With hundreds of local households requesting Christmas Hampers this year and at least 75 families accessing the Trail Salvation Army’s “Toy Shop,” a local financial institution and business have teamed up with the ministry for a “Stuff the Sprinter” winter drive.
“With the holiday season around the corner, communities are ramping up efforts to support those in need through food drives and fundraisers,” says Paul Butler, branch manager at Kootenay Savings Credit Union in Trail.
“After a decade of success with the annual ‘Stuff the Bus’ campaign, the tradition continues with Kootenay Savings Credit Union and Ferraro Foods partnering with the Salvation Army to help those in need this holiday season.”
Last year’s drive collected an impressive 4,200 pounds of non-perishable food and winter clothing, as well as $7,600 in cash donations, enabling the Salvation Army to distribute Christmas hampers to over 450 households in Greater Trail.
This year, the newly-named “Stuff the Sprinter” drive will take place on Nov. 15 and Nov. 16, with the Salvation Army sprinter van stationed at Ferraro Foods in Trail and Rossland from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Volunteers from Ferraro’s, Kootenay Savings, and the Salvation Army will be on site to accept non-perishable food, monetary donations, and new or gently used coats and winter outerwear.
“Every donation, whether food or funds, makes a vital difference,” Butler noted, adding that financial contributions allow the Salvation Army to stretch resources and provide more meals for those in need.
“Together, we can help our neighbours stay nourished and supported this winter.”
Deanna Peters, community ministries director for the Trail Salvation Army, shared insights from last year’s Christmas Assistance and Food Bank Services.
In 2023, over 75 families visited the Toy Shop, where they could Christmas shop with the help of a “Happy Elf” shopping assistant.
Depending on donations, families select four to six toys per child, including stocking stuffers.
The Christmas food assistance program provided hampers to over 450 households last year, in addition to regular monthly hampers.
Each hamper included a Christmas dinner, breakfast, and holiday treats, along with extra pantry items to help stretch resources through the season.
Beyond Christmas, the Salvation Army’s General Food Services program at Sally’s Place on Cedar Avenue, serves 60 to 80 meals Monday through Friday, with numbers reaching up to 120 in the summer.
As winter approaches, they expect demand to increase.
Peters describes Sally’s Place as a welcoming environment aimed at reducing the “us versus them” stigma.
“Even though some days are quite challenging,” she said.
Since June, the Cedar Avenue food bank has provided nutritional support for 2,000 households, adding one to four new households each week.
Open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon, the food bank assists 10 to 40 households per visit, serving individuals to families of six or more.
“We receive fresh vegetables and bread weekly, which we put out on tables for guests,” Peters explained. “Lightly damaged goods, like dented cans that are still good, are also available, along with personal hygiene items.”
Those without appointments are welcome to come in for fresh bread, produce, and other available items.
These visitors, considered “drop-ins,” still receive assistance, but are tracked anonymously.
