By Leah Murray

The Salvation Army is looking for help this Christmas

Dec 12, 2017 | 4:22 PM

MEDICINE HAT – Just a few dollars can help make a change this Christmas season and the Salvation Army is hoping to garner some extra support from people in Medicine Hat.

The annual kettle program is doing well, but the letter campaign is struggling this year, so overall donations are down 30 per cent.

The organization has a fundraising goal of $350,000 but needs at least $275,000-$300,000 to cover expected expenses in 2018.

“It’s essential,” said executive director Major Murray Jaster. “Without the community and the people of Medicine Hat supporting us, we cannot do what we do.”

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The Salvation Army provides a number of community programs and services. Every Christmas they put together food and toy hampers, delivering them to families in need. They also provide a shelter for people who are experiencing homelessness.

In the last two years, the organization has expanded their services, opening a year-round community resource centre in the basement of the 5th Avenue Church.

The centre helps provide people with basic needs and supplies. Staff there work to connect individuals and families with other community resources and services.

There’s also a hot meal program Monday to Friday for those in need. Connie Dulle, director of business administration, said there has been a large increase in the number of people utilizing that program.

“I would say last year we were probably in around the low 60’s,” said Dulle. “Today, we have some nights that we have up to 80 [people].”

With donations down, the organization says it may have to look at cutting back funding to some of its programs and initiatives in 2018.

“We would just have to get together as staff and determine the needs of the resource centre, the people coming in,” said Dulle. “[Figure out] what is the most desperate need and live within our means.”

The Salvation Army is appealing to the public for donations and says a few dollars can help make a big change.

“There’s so many of us that say we’re one pay cheque away from being there ourselves and we’ve helped many people who’ve said we never ever thought we’d be in this position,” Dulle said.

The Salvation Army is making it easier than ever for people to contribute. Donations can now be made online through www.fillthekettle.com

Just search for your city, click the donate button and fill out the online form.