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Ntaasutitii COMMUNITY CALENDAR • LIFESTYLES • SPORTS • COMMUNITY CORRESPONDENCE • TV LISTINGS Wednesday, December 9, 1998 Charity Starts At Home npers by Jennifer Stone Staff Writer Without some help from the community, Christmas may not be so merry for a number of Clarington residents this year. According to Lt. Doug Stevens of Bowmanville's Salvation Army, about 225 families families will request hampers from his organization this Christmas season. "One of the fastest-growing areas of need is people who are mortgage-poor," remarks Stevens, adding, "They're making ends meet... but just don't have anything extra" to spend over the holidays. Starting December 4, the Salvation Army's Christmas Kettles were set up in Bowmanvillc. Kettle locations include the Liquor Store, Bowmanvillc Mall, Zellers, and Canadian Tire. Through the Christmas kettle campaign, the organization hopes to raise about $ 12,000. A further further goal of $60,000 has been set for the Salvation Army's letter-writing campaign. Money raised will not only go toward the group's Christmas needs, but will help the Salvation Army's Family Services agency remain open through the coming year. The funds will also help send children to camp and pay for a "Moms and Tots" programs run by the Church. Stevens says, with each passing year, "the gap gets wider. The middle class is disappearing" in places like Clarington. Needy people are not unusual in this municipality, he says. "It is a lot more common than the people of Clarington realize," he observes. Over the Christmas season, the organization works to put together hampers for families in need. Hampers include food, gifts and toys. While local businesses or residents can opt to "sponsor" a family, Lt. Stevens says it's sometimes better to collect the cash required to put a hamper together, rather- than trying to come' up with each of the requirements of a hamper, as the Salvation Army can often get bulk discounts on food. A hamper typically costs about $225 to put together, and includes not only the makings of a Christmas dinner, dinner, but food to help the family get through a few weeks following the holiday. The Salvation Army hopes to pick up donations from the various drop-off locations by December 17th, so hampers can be made up and distributed two days before Christmas. Lt. Stevens says every effort is made to screen applicants before they receive hampers. "We liaise with the Oshawa Salvation Army and other charitable organizations to ensure there is no duplication," he says. Lt. Stevens says it's important to remember the needy in the community, not only during the festive season, but throughout the year. "The Bible tells us, 'Jesus said, the poor you shall have with you always,"' he says. How To Help Out A number of locations have been set up for residents to drop off food and toys for the Salvation Army's Christmas drive. They include: ■ The Canadian Statesman office, Blockbuster Video, Oak Country, the Old Scugog Road Christmas Light Tour, Lifestyles Health and Fitness, SAAN Store, Bank of Montreal, Duca Credit Union, the Salvation Army Thrift Store or Food Bank, Community Care, Carnation Flower Shop, and a number of local schools. Lt. Doug Stevens of the Salvation Army says there's a special need this year for gifts and toys for children aged seven through 11. Children up to age 16 receive gifts in Christmas hampers. Suggestions for donations for- the toy drive include: Fisher Price Little People Sets, Disney characters, Lego sets, Polly Pocket sets, Barbie outfits, Tonka Toys, educational toys, family games, sports equipment, backpacks, sweat shirts, hair dryers, curling curling irons and cosmetics. The Salvation Army is also hoping to hear from volunteers willing to help with the Christmas Kettle locations. Volunteers must be at least 17 years of age. For more information, call 623- .2185. Bowmanville's Salvation Army, looks for donations from passers-by in downtown downtown Bowmanvillc. The Salvation Army will provide hampers for about 225 local families this holiday season, says Lt. Doug Stevens, Corps Officer and Pastor at the Bowmanvillc church. If You Could Use A Hand Anyone wishing to apply for a Christmas hamper through the Salvation Army is invited to call 623- .2185, or to drop into the Salvation Army's Family Services office at 115 Church Street in Bowmanvillc. Lt. Doug Stevens of the Salvation Army asks that requests for hampers be made as far in advance of Christmas as possible. Where to Help in Newcastle The Clarington East Food Bank in Newcastle is also accepting donations for the Christmas season. Food bank officials say there is a special need for the following items: school lunches, coffee, canned fruit, cereal, canned meat, shampoo and rice. Items can be dropped off in Newcastle at Stedmans, the IGA, or at the food bank. Clarington East Food Bank is located at 87 Mill Street North, Lower Level. Hours of operation operation are Tuesday from 1 p.m. until 4 p.ra., and Thursday, 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Cash donations are also gratefully accepted. Include a name and address if a tax receipt is required. y Moonlight Magic event. Andrew Farr (photo on right) displayed samples of his woodwork woodwork and encouraged people to take up the hobby. A handbell choir (photo above) entertained passers-by, playing traditional Christmas enrols with an assortment of bells. The evening also included community carol-singing, a message from the Ministerial Association, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs, Claus.