With Christmas just a week away, the Salvation Army in the Comox Valley needs assistance.
“As of Dec. 17, we have raised a total of $196,000 of our $282,000 goal, which means that we are still $86,000 away from our goal this Christmas season,” says Pastor Darryl Burry.
Every dollar that is donated through 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, but throughout the 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,’ ” explains 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-quarter 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.
Items such as canned meats/fish, peanut butter, soup, pasta sauce, pasta, rice and beans are staples that are needed.
Volunteers are also needed to help keep the Christmas kettles out in the community until Christmas Eve. To volunteer, call 250-338-6200.
Donations can be dropped off at any Salvation Army location in the Comox Valley. As well, credit/debit card donations are accepted at all three Salvation Army Thrift Stores as well as at the church office (1580 Fitzgerald Ave.).
You can also make a secure donation online, from the comfort of your home, of via your smart phone by going to www.cvsalarmy.ca and following the links for the Virtual Kettle.
“On Saturday, Dec. 21, donations made at the kettles located at Walmart will be matched by Walmart for that day. We would encourage the public to support us by dropping of their donations to the Walmart kettle on that day to make the greatest impact,” says Burry.
— Salvation Army