KAMLOOPS — Christmas is just over two weeks away and charitable organizations in Kamloops are ramping up their efforts to make sure everyone is cared for over the holidays.
At Christmas Amalgamated toy donations have been steady.
Food donations have begun to trickle in, but the rush is on to collect as many turkeys, turkey gift certificates, hams and holiday treats as possible.
Christmas Amalgamated is also in need of more people who are willing to adopt a family to create a hamper for.
The seasonal charity is hoping to distribute some of the Christmas food hampers this weekend, which is earlier than usual.
“Because Christmas falls so close to the weekend that if they get their hamper then they haven’t got an opportunity to go use their certificate if they get one, or to go get the extra things they would like to add to their hampers,” said Sally Whitson of Christmas Amalgamated. “So, we do have to start our hamper delivery early this year.”
Meantime, the Salvation Army’s Kettle Campaign has reached $87,000, money that will help keep Salvation Army programs running all year long.
Donations are up $5,000 to $6,000 more than last year at this time.
Some of the credit is going to the availability of credit and debit machines.
There are two weeks left in the Kettle Campaign and the Salvation Army is hoping to reach its goal of $200,000.
“We truly believe it will happen,” said Major Paul Trickett. “Kamloops always comes through and we honestly think this year the need is greater. Every agency is seeing more need and we do believe we will hit that mark this year.”
