Salvation Army captains Ben and Isobel Lippers said the kettle campaign kicks off at Walmart on Saturday.
And while volunteer positions are filling up, Ben says there are openings for two-hour shifts at all six locations.
In 2013, the SA provided more than 415 hampers and the Lippers anticipate as many will be needed in 2014.
By the end of September the SA had served 20,526 meals and given out 3,830 regular hampers at a value of $318,000.
“The demand is there, no doubt about it,” Ben says. “Right now our shelves are quite low. We need proteins like peanut butter, tuna, salmon and meat.”
Normally the Christmas hamper and toy campaign begins with the Winter Lights festival, but this year it will start on Nov. 15 because last year the campaign fell short by $24,000.
Food and toys will be distributed to needy families on Dec. 19. People interested in helping pack toys beforehand should call Sabrina at 250-392-2429.
Hamper registration day is Nov. 17-21 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the SA dining room. Final registration day is Nov. 27 from 1 to 4 p.m., also in the dining room.
The SA’s annual Christmas dinner will take place on Thursday, Dec. 25 at 12 noon.
Volunteers are needed to help set up and serve, Ben says.