Army fights for great Christmas

The Salvation Army hopes to raise $12 million this Christmas from its combined kettle and mail drive, and so far it has collected $3 million. The kettle appeal, which was launched on November 12, has received $1 million from the Bank of Nova Scotia.

Hoping to reach the target, the kettle volunteers and workers are now spread out across Jamaica every day, depending on the generous hearts of everyone.

Letters have also gone out through the mail appeal to several businesses and individuals, which each year boosts the major fund-raising kettle drive.

Major Stanley Griffin, divisional commander for the Eastern Jamaica Division, said he was heartened and encouraged by the sacrifice persons are making to give.

"I am fully aware of the harsh economic situation everyone is experiencing and I appreciate that they are giving from a heart of love, making a sacrifice to give to someone else in need," he said.

Griffin said they have to plan wisely and creatively in the parcels they plan to distribute. "Last year, we gave out less parcels with more content. This year, we plan to give more parcels with less content," he said.

This Christmas, they hope to do over 10,000 parcels to be distributed to churches and communities, as well as 7,000 tokens for prisons. There will also be parcels for hospitals and infirmaries, and toys and candy packs for the children's homes.

Last year, The Salvation Army met its set target of $10 million, so they have stepped it up by $2 million this year. The money is not just used for its Christmas programme, but also to support all the charity organisation's social programmes throughout the year.

Admitting that even with met targets, the funds collected aren't adequate to take care of all the needs. Griffin, who took up the post in July, said they have to take into consideration the existing economy and the recession, but try to ensure that "every family has a great Christmas dinner".