The campaign to help people who lost their homes in the Victoria Towers fire last month has put a strain on the Salvation Army's kettle donation drive.
Christmas kettle donations are less than half of the total collected at this time last year and volunteers are desperately needed to help the Salvation Army reach its collection goal of $250,000.
"We're less than half of what we should be at this time of year and it's all related to not having enough volunteers," said Salvation Army Capt. Neil Wilkinson.
"Some of our volunteer crew is tied up still with the fire relief because we absolutely have to make sure the needs of those people are being met. On the weekend, of the 17 kettle locations we have around town, we were only able to get out 12 kettles on Friday and 13 on Saturday, and if we don't get the kettles out we don't get the funds."
The kettle total a year ago was about $55,000. As of the start of day Thursday, the running total was $26,000.
The kettle campaign money is used to fund the ministry's yearly activities, which including distributing food, clothing, and furniture; helping provide lodging; sending kids to summer camps. The Salvation Army also visits nursing homes and the hospital, providing Christmas gifts to all nursing home residents and hospital patients.
The kettles will be set up in front of stores and shopping malls, Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
"We're really looking forward to the community stepping up to help," said Wilkinson. "When the kettles get out they always generate the donations, but we have to get the volunteers for those donations to come in.
"It's an age-old fundraising activity that makes a huge difference in our community. When somebody comes by and drops a $20 bill in and says, 'There was a time when they were helped by the Salvation Army and I'm glad to help back.' There's no greater reward for standing by that Christmas kettle."
In addition to kettle bell ringers, the Salvation Army also needs volunteer help for answering telephones, general office work, packing food hampers, stocking shelves, sorting toys and clothes, assisting with mailing projects, helping seniors get involved in activities and for emergency disaster relief.
"We're looking for people who are interested in sharing Christmas spirit and Christmas joy," said Wilkinson. "We give hope not only to people in need. but to people who are overworked and busy at Christmas time. If we can create that hope of a great tomorrow for donors as well as recipients of our donations, that's the message we want to get out there."
Volunteers can call 250-961-9066 to connect with kettle co-ordinator Cindy Wolfe.
