“Get to help people out, and get a break from class?” “From the monthly number of families coming through the food pantry to those who need assistance with housing, rent, utilities; we have families coming to us for help that have never had to seek this type of assistance”.
Advertisement
“It definitely beats sitting in a classroom”, Rossiter said.
Hundreds of goody bags are spread out across the Salvation Army Warehouse floor. Behind them was a warehouse stocked full with food.
The Salvation Army Central Okanagan is behind by $325,000 in reaching its fundraising goal of $700,000 to help families during the Christmas season and fund other ongoing services throughout the year. The pressure to make a happy Christmas for children, giving gifts and hosting events, can create financial strain.
“It means a whole lot because I got a granddaughter I need to raise because her mother has an illness”, said Nancy Poole. “But we can not do what we do without the community’s financial support”.
For the kettle drive, The Salvation Army rings the bells for a total of 1,400 hours, and she coordinates having a person at each ringing station in town during those hours. If you want to donate, please bring an unwrapped gift to Metrocenter Mall near the old Sears from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Families who have signed up will also receive a box of toys for children, which McCloy hopes will allow struggling parents to still provide their children with the joy of opening presents on Christmas morning.
“We will have over 300 birds – turkeys, and we’ll have hams”, said Rosette.
“We have a higher volume of people that have come to us this year for assistance”.
Advertisement
“The fellow running the coin counter said this won’t fit down in the coin machine as he handed it to me”.
