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Times are still tough, but the Salvation Army to at least meet- ing, if not surpass, last years goal. This years goal is $115,000, which will not only go to its Christmas Assistance Program, but will directly fund the pro- grams it operates year-round in Oakville. We have a great need for volunteers and have a shortage of people phoning this year to volunteer in this way, said Aisha Chaney, community and family services co-ordinator for the Oakville Salvation Army. The Salvation Army assists about 150 families throughout the year. The numbers climb at Christmas for numerous rea- sons, said Chaney. Last Christmas, the program assisted 747 families that rep- resented 1,233 adults and 2,424 children. People must register in per- son to benefit from the program. Registration requires showing identification for all members of their family and demon- strating they are not receiv- ing assistance from anoth- er agency. Once qualified, the fam- ily is invited to attend the Salvation Armys Toy Depot this year at 105 Cross Avenue on a specific date and time. At that time, parents are able to shop for gifts for their children and are issued food vouchers redeemable at local stores. In both instances, the people are then provided the choice of providing the gifts and food they wish for their family. Were really proud of the fact that all parents are given the choice of what theyd like to provide for their family, said Chaney. The trend of offering that, which Chaney said instills dignity, is one that has been offered for several years in Oakville and, this year, has been picked up by the Salvation Army on a national basis. This years theme is Dignity for All, said Broome. The Salvation army considers dignity a fundamental human right. Three additional kettle locations have been added this year to bring the num- ber to 12 Oakville Place, upper and lower levels; Hopedale Mall, Walmart, Superstore, Fortinos, Bronte Village Mall Sobeys and five LCBOs (Dorval Crossing, downtown Oakville, Hopedale Mall, Oak Walk Drive and Cornwall Road). Volunteers are needed urgently to put in three- hour shifts on the kettles. Its a great experience for local students to earn community service hours, church groups, service clubs, families, businesses and others, said Chaney. Oakville is an affluent community and those that have, have and those that dont, really dont, said Broome. The economy and rising living costs have created more need in the commu- nity, but Broome said often the greatest needs that exist, do so despite the state of the economy. Others need support at Christmas because theyre just making do the rest of the year, but the additional stresses of the holidays particularly for those try- ing to fill their childrens wish list is beyond what they have the capacity to meet, explained Chaney. Throughout the year, the Salvation Army in Oakville provides food through its food bank, clothing and other assis- tance to those in need, referrals to other agencies and programs and the Lighthouse shelter for those with no where to live. Chaney said its gratify- ing to see a parent go into the Toy Depot and find a gift their child has seen on TV, in an ad or at the store and put on their wish list for Santa. Theyre able to provide their child what he or she really wanted and thats special, said Chaney. Centre City Capital Ltd. has donated the Cross Avenue location for use during December. J. Lockwood has provided a van for pickup and delivery of donations. Volunteers who may want to put in a shift or two at a kettle, can call Kathy at 416-684-6435 or e-mail Chaney at community@salvation- armyoakville.ca. In launching the 2010 Kettle Campaign, the national Salvation Army is also using Google to allow donors to track giving and fill local kettles by visiting www.FilltheKettle.com. So this year, the Salvation Army Christmas kettles will appear on street corners across Canada around Oakville and on Google Maps allowing donors to locate and make a secure online donation directly to individual ket- tles in their community. Anyone can go to www.salvationarmy.ca and fill one of our local kettles online, said Chaney, I am hopeful that this will increase donations as it is a very convenient way for people to donate. Salvation Army helps provide dignity to those in need Continued from page 1 w w w . o a kv ill eb ea ve r.c o m O A KV IL LE B EA V ER Th ur sd ay , N ov em be r 2 5, 2 01 0 1 0