With just over a week left of its Red Kettle campaign, Sarnia's Salvation Army is hoping to gain more traction as fundraising has been slow this year.
Capt. Brad Webster said so far about $85,000 has been raised, which is just over half of their fundraising goal of $165,000.
"Compared to previous years we've seen a downtick in the donations into the kettles, which is completely understandable," he said. "However, this money does go back into the community through our programs throughout the year, so our rental, our dental and medical programs, as well as our food bank."
Webster said, like other community organizations, the Salvation Army has noticed an increase in the use of their services and food bank.
Kettles will be out six days per week until December 23, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. For those without cash, all kettles have the tip-tap option to donate $5, $10, or $20.
"Kettles are out Monday through Saturday at various locations throughout the city: Walmart, Giant Tiger, Lambton Mall, Canadian Tire, the LCBOs on Fridays and Saturdays at Lakeshore Road and Quinn Drive, Superstore, Metro Northgate... just to name a few," he said.
On a positive note, Webster said many people have volunteered to help out this holiday season.
"Surprisingly enough this year, we have seen a great number of volunteers come out and most kettle shifts are actually completely full," he said.
"We thank the community for their volunteer hours, for their hard work, and for supporting us. Without them, we couldn't do what we do in this community. Next year, we celebrate 140 years in this community."
Meanwhile, "Santa's helpers" have been busy packing food and toy boxes for the organization's Christmas Hamper program.
Webster said nearly 700 hampers were packed this year, which is the largest number he's seen in the past five years.
Hundreds of hampers will be delivered this weekend. Hampers can also be picked up at 970 Confederation St. on December 18, December 19, and December 20.