November 14, 2022 11:29
The Chatham-Kent Salvation Army is preparing for its busiest time of year.
Families and individuals in need this Christmas can now apply for help.
“People can sign up, they’ve started on November 1st and for those who need help getting their kids food and toys over Christmas, registration will be open until the end of November,” said Major Stephen Hollander . “From the beginning, we’ve had about 100 people registered so far in Chatham, so it’s starting to build.”
Holland added that they’re giving out gift cards again this year instead of food baskets.
“We don’t do gift baskets, we’ve done that in the past. We found it difficult because there were volunteers during COVID. So this year we’re using gift cards again. They get quite a few gift cards that they can go and buy what they need Any groceries. We find it’s better and more dignified for them.”
Toys will still be distributed to children 12 and under. Unwrapped toys can be delivered to the Salvation Army Church on Orangewood Avenue in Chatham or thrift stores on Lowe Avenue and East Ridgetown Avenue in Fort Wallace until December 2.
Registration for the Christmas Aid Program is open until 30 November.You can find out more about registration by Click here.
“If you go to one of our offices, a family services office in Wallaceburg, Richtown or Chatham, then fill out an application,” Holland said. “Just bring some ID with your address on it and we’ll see what we can do for you.”
The Red Kettles will also be going through Chatham-Kent soon. To volunteer at Red Kettle, call 519-354-8353, or visit their website, www.cksalvationarmy.org.