KAMLOOPS — Local charities are counting on the generosity of Kamloops residents as the Christmas season gets underway.
The Salvation Army and Christmas Amalgamated have both been sorting through the first round of donations that have come through their doors.
Both organizations are hoping to make a difference to families in our community who struggle to make ends meet, especially at this time of year.
The Salvation Army’s Annual Kettle Drive has a new feature this year to accept donations from those who don’t have any spare change on them.
Debit and credit tap machines are being used now, and Major Paul Trickett says they have already boosted fundraising efforts.
“The machines are making a big difference this year. We’re seeing we’re up about ($6,000 to) $7,000 from last year at this time.”
Usually raising around $170,000, Trickett is hopeful the new donating option will lead the way to this year’s goal of $200,000.
“So all the money that is raised in Kamloops stays in Kamloops. That’s a great thing, and for the amount of money that is raised, we can do so much work here in our own community.”
With upwards of 350 volunteers needed each year, Trickett says they’re still welcoming any help people are able to give.
“We’re all around town, we’re trying to have upwards of 15 kettles out this year,” he says. “So we’re hoping that wherever people are shopping this year, they’ll be able to see us and be able to help us out.”
Meanwhile, as Christmas Amalgamated sorts through toys and gifts people have donated so far, organizers like Sally Whitson are hoping more options will be given for teenagers.
“We started with very few boxes for the teens,” she explains. “I have mostly games and puzzles at this point, so anything to do with sports or hobbies, that kind of thing, might really help out.”
The end goal is to make sure 2,000 local families in need have presents to give their loved ones, and enough food for a good meal on Christmas.
“Some of the food is starting to show up, there’s been the odd donation of food,” Whitson explains. “Of course, the things that are perishable we won’t want to see until the end, but definitely the other things we can start stocking up and sorting.”
Whitson points out, those items include foods eaten especially at a Christmas dinner, not the standard kind of food donation.
Families looking to register, and those wanting to drop off donations can come by Christmas Amalgamated at 750 Fortune Dr., located in the Fortune Shopping Centre.
