The Salvation Army in Sudbury said it has seen a “significant increase” in the number of Greater Sudbury families needing a little help this Christmas.
The more than 1,000 local households that have registered for Christmas assistance is some 200 households higher than in past years.
As such, the Salvation Army in Sudbury is putting a call out for help.
“Our volunteers have been busy packing bags of toys for the more than 1,500 children registered,” said Cadet Miya Bradburn, pastor and community ministries officer for The Salvation Army in Sudbury. “At this time, we are short on some toys for various age groups. If anyone can donate gift cards, that would be a real blessing. Gift cards are easier to pack and sort at this point, and they provide agency to parents so they can shop for their child.”
To ensure the Salvation Army can meet the needs of those who seek help, the success of the annual Christmas Kettle campaign is critical.
“We are in real need of volunteers to ‘ring the bells’ – to give of their time – so that there is a physical collection device for those who feel compelled to give. There are too many spots empty right now,” Cadet Jeff Robertson said in a news release.
If you are so inclined, you can register as a Salvation Army bell-ringer by visiting the charity’s Facebook page or by emailing [email protected] to offer your services.
The Christmas Kettle campaign runs through Dec. 24.
The fundraising target for 2022 is $280,000, Salvation Army said.
If you want to donate to the Kettle Campaign, volunteer bell-ringers can be found at Walmart in New Sudbury and the South End, at the New Sudbury Centre (outside LensCrafters), at Costco, at Chris’s Your Independent Grocer and Rehan’s Your Independent Grocer.
Each kettle is equipped with TipTap, allowing for gifts using credit and debit cards. Those who prefer to give online with their credit card can do so at this link.
