The Salvation Army is ringing in donations over the holidays.
Their annual Christmas Kettle campaign began the end of November, with five donation locations across Okotoks, and two in High River.
This season, the Salvation Army is hoping to raise $125,000 to help local families in need.
As of December 8th, $25,000 has been donated to this year’s campaign.
But the Salvation Army is still in need of volunteers.
“We currently have 300 volunteers across seven locations,” explains Angela Burdick, who is the Christmas Kettle Coordinator. “So, we still need, probably, another 50 plus volunteers to fill the gaps that we’ve got here in Okotoks.”
Burdick explains that while anyone can volunteer, they recommend volunteers under the age of 18 be accompanied by an adult.
“For young people, it can be useful to do volunteering, because it’s something they can add to their resume,” explains Burdick. She adds that they also offer volunteer credits that students can use as part of their education program.
The five Christmas Kettle locations in Okotoks are at the Walmart, Costco, Sobeys, No Frills, and Save-on Foods. In High River, people can drop off their donations at the Co-op or at Sobeys.
People are able to drop off their donations at a Christmas Kettle location until December 23rd.
The money raised during the Christmas Kettle campaign is used year-round to support families, by helping with the cost of food, Christmas toys and hampers, and other essentials that families may need.
Burdick adds that every dollar counts.
But don’t worry if you have nothing to give. You can still give the gift of your time and volunteer with the Salvation Army.
Every dollar donated to one of the Christmas Kettles in either Okotoks or High River stays within the Foothills area.
So far, 650 families from the Foothills area have signed up to receive Christmas Hampers.
“That actually represents 1000 individual children, who will be helped with toys this year,” says Burdick.
Which is an increase from last year.
For more information on how to volunteer, contact Angela Burdick at [email protected].
For more information on how to donate to the Christmas Kettle, check out the Salvation Army website.
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