Among all of the toys and gifts donated at Tribune's 13th annual Christmas Food and Toy Drive was a bright red mountain bike that will go to one lucky teen this year.
Salvation Army Capt. Isobel Lippers said that names of all the teens on their Christmas wish list were put in a box and a draw was made to decide which of the teens will receive the bike.
When she saw the bike come through he Salvation Army doors Saturday after the food and toy drive was finished, Lippers, said her first reaction was "wow."
"We are appreciative and thankful to the community for all of the donations," Lippers said.
A total of 38 businesses supported the Tribune's food and toy drive by providing gift certificates and gifts to give in exchange for community members who made donations for food, toys, and funds to help the Salvation Army help those less fortunate in our community this Christmas.
Three grand prizes were also donated by local businesses for the grand prize draw donors were also eligible to enter as part of the campaign.
Florence Doxtator won the round trip for two to Vancouver via Pacific Coastal Airlines; Phyllis Robinson won the waterproof heavy duty action camera donated by Canadian Tire; and William Elkins won the 30-inch sink vanity donated by Allcraft Kitchen En’ Counters.
Five truck loads of toy and food donations were delivered to the Salvation Army in trucks loaned for the day by Cariboo GM. Members of the Midget Timberwolves team helped Tribune staff to unload the donations at the Salvation Army.
"I'd like to thank the generosity of the many merchants who participated in the Tribune's 13th annual Food and Toy Drive," said Tribune/Weekend Advisor publisher Kathy McLean. "And a huge shout out to our Midget Timberwolves Hockey team."
She said it was also very inspiring to have Salvation Army Cpt. Ben Lippers in attendance during the event.
And of course she said the success of the Tribune's annual Christmas food and toy drive wouldn't be possible without all of the wonderful people who make the donations.
"We are blessed to live in such a wonderful community," McLean says.
"Merry Christmas to all."