CHOK's 51st annual Gift of Christmas has been launched with the pandemic having created unprecedented need.
Lieutenant Brad Webster said since the pandemic started, the Sarnia Salvation Army has seen about 175 new families seeking assistance.
"Everything has been a little different this year, we've witnessed substantial numbers coming in and out of our food bank, coming in and out of our Christmas hamper applications," he said. "We're actually booked solid through to the end of the month. We are now actually double and triple booking some of our appointments and calling all hands on deck just to make sure that no child, no family goes without a Christmas this year."
Webster said they expect to distribute well over 500 gift hampers to area families, including over 600 children.
"It's a huge number because that is a family number, so that represents a family, that doesn't represent individuals," said Webster. "These could be families of four, five, six or seven people in each family."
Donations of unwrapped children's toys and gift cards can be dropped off at the Salvation Army or Giant Tiger on London Road until December 10.
Hamper registration is underway until Friday, November 27, by appointment only, at the Salvation Army church on Confederation Street. Call 519-330-0594 to book an appointment.
Residents are reminded to bring with them I.D. for everybody in the household, proof of residence and proof of income.
Hamper distribution is scheduled to begin on December 14th.
Lambton Ford President Rob Ravensberg said, with no Sarnia Sting Teddy Bear Toss game this year, they'll be collecting stuffed toys at the drive-through Santa Claus parade Saturday, December 5.
"We were able to get the Teddy Bear Toss back in action for 2020 even with everything that's going on," said Ravensberg. "So we'll have drop off stations going into the parade over at the college, so you can stop and toss a teddy bear out the window to us and we'll get it collected and make sure we get it to the charities we deliver to each year."
In the past, the stuffed toys have been distributed to 18 local charities and organizations to help them fill their Christmas wish lists.
McDonalds and UA 663 Plumbers Pipefitters & Welders also continue their longtime support of the Gift of Christmas.
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