in the Valley. This year, it’s averaging six or seven.
Each year, kettles are found in 2,000 locations across Canada. Together with other sources of funds, the money helps the Salvation Army provide hands-on service to more than 1.9 million people each year in Canada.
Kettle donations can be made online at fillthekettle.com
The total campaign goal for the Comox Valley is $300,000.
Annual Christmas dinner busiest ever
Organizers for the Earl Naswell Community Christmas Dinner are preparing for their busiest event ever.
Although there will be no sit-down meal this year, the offer of delivering Christmas dinners to individual households was accepted by hundreds of residents.
“We have reached our dinner limit of 625 dinners registered,” said event co-ordinator Rob James. “We will be cooking 36 turkeys, all donated by Costco.”
Other retailers have also helped out to make sure everyone has an enjoyable Christmas dinner.
James said he is grateful not only to the retailers who have contributed again this year, but also to those who will be helping put it all together.
“We have lots of volunteers and delivery drivers.”
All the prep work will be done Dec. 23 and 24, and the meals will be delivered starting at 11 a.m. on Christmas Day.