by Sylene Argent
Because Santa needs a little help this time of year, the Essex Salvation Army hosted a toy drive before the Essex 73’s Tuesday night home games that took place at the Essex Centre Sports Complex on December 2 and 9.
During the drive, volunteers and church members of the Essex Salvation Army collected new, unwrapped toy items, which will be distributed to local youth of families facing economic hardships through the Christmas Hamper program.
Anyone who wishes to donate to the cause, but was unable to make either of the 73’s collection dates, can drop off new, unwrapped toys at the Essex Salvation Army Church.
The Essex Salvation Army is also in need of more volunteers to help man the Christmas Kettles at the two local grocery stores, Essex Foodland and Jeff’s No Frills. Kettles will also be set up at locations in Harrow and at the Amherstburg Walmart.
Between the Christmas Kettle Campaign and the Letter Campaign, the Essex Salvation Army is looking to raise $90,000. The donations collected through the Christmas Kettle and Letter Campaigns help the Salvation Army to provide a myriad of services and programs to those in need throughout the year.
Those interested in volunteering to man a Christmas Kettle, or would like to drop off new toys, can call the Essex Salvation Army Church at (519) 776-4628 to arrange a time.