Vernon residents are urged to help those in need.
On Tuesday, Vernon’s Salvation Army launches its 2017 Christmas campaign.
“This year, we have set our kettle and mail-out letter campaign goal at $500,000,” said Stefan Reid, executive director.
“Over the past year, we have seen an influx of people and the need is higher than it has ever been. With the money raised, we are able to provide many different programs for women, children, and new this year, men.”
The kettle locations for this year are located at the following:
Alexander’s, Butcher Boys, Buy Low, Canadian Tire, London Drugs, Superstore, Walmart, Save On Foods – Village Green
Save On Foods – Polson Park, Safeway – Downtown, Safeway – Vernon Square, Village Green Centre, Village Green Liquor Store and Vernon Viper home games during December.
Volunteers are needed for the two-hour shifts from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday. All shifts this year will be inside. Visit www.vernonhouseofhope.com to sign up.
The kettle kick-off day will be Nov. 23 at Save On Foods at the Village Green Centre.
“We have also made some changes to our Christmas hampers this year. In the past, we have distributed actual food hampers and this year we are happy to announce we will be using gift cards from Save On Foods,” said Reid.
“The value of our hampers will not change and will reflect on the gift card. With this new approach, we are able to provide the dignity for people to shop at either Save on Food locations and be able to choose their own food for their Christmas meal.”
Hamper interview days are Nov. 28, 29 and 30, and distribution days are Dec. 18, 19 and 20.
The Salvation Army also has Christmas Angel trees out at Arrow Day Spa, Nolan’s Pharmacy, Colour Time Ceramics and Teeter Totter Toys.
At these locations, individuals or families can take an angel tree ornament from a location and buy for the age of the child/teen on the ornament. Gifts bought for the angel tree can be dropped off at the location of the tree or at the Salvation Army.
