Dear friend,

Generations of Canadians have made donating to The Salvation Army their favourite way to help suffering individuals and families during the holidays. And it’s a wonderful Christmas tradition…

Children who would otherwise be overlooked get to experience the wonder of opening gifts of toys and clothes on Christmas Day. Families who are struggling to make ends meet receive food so they can share together in a festive holiday meal. The most vulnerable among us are welcomed in to share in the joy of the season.

But Christmas cheer is just a small part of what we provide. Through the generosity of caring people like you, The Salvation Army is meeting core human needs and bringing hope and restoration to those who need it most.

Will you keep the tradition going?

Please support our Christmas Campaign and give hope today by participating in one or more of the methods below:

1. Host a Christmas Kettle between November 12 – December 24, 2015! Gather family, friends, business colleagues together, or by yourself go for a few hours, a day, or several to spread holiday cheer in the community while collecting donations to support Salvation Army programs and help others in need. To begin, please complete the appropriate Online Kettle Host Application and email to volunteer@salvationarmyvcfs.com. To Host or Donate to an Online Kettle, visit www.fillthekettle.com, where you can also create your own friendly office competition against other departments or agencies!

To download a copy of our 2015 Volunteer Kettle Host Application, click here!

To download a copy of our 2015 Group Volunteer Kettle Host Application, click here!

2. Volunteer! Between November 16 – December 24, 2015, gather family, friends, or business colleagues together for a few hours or a day of packing toys for children and team building, or help us to unload and sort Toy Mountain on the eve of December 11, 2015! Individual volunteers are also needed to assist in the process of registering families for Christmas Assistance. To begin, please complete the appropriate Online Volunteer Application and email to volunteer@salvationarmyvcfs.com.

To download a copy of our Volunteer Application, click here!

To download a copy of our Group Volunteer Application, click here!

3. Donations by cash or cheque are accepted by mail or in person at The Salvation Army Vancouver Community & Family Services, 3213 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC, V5V 4B8. Or donate online by visiting our Online Donation Site. Be sure to designate your gift to The Salvation Army Vancouver Community & Family Services Christmas Assistance Program. Or donate by texting “HOPE1000” to 45678! A $5.00 charge will appear on your next mobile phone bill.

4. Purchase and deliver new, unopened toys to The Salvation Army Vancouver Community & Family Services, 3213 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC, V5V 4B8 or hold an Office Toy Drive! Encourage your colleagues to collect new, unopened toys, gift cards, or children’s clothing and allow us to distribute. Currently, we are in great need of gift cards for teens age 13-15, i.e. Cineplex, Indigo, Old Navy, H&M, Winners, Best Buy, Walmart, etc. Email donate@salvationarmyvcfs.com or phone 604-872-7676 to schedule drop off before December 24, 2015.

Please note, we are no longer able to offer the traditional Adopt-A-Family Program and facilitate meetups due to updated client confidentiality and privacy regulations, along with both client and donor security. We value your contributions to the community, and hope you continue to support us and the program recipients throughout this transition.

5. Collect essential toiletries and supplies such as: soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, socks, gloves, scarves, toques, blankets, new clothing along with other goodies such as chocolate treats and candy for The Salvation Army to distribute to both homeless and at-risk individuals living in Vancouver. Email donate@salvationarmyvcfs.com or phone 604-872-7676 to schedule drop off to The Salvation Army Vancouver Community & Family Services, 3213 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC, V5V 4B8, before December 24, 2015.

6. Purchase and deliver new, unopened, non-perishable food items to The Salvation Army Vancouver Community & Family Services, 3213 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC, V5V 4B8 or hold an Office Food Drive! Currently, we are in great need of: peanut butter, rice, macaroni & cheese, dry noodles, and canned soup, beans, vegetables, fruit, tuna, and meat. These items will be distributed to families in need of emergency food both at Christmas and throughout the year. Email donate@salvationarmyvcfs.com or phone 604-872-7676 to schedule drop off.