Donating for a Christmas cause

PENTICTON – If you’re looking to spread the Christmas spirit this year by donating to a charitable cause, there are Penticton organizations that can put your generosity to good use.

The Salvation Army is always a good bet when it comes to donating.

Joey Cyr, Food Bank Manager for the Salvation Army, said the organization hopes to provide 750 Christmas hampers this year. They are also providing a Christmas meal at the Trade and Convention Centre which will include gifts for kids.

“We have the mayor and volunteers helping out with that,” Cyr said. “We are always looking for volunteers to help out with the annual kettle campaign"

The Salvation Army hopes to raise $90,000, which will provide funding to see them through 2015.

"We need people to stand at the kettles and ring the bell,” Cry said.

As well, donations are also accepted. Cheques and cash can be dropped off at the Salvation Army Church, located at 2399 South Main St. The Salvation Army will also take food donations at the church’s food bank. They can be reached at 250-492-4788.

St. Vincent DePaul Society is also running a Christmas hamper campaign in the city. They are planning to deliver 375 hampers this year. Hamper donations must be in by Wednesday, December 17 in time for packing and distribution on December 20.

A 'Christmas Gift Tree' has been set up inside the St, Ann’s church (1296 Main Street) on the side alter. The tree has tags for teen and adult gifts. Tags are marked according to generation and gender and members of the public are encouraged to take one to purchase a gift worth approximately $10 to $15, appropriate to the tag taken. The gifts should be placed, unwrapped, under the tree.

St. Vincent DePaul also accepts gifts of food through 'Mary’s Pantry'. Contact the church at 250-492-4426  for more information on how to donate.

Penticton's Victory Church will be hosting their Christmas banquet on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. There is no cost for the dinner, everyone is welcome. Donations of prizes will be accepted from local businesses, who will be acknowledge for  their contribution.

The banquet takes place at Victory Church, 352 Winnipeg Street in Penticton

To contact the reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

This new item was updated on Dec. 15 to add information regarding the Victory Church Christmas banquet.