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th ei fp .c a Th e IF P -H al to n H ill s | T hu rs da y, D ec em be r 10 ,2 02 0 | 16 It's no secret that chari- ties are facing extra chal- lenges this pandemic holi- day season, and the Georgetown Salvation Ar- my is no exception. With the traditional ket- tle campaign being called off due to COVID-19, the lo- cal church is appealing to the community for help in reaching its $80,000 fund- raising goal. The critical funds are used to serve families in need, whether it's through the church's food bank, with Christmas gifts and beyond. So far, about $8,500 has been raised this season. "This is our most impor- tant campaign in that it not only helps us at Christmas, but allows us to help people all through the year with whatever their needs might be," said Salvation Army Major Miriam Ste- vens, who's also the pastor at the Georgetown church. "We've had some great challenges this year due to COVID. "We're hoping we can still reach our goal in these very difficult days." While there won't be vol- unteers manning kettles throughout town due to pandemic restrictions, the Salvation Army has part- nered with Rogers to use a payment method called tip- tap -- a device that people can tap their debit or credit card on to donate. In Georgetown, these devices can be found at both LCBO locations and Walmart, with the church hoping to set up one or two more spots soon. A virtual Fill the Kettle campaign has also been launched, where local resi- dents can make a donation online at www.filltheket- tle.com or host their own kettle, serving as a virtual bell ringer to collect contri- butions from family and friends. "Some people are doing this (virtual kettle) as a team or as a family," said Georgetown kettle coordi- nator Karen Meers. "Every little bit helps. It's shocking how many people in the community are in need, and COVID has just ampli- fied that." The Salvation Army is also seeking toy donations to help local families this Christmas. The most need- ed items are: balls, My Life dolls, Polly Pockets, Roblox items, science experiment kits, Lego, over-the-ear headphones, wireless speakers, wireless mouse, Apple device chargers, hair dryers, curling irons and shaving kits for teen- age boys and girls. Gift cards for EB Games, West 49, Xbox, Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart, Ca- nadian Tire and Squirt's are also being sought to dis- tribute so that families can do some of their own holi- day shopping. Items can be dropped off in the donation box at Georgetown Market Place (near centre court) and at the church, located at 271 Mountainview Rd. S. The Salvation Army is hoping to receive the bulk of dona- tions by Friday (Dec. 11) and will continue collect- ing next week as well. Cheques can also be dropped off at the church. New COVID-19 proto- cols have been put in place for families benefitting from the donations, which will be distributed in a drive-through fashion at the church. With the pandemic put- ting a strain on many fi- nancially, Stevens thinks the Georgetown Salvation Army will see an uptick in demand for the program this Christmas and expects to serve at least 100 families and about 35 individuals. While the deadline for Christmas program appli- cations has passed, the church is still willing to ac- cept them by phone. Those in need can call 905-877- 1374. In the coming days, the Knights of Columbus will be hosting a drive-through kettle event in George- town. Further details to come. NEWS SALVATION ARMY IN URGENT NEED OF DONATIONS The Salvation Army has partnered with Rogers to use a payment method called tiptap - a device people can tap their debit or credit card on to donate at the kettles. Salvation Army photo MELANIE HENNESSEY mhennessey@ metroland.com Reading, writing, and numeracy are part of a larger set of essential skills that we use every day at work, at home, and in the community. Now more than ever, these skills also include basic computer and digital literacy skills. Strong essential skills enable you to achieve your goals, reach your potential, and navigate more easily in daily life. Essential skill levels are also strongly correlated with successful employment outcomes. "Canadians with lower literacy skills are more than twice as likely to be unemployed than those with higher level literacy skills." "Technology is changing how work is performed and what skills employers are seeking," stated a recent annual employer survey from the Peel Halton Workforce Development Group. "Employers emphasized the importance of computer skills and the ability to work with new technologies." Digital literacy is one of the most valuable tools for lifelong learning and skills building for employment. The Adult Learning Centre is a community-based, charitable organization providing local, individualized and group learning for adults. We offer a variety of part-time literacy and essential skills programs for adults aged 19+. Our Adult Tutoring Program (RSW+) offers one to one support in building reading, writing, and numeracy skills to grade nine level. Our tutor- led, small group Computer Skills for Work Program (CSW) assists adults in building their foundational computer, digital literacy, and business communication skills for employment. To prepare for college, apprenticeship, or to earn a high school equivalency certificate, we offer the Sheridan College ACE Academic and Career Entrance Program, and a GED Test Preparation Program. The COVID-19 pandemic has only highlighted the 'digital divide' in our communities. It has never been more important than NOW to enable adult learners by ensuring they have a computer, access to the Internet, and basic software. Please support us in our #GivingTech fundraiser and empower adults in our North Halton communities to reach their goals for employment, independence or further education and training. Source: communityliteracyofontario.ca; PHWDG Employer Survey(s) SUPPORT ADULT LEARNERS IN YOUR COMMUNITY adultlearningnh Advertorial DONATE today: ALNH.CA/donate "44% of Ontarians scored at the lowest levels in Problem Solving in a Technology Rich Environment (PS-TRE) in the OECD PIAAC international Survey of Adult Skills." @adultlearningnorthhalton @AdultLearningNH