Registration is underway for Sarnia's Salvation Army 2025 Christmas hamper program.
Captain Brad Webster said the signup will run Tuesday to Friday for the next two weeks, November 18 to 21 and November 25 to 28.
"It will be right here at 970 Confederation Street at the Salvation Army front doors, and that will happen between 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and then from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.," Webster said.
With donations down and increased need, proof of household income and other information is needed for hampers.
"They'll require identification for everyone in the household, for the children and the adults," Webster said. "They come in, fill out an application and then we will arrange a pick up date for them on either December 16 or 17."
Webster said the rules are a bit more lenient for toys.
"Any family that comes in and needs toys, we'll have something under the tree for the young one this Christmas," he said. "We'll make sure that no child goes without a Christmas."
Webster said he really understands the impact this program has on people.
"I grew up with a single mother, and I was the recipient of some of these hampers during those days," he said. "I remember the bags coming in, and my mom bringing them in from the Salvation Army, and it joys me that I'm able to participate and give back to this community in that way."
The food bank will close during the second week of December in preparation for the hamper distribution program.
Webster said just under 700 families received hampers in 2024, and they're planning for 700 this year.
"If you want to drop off a donation, whether it's an unwrapped toy, financial donation, or some extra cans of food that you picked up at the store, it can be dropped off here, 970 Confederation Street, Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.," he said. "We do have a giving tree at Lambton Mall. So, if you're in Lambton Mall and you happen to pick up a toy, or have a new toy, they can be dropped at that tree."
A toy drive, known as Operation Christmas Mountain, will also be held at Lambton Mall from November 20 to 22.
