The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle donations in Williams Lake for 2016 were almost on par with the previous year, despite a slightly shorter campaign period.
Some of the new figures also indicate that the need for Salvation Army services continues to grow in the lakecity.
The number breakfasts and lunches served at the Salvation Army’s dining room increased substantially between 2015 and 2016.
A total of 7,187 breakfasts were served in 2016 compared to 5,864 in 2015.
A total of 21,947 lunches were served in 2016 compared to 18,071 in 2015.
Visits to the Salvation Army’s drop-in centre also increased from a total of 755 visits in December 2015 to 1,312 visits in December 2016.
Records also show that in December 2015 a total of 375 breakfasts were served and in December 2016 a total of 1,705 lunches were served.
The Salvation Army reports that between November 28 and December 24, 2016 the community donated $58,574.65 compared to 2015 when $60,888.54 was raised between Nov. 14 and Dec. 24.
A total of 658 men, women and children were assisted with Christmas food hampers.
A total of 257 people attended the Salvation Army’s Christmas dinner held on Dec. 23.
During 2016 the Salvation Army’s family services program provided emergency food assistance for 3,931 adults, 362 teens, and 706 children.
The food assistance totalled $473,497 in either donated or purchased contributions.
A total of 673 people accessed the share shelf.
In 2016 the Salvation Army’s thrift store sold $14,328 worth of clothing and household goods.
