Local Christmas programs seeking donations

The need is great this year to ensure families in need have a merrier Christmas.

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The Brantford Salvation Army has officially kicked off its Christmas campaign and is taking registrations for its annual Salvation Army Community Christmas Program, which helped just over 700 families and individuals last year, including 1,001 children.

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And the Community Toy and Hamper program is back in the County of Brant, with applications for hampers being accepted until Dec. 19.

“The numbers were up at our year-round food bank,” said Maj. Darrell Jackson, pastor at the Brantford Salvation Army. “Many of the faces we’re seeing are new. Fortunately, we’re not the only food bank in town.”

Registration for the Salvation Army Community Christmas Program can be done – in person only – at 33 Diana Ave. in Brantford at the usual Wednesday and Friday food bank appointments; and on Tuesday, Nov. 21 from 10 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm; and on Tuesday, Nov. 28 from 10 am to 2 pm Valid identification for all members in the household is required, along with proof of income.

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The Community Christmas Program offers a grocery gift card for a Christmas meal. Children up to age 11 will receive toys, while those aged 12 to 14 will have the option of receiving a gift card. Donations of new, unwrapped toys, gift cards and monetary donations are being accepted at 33 Diana Ave.

“I tell people who are donating to pick out something your own children or grandchildren would be proud to receive,” said Jackson. “We don’t want children to be embarrassed about what they got. We want to give people as much dignity as possible.

“Every year, we get people in tears with gratitude because what they get will make a difference to their Christmas.”

Also underway is the Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle program, with a goal of collecting $85,000 in donations. Kettles are set up at the Paris Sobeys, Sobeys in West Brant, Metro on St. Paul Avenue, Walmart, and the Zehrs stores on Fairview Drive and King George Road. A kettle will also be set up at the LCBO on Market Street in December.

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Volunteers to stand at the kettles for two-hour shifts are urgently needed. Anyone interested can contact Maj. Lise Jackson at 519-752-7813.

All the money collected by the Salvation Army is used for local programs, said Jackson.

For the Community Toy and Hamper program in Paris, applicants must be residents of Brant County. Applications are available at brant.ca/en/community-and-support/In-Your-Community-Page/COMMUNITY-CHRISTMAS-PROGRAM.pdf. Completed applications can be dropped off at the Paris County of Brant customer service office at 66 Grand River St. North. Paper copies are also available at this location.

Monetary donations to the program can be made at the Paris customer service office. Donations of hats and mittens are also welcome.

Non-perishable food items can be dropped off at the Paris customer service office, Paris LCBO, Paris CIBC, Paris TD, YNCU Credit Union and The Full Plate. Local schools will be collecting items in November and December.

Hampers will be distributed Friday, Dec. 22 at the Paris Fairgrounds from 10 am to 1 pm

For more information, contact Shirley Simons at 519-442-3550.

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