Capt. Ben Lippers of the Salvation Army is praying that donations for their Christmas Campaign will improve.
“The community has always been so generous and supportive,” Lippers said Thursday, as he picked up toy donations from the Tribune’s Food and Toy Drive.
“We’re just praying they will be again.”
Lippers said the Salvation Army is almost entirely reliant on earnings from its Thrift Store and Christmas Campaign donations to get it through the year.
The Salvation Army operates the food bank, offers addictions programs and a drop-in centre. It also provides breakfast and lunch five days a week for those in need, serving up 27,500 meals last year alone.
Lippers said Saturday is Match Day at Walmart in Williams Lake, where the company will match donations made at the store’s Christmas Kettle up to $100,000, and appeals to the community to help those less fortunate by making a cash donation.
On Christmas Day, the Salvation Army will also be preparing a Christmas meal for 200 and urges anyone who may find themselves alone for the holidays to head down to the centre beginning at 11 a.m.
“We don’t want anyone to spend Christmas alone, whether you are a single or a senior, please come. It’s a community dinner.”