Kelowna Salvation Army struggling to meet Christmas demand

KELOWNA, B.C. – They call them blessings: hampers filled with food and toys for Christmas Day and families in need in the central Okanagan have now begun receiving these packages to make the holidays brighter.

But this year, the Kelowna Salvation Army is falling short of funds, food and toys to meet the demand during the Christmas holidays.

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“Financially, right now, we are about 53 per cent of our goal,” said Pastor Darryl Burry. “Our goal for the Christmas season is $750,000.”

The Kettle Campaign around the Okanagan has fallen short of volunteers as well, impacting fund collections that pay for hamper items.

“We are asking the public that if you can help in those areas, either financially, with food donations or with toy donations in these coming days for Christmas Eve, it would be greatly appreciated.”

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Toys for 10-12 year old boys are needed the most, especially complex Lego building kits, said Burry.

Donations can be brought to the Sally Ann at the corner of Sutherland Avenue and Burtch Road.