“It’s like, ‘Wow we did it. The community did it,’” said Ash, community ministries worker with the Salvation Army’s Family Services in Corner Brook, following a presentation to the Rotary Club of Corner Brook at the Glynmill Inn on Thursday. “When the need is put out there, they respond.”
During her presentation Ash talked about the things the Salvation Army does to assist people in need at Christmas time.
In 2013, 638 families were helped by the Salvation Army. So far this year there are 598 registered, but Ash expects that number to grow by Christmas Eve.
Those families will receive gift cards that they can use to purchase everything needed for a Christmas dinner. The amounts range from $50 for a family of one or two up to $70 for families of five and up.
Ash said the gift cards give the recipients dignity as they can go out and shop on their own.
In addition to the food gift cards, the Salvation Army, in partnership with the Corner Brook Fire Department, will pack toy hampers for those families with children — infants up to age 13.
The Salvation Army looks after the hampers for families on the north and south shores of the Bay of Islands while the firefighters look after the needs in the city.
The requests are filled with support of donations from the community.
Ash told the Rotarians the biggest challenge is in providing gifts for 10-13-year-olds.
The Salvation Army discourages the donation of electronic toys and devices, and instead encourages things that get children active and promote play, such as board games, that can involve the whole family, craft kits and sleds. She said pyjama pants, mitts and gift cards also make great gifts.
Members of the club presented Ash gift cards for the older group of children. In the past 10 years, club’s donation of gift cards has provided about 400 gifts.
The Salvation Army will also co-ordinate the provision of hampers for nine sponsored families this year.
Businesses and organizations often contact Family Services looking to help out an individual family. The recipients are selected based on the special circumstances they are facing and sponsors receive the ages of the children in the family, information on their likes, hobbies and clothes sizes.
The family will receive a full Christmas dinner, toys and other gifts for the children and often gift cards for the parents.
Still time to give:
— Toy donations can be dropped off at the Gingerbread House in the Valley Mall.
— Toy donations and gift cards can also be dropped off at the Family Services Centre on Herald Avenue
— Toy donations can also be dropped off at the Corner Brook Fire Department.
— Anyone looking for a suggestion on what to give can call 639-1719.
— The Salvation Army will be taking and filling requests up to Christmas Eve.
