The Salvation Army in Picton is Bringing Joy to Local Families This Christmas

Many families are feeling the strain of COVID-19 this holiday season. The Salvation Army in Picton is working with community partners to bring joy to local families by providing Christmas hampers, Christmas trees and toys for children.

This year, The Salvation Army in Picton saw a 35% increase in families requesting Christmas hampers and children’s toys. Lieutenant Donna Ludlow from The Salvation Army in Picton says “This year, we have distributed over 90 Christmas hampers and it shows the need in our community.”

Christmas hampers include non-perishable and perishable foods, as well as $25 gift cards to help with buying a turkey, ham or other food items. Toys were provided for families with children. Christmas trees were also available for families in both a smaller 2 ft. tree or a larger 6.5 ft. tree.

Lieutenant Donna saw the impact of the Christmas trees firsthand, explaining, “For those who didn’t have a tree, they were very excited to get one. We were surprised by the amount of people that didn’t have a Christmas tree. It made me realize how much I take a tree for granted. It was nice to have the opportunity to bless people with a Christmas tree this year.”

Families who received Christmas hampers and Christmas trees were thankful for the joy it brought to the holiday season.

“My wife and I are helping to raise our grandkids, and this is one of those years where you need a bit of extra help, and I appreciate that The Salvation Army is here to help us, I really do. We are putting up the Christmas tree as soon as I get home,” said one gentleman who received a Christmas tree.

Another person shared, “I didn’t celebrate Christmas last year, as money has been tight. This year, having this tree is really going to brighten it up for the kids, and it is helping to put us in the Christmas spirit! It means a lot to me and my grandkids.”

The Salvation Army in Picton worked with other local community partners to provide the hampers and toys to families. “The community is so generous and supportive. We have such a wonderful community here,” said Lieutenant Donna.

Lieutenant Donna shared an example of how the Picton community came together to make one family’s Christmas bright. “There was a gentleman who wanted a tree but he couldn’t afford the decorations. Our church put a post out on social media to ask the community to help bring in Christmas tree decorations, and with their support, we were able to give him the tree and decorations to go with it! He has two small boys, and he is going to surprise them with the tree, as well as toys to put under it.”

It is with the continued support of those in the community that The Salvation Army can brighten the holidays and provide these additional services this year, especially in this time of celebration and giving.

When you support The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign, you help brighten the holidays of local families.  Donate online at FillTheKettle.com and give hope today!

By: Heather Prystanski