The Salvation Army in Estevan is gearing up for a pair of their big annual drives.
The kettle campaign and the hamper campaigns are going to be in full swing again this year, as interviews for those who will apply for the hampers are coming soon.
“The kettles go out Nov. 29 and will be going till Dec. 22, except for Sundays,” said Maj. Heather Harbin of the Salvation Army.
The kettles will be out in five places this year, the Southern Plains Co-Op, the Estevan Shoppers Mall, Walmart, the government liquor store and Cliftons No Frills.
Volunteers with companies and service groups will be helping man the kettles.
“We’re currently signing up companies and service groups and then we’ll begin to phone individuals later in the month,” Harbin said. “We’ll be getting started on getting those volunteers in place.”
The sign-up for the Christmas hampers has started already, she said.
“If anyone wants to call and sign up for a hamper her, our number is 306-634-2074,” she said. “That’s going to go till Dec. 7. I think we’re expecting as many or more as last year.”
They are a part of the Community Hamper Association, which goes out to all of Estevan. Combined they typically fill between 350-400 of them annually.
People can either drop in to the Salvation Army to sign up or they can call. Harbin said it’s about half and half between those who call and those who go in person.
“Some people feel it’s just easier to call, and we fill out the application over the phone,” she said.
Getting involved in the hamper program creates a lot of benefits to those in the community.
“All of the busy-ness and everything, really the bottom line is that it just makes you feel so good,” Harbin said. “Especially when there are children involved, it’s always a special thing. But it’s exciting. There’s the excitement of helping out. And I’m sure everybody would say the same thing.”
People willing to donate their time of money directly to the hamper program can call the Salvation Army or drop in, Harbin said.
“Then that will be directed to the hamper campaign,” she said.
They will also be doing a mailout asking for donations.
Harbin also noted that the CP Holiday Train will be coming to Estevan Dec. 16 and the Power Dodge Estevan Bruins are having their Teddy Bear Toss Nov. 22. The organization is involved in both of those.
