'Tis the season for giving and the Yorkton Salvation Army hopes people will give generously to ensure those less fortunate in the city will not go without both over the holidays and beyond.
Underway for another year with a goal of raising $80,000 is the annual kettle campaign and while the dollar amount collected thus far is far short of what's hoped to be collected, Envoy Roy Bladen of the Yorkton Salvation Army says he hopes local residents will once again pull through to help out those who are in need.
Money raised will not just help out over the holiday season, but also throughout the entire year as unfortunately, needs don't disappear with the change over of the calendar.
Kettles which are all manned by volunteers, are set up at four locations in Yorkton - one is at the Superstore, one at the liquor store, one in the Parkland Mall and the other at Walmart.
The local initiative is part of a national effort that has taken place for the past 95 years.
Money raised this year will go towards Salvation Army operation costs for the 2011 year. "That consists of help for people who are financially in trouble... whether that be utility bills, maybe their car breaks down... or possibly to even purchase food for the food bank and lodging," details Bladen.
Also at Christmas time special hampers are made up and made available.
"We are anticipating a 25 per cent increase in need this year says Bladen estimating about 250 hampers will be needed this holiday season.
"Hampers include all the trimmings for Christmas dinner and possibly through Christmas week and toys of course."
While names have already been taken for this year, there may still be availability of hampers on an emergency basis. Bladen says families are selected based on income and on need.
Residents who want to donate new, unwrapped toys can do so by visiting one of two locations set up in the city, one being the Cornerstone Credit Union and the other is the Angel Tree program which is operating out of Shopper's Drug Mart.
"People can pick up an angel card it will say girl or boy... so you go out buy the gift and come back and put it under the tree." Donations are tax deductible.
Another year round initiative of the Salvation Army is the Thrift Store. "It's a non-profit organization. Everything that we make over and above our costs goes back into the community. The thrift store is a great way of putting product back into people's hands for just a few cents or a few dollars."
The thrift store has been overwhelmed with donations and Bladen says he couldn't be more pleased by the show of local support.
Support is so great in fact, that in January the Yorkton store will completely overhauled and redone.
None of what takes place through the Salvation Army would be possible were it not for the support of the general public.
"Volunteers are the heartbeat of the Salvation Army. We would not be in existence if it wasn't for volunteers," says Bladen adding people are always needed and welcome to help out at the Thrift Store or to man a kettle.
"They can call me at 621-4449... I can certainly arrange for someone to volunteer whenever they choose to... volunteering is a great way to give a gift without having to spend any money.
The same is true even when the Christmas season passes. Bladen recalls arriving in Yorkton just shortly after the Canada Day flood. "We walked into some devastating circumstances. The army went to work in Yorkton and became very visible... we were glad to be out there in the community helping people..." And one never knows when a similar situation might occur.
In conclusion Bladen says he is very thankful to all of the residents who have and continue to, help out and to give. "Whether that's by putting money in the Christmas kettle, or by volunteering... may God bless you, each and every one. May you have a very blessed Christmas."
