The Salvation Army Christmas Kettles will be out in full force beginning this Friday, with volunteers ringing bells all across the city.
A dedicated force of volunteers is always needed for the annual campaign; between now and Christmas Eve, they'll put in a total of 3,800 hours. This year, the Salvation Army has set a goal of $160,000, their biggest fundraising effort of the years.
There are 13 locations set up for the Christmas Kettles, and volunteers put in two hour shifts. All of the money raised through the kettle campaign stays in Chilliwack, and helps the Salvation Army with ongoing needs including the food bank, family services, their soup kitchen, clothing and household vouchers, emergency services, homeless outreach and housing assistance, and more.
Anyone who wants to volunteer can call Chris at 604-792-0001.
Hamper sign up
Those wishing to sign up for a Christmas Hamper through the Salvation Army can do so now. The hamper office is now at 46144 Yale Road, and is open from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.
To apply, bring proof of income, proof of residence in Chilliwack, picture ID for the applicant and care cards for every member of the household. The deadline to apply for a hamper is Dec. 10.