The Salvation Army has begun ringing in the Christmas season with its annual Christmas kettle drive in Surrey.
Although $100,000 was raised last year through the kettle campaign, the Surrey Salvation Army hopes to up that total to $120,000 this year.
All the money raised will go towards helping nearly 550 families over the holiday season as well as providing various services for Surrey families throughout the year, as all donations made in Surrey stay in the Surrey area.
Since many local families have various special nutritional and dietary needs, this year the Salvation Army will be offering a Christmas breakfast and instead of giving out baskets of food, the families will receive gift cards that can then be redeemed at various grocery stores.
The money raised will also go to help families purchase clothing, furniture and food all year long.
The Salvation Army has been helping families across Canada for more than 100 years.
“The majority of people we serve are adults, married couples, singles or seniors,” said Pastor Lt. Josh Ivany, who runs the Salvation Army Surrey Community Church with his wife, Lt. Jennifer Ivany. “We try to help those who sometimes get forgotten.”
Currently 15 kettles are set up throughout the city but the Salvation Army is always looking for more volunteers.
If you are able to help out or would like to make an online donation, go to http://bit.ly/1Inq816 or email the Surrey Salvation Army Community Church at sasurreykettles@gmail.com