With Christmas less than seven weeks away, The Salvation Army is currently booking appointments for those requiring assistance from their annual Food and Toy Program.

In 2015, close to 600 families were provided with a food gift card with which they could purchase food for their family’s Christmas Day celebrations.

“Due to ever-increasing dietary restrictions and allergies, each family received a ‘food only’ gift card to a local grocery store with which they could purchase food items for their family Christmas celebration,” said Pastor Darryl Burry, executive director for The Salvation Army in the Central Okanagan.

“The provision of the food gift card affords not only the opportunity for the family to choose their Christmas dinner menu, but also affords a sense of dignity.”

Toys/gifts were also provided for each child in the home 18 years of age and under.

“We could not provide this blessing without the tremendous support of the community,” said Pastor Burry.

“From financial donations to the donation of food product and new toys… each contribution helps us to provide hope and dignity to families’ right here in our community during the Christmas Season.”

For families (two or more in the same household) who will require assistance this Christmas season, The Salvation Army is currently scheduling appointments between Nov. 21 to 25 at Kelowna Community Church, located at 1480 Sutherland Ave.  On Nov. 28 to 29, there will be appointments at the Community Life Centre, located at 3531 Old Okanagan Hwy., in Westbank.

“We desire to ensure that no one falls through the cracks during this special season of love and giving, however, in order to meet the demands placed upon us, we would respectfully ask that all families set up an appointment to register as soon as possible,” said Pastor Burry.

To book a registration interview, please call 250-765-3450 and press option four. Appointments are being booked for Nov. 21  to Nov. 29 (weekdays)

For the past 97 years, The Salvation Army has been providing help and hope in the Central Okanagan. To learn more about the Sharing Christmas Food & Toy Program, please call us Monday to Friday 9 am to 4  pm at 250-765-3450 and press option four.

To learn more about The Salvation Army in the Central Okanagan, please visit kelownasalvationarmy.ca