'Tis the season for giving and the Yorkton Salvation Army along with the Soup Haven are hoping 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 Salvation Army Kettle campaign. Still more than $50,000 short of that goal organizers are hoping the Christmas spirit will kick in and shine brightly over Yorkton and area.
Money raised does 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.
The Soup Haven, which daily feeds more than 300 local children who might otherwise go without, is also in need of support.
"The need is always there," says Kathy Conners, Soup Haven Director. "There is a big segment of the population that we never get to touch called the working poor... they just don't come forward and say that they have needs. You would be surprised what your next door neighbor is going through for instance. Hunger does not have a face, any face can fit into the picture of hunger so we all need to remember that it takes a village to raise a child but it takes a city to raise people."
That said, money doesn't grow on trees and times are tight for many people. If you want to help out but can't spare the dollars there are still ways to make a difference.
"... volunteering is a great way to give a gift without having to spend any money," points out the Salvation Army's Roy Bladen. The same is true even when the Christmas season passes. "Volunteers are the heartbeat of the Salvation Army. We would not be in existence if it wasn't for volunteers." Opportunities to get involved in your community and to give back are endless. Why not check them out?
Thankful for continued local support and generosity, summing the season up nicely, Bladen says, "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."
