The number of people helped vary a little each year, says Captain Sharon MacLeod, but in 2011 they helped 240 families in need through the Christmas Hampers. Out of those families there were 177 children that received gifts as well.
The Kettle Campaign is the only fundraiser the church holds each year, and the funds raised go to all their initiatives to help those in need. Last year, they raised $17,620 over the Christmas season through the campaign. While the fundraising was good last year, she says, there was a drop in the number of gifts people bought in for the hampers. She hopes to see an increase this year.
To find families in need, each year the church puts out a call for applications for their Christmas Hamper program. This is so they know how many hampers they are going to need each year more so then eligibility.
"I've never turned anyone away in need," says Capt. MacLeod.
The Salvation Army sets up all over Queens County, but is probably most visible in the grocery stores and the Royal Bank.
Next to the kettles is the Christmas tree, with tags for children's presents. Each tag has an age or age range and the gender, so the person knows what kind of gift to buy. Those items are then dropped off to the Salvation Army.
Some businesses in town also sponsor families. Capt. MacLeod gets a wish list from the family for the business to collect, which is then given to the family.
Privacy is important, so no names are ever given out to those who buy gifts.
The Christmas Hampers are picked up a few days before Christmas.
"You know those who appreciate it by the way they look at you," she says.
