Kingston Rideau Heights Day Camp Staff supporting Hamper and Backpack programs!

Student staff who oversee a Salvation Army summer day camp in Kingston were very busy this summer! Not only did they oversee the virtual Rideau Heights Church Day Camp, but they also helped support the backpack and food hamper programs.

The four high school and university students created videos on a YouTube channel with Bible stories, skits, craft instructions, games and singing. Three times a week camp supplies were dropped off at the families homes to coincide with the videos.

Without the children to look after in person this summer camp staff also helped organize and distribute backpacks, school supplies, snacks and food hampers for families in need. The Salvation Army received funding from Rogers and Agriculture Canada to purchase all the supplies.

Kingston’s west end Canadian Tire provided a discounted price for the backpacks and delivered them to The Salvation Army. To date about 300 backpacks filled with school supplies were given to families and over 100 food hampers were delivered to homes.

Lieutenant Kristie Marsh, Salvation Army officer at the Rideau Heights Church explains staff went door to door in the neighbourhood delivering flyers to see where there was a need for food. “So we filled the bags with non- perishables as well as bread, eggs, milk, cheese and fresh vegetables from the community garden we participate in.” Lieutenant Kristie says they are still trying to get the word out that there is still food left if anyone is in need.

Katherine Winsor, Salvation Army Youth and Family Ministry Director says the staff enjoyed making the food hamper deliveries to homes. “I think they missed having the kids at the church this year and delivering the craft and science kits,  being out in the community and having a chat at a distance helped. We really missed that socialization with the community, so it’s been nice.”

Katherine says there are also a lot of backpacks available for people to pick up safely if they are in need. “We put tables outside with backpacks in boxes and families come and choose the ones they want and then we take them out and fill them with supplies,” said Katherine.

If you would like to support The Salvation Army Rideau Heights Backpack or food hamper program or are looking for assistance please contact Lieutenant Kristie or Thomas Marsh at 613-541-3947.  Donations can also be made online at www.salvationarmy.ca