Sarnia's Salvation Army is thrilled with the early response to this year's Red Kettle Campaign.
The yearly initiative kicked off November 18, and the community has already donated $56,000 to the cause.
It's ramping up this month, with kettles out at various locations across Sarnia every Monday to Saturday until Christmas Eve.
Campaign Coordinator Brenda Dunn said the community is always generous, noting they're well on their way to the $140,000 goal.
"So, we have around $84,000 to go," said Dunn. "We're optimistic because Sarnia has always come through, and in past years we've actually surpassed the goal. We're pretty confident that we'll be fine. I'm just astounded at how wonderful everybody is and I just can't thank everyone enough, it's been amazing. I'm the coordinator but it's the volunteers and the community that just fill my heart with how amazing and how generous they are."
Dunn said they put out a call for volunteers before the campaign started and is pleased with the number of people who have stepped up to help.
Donations will be used year round for things like the food bank, disaster relief, the thrift shop, dental care, eye glasses, and rent and utility assistance.
"For the Christmas campaign, I think they're making up about 600-plus hampers. Throughout the year, there are over 800 families plus individuals that need assistance. They also have a vehicle that is mobile to deliver prepared food. It goes around to different areas on Friday nights, we're trying to get it going more than one night a week, and it pairs up with the travelling nurse that goes to different spots where people can't access the services."
Last year’s campaign raised $166,360.
