The Salvation Army works year-round to meet residents’ needs, but the next six weeks will be particularly busy as it undertakes several well-known Christmas campaigns.
The Stocking Fund Campaign, the envelope campaign and the ever-popular Kettle Campaign all kick off in the next couple of weeks. The Stocking Fund launches on Nov. 18 through the Moose Jaw Express; envelopes for the envelope campaign go out in the Nov. 25 edition of the Express; and the Kettle Campaign kicks off at the Co-op grocery store on Nov. 27.
All campaigns run until Dec. 24, although donations would still be accepted afterward.
Stocking Fund
The Salvation Army sees it as a privilege to serve and meet the community’s needs, said Cadet Lester Ward. Christmas is usually a difficult time for many people and the organization doesn’t expect that to change, especially this year.
The Stocking Fund meets the financial needs of families and individuals who are struggling. It allows the Salvation Army to supply families with food hampers and children with toys, while any remaining money helps the organization support people into the new year.
“There are always ongoing needs, and what a better way to represent the love of Jesus than to provide that support that’s needed,” added Ward.
If people require assistance through the Stocking Fund, they will have to submit an application to be considered eligible. Salvation Army staff will then conduct interviews with applicants at the downtown location — 175 First Avenue Northeast — from Nov. 16 to Dec. 11.
Envelope Campaign
The Salvation Army uses the funds from this campaign to meet the needs of clients and families throughout the year by providing items such as clothing and furniture.
The organization also uses this fund to support transient people passing through the community, said Ward. Sometimes people need winter boots or a winter jacket, so the Salvation Army helps to meet those needs.
Kettle Campaign
This year’s Kettle Campaign will look much different than previous years, particularly due to the pandemic, said Ward. The biggest issue the organization faces is finding enough volunteers to operate the eight kettles. Most volunteers are seniors, but many are worried and fearful of the coronavirus.
“That’s totally understandable … ,” he continued. “If anyone has a longing to help their community, we would love to hear from them … . With low volunteers, it just puts us in another situation where we may not necessarily get to where we would like to go and be able to meet the needs of the people.”
Anyone who wants to volunteer with the Kettle Campaign should contact Sonya Bowles at 306-692-5899 to register.
Residents can also call Boles if they want to adopt a family for Christmas.
There are several options to donate during this year’s Kettle Campaign. Three of the sites could be fitted with a “tiptap” machine, where people can hold their debit or credit card over the scanner and give that way.
A second option is through a virtual kettle on the Moose Jaw Salvation Army’s Facebook page — you don’t even need to leave your home to give — while a third option is the traditional method of depositing money into kettles.
Meanwhile, the Salvation Army will participate in a toy drive at Canadian Tire from Dec. 4 to 5. Residents can drop off an unwrapped toy or provide a financial donation.
