As the weather chills, the need for food heats up.
With the numbers of those needing help continually on the rise, Salvation Army community co-ordinator Dave Byers is busy prepping for the busy season ahead.
There are a number of needs and a number of ways in which to fill them.
The annual kettle campaign began yesterday and the call is out for volunteers willing to spend two-hour shifts at the following locations – Zellers and centre court at the Mall at Piccadilly, the liquor store on Lakeshore, Centenoka Park Mall in front of the Wholesale Club and if enough people volunteer, Canadian Tire.
There are several opportunities to enjoy entertainment and support the food bank by taking non-perishable food items with you.
The puck drops on the SilverBacks annual food bank game this Friday, Nov. 18 at Sunwave Centre.
The 20th annual but newly named Sleigh of Hope Jamboree rolls out at the Mall at Piccadilly Friday and Saturday, Nov. 18 and 19, with musicians and dancers, from 9:45 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday and 9:45 a.m. to 5:05 p.m. Saturday.
Those attending the Louisiana Hayride Christmas show Friday, Nov. 25 are asked to take a donation of non-perishable food items and again to the Community Carol Sing at the Gathering Place Dec. 4.
Plans for another exciting annual event, the CP Rail Holiday Train, are underway with the train arriving in Salmon Arm at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14.
Lakeside Community Church helped get the fall ball rolling with its Oct. 29 door-to-door Knock Out Hunger campaign in which they collected 3,579 pounds of food.
Topping Byers’ food-want list are peanut butter, jam, meat, pasta, sauces, pork and beans, meat.
“Basically it’s all about protein right now,” he says.
Also in short supply are toys for toddlers and up. They can be dropped off at the Sleigh of Hope in the Mall at Piccadilly, at Santa’s Station of Giving at Centenoka Park Mall or the Salvation Army Church.
Food, including turkeys can also be dropped off at the church which is located at 191 Second Ave. NE.
Applications for Christmas hampers may be picked up at the church beginning Friday, Nov. 18 and are due back by Friday, Dec. 2. Applications must be accompanied by two pieces of ID, a welfare statement and/or a piece of mail with address.
The forms are also available at the Family Resource Centre at the corner of the Trans-Canada Highway and Alexander Street and the Ministry of Income Assistance at 16th Street NE (old Forestry building).
Businesses, families and private individuals are also welcome to “adopt” a family this Christmas, putting together a package of holiday foods, gifts and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Call David Byers at 250-832-9194 for more information, to donate or to adopt a family.