The Salvation Army of Chatham-Kent is gearing up for its busiest time of year.
Families and individuals who need a helping hand this Christmas can now apply for assistance.
"People can register, they've been coming in since the first of November, and it goes until the end of November for people who need help at Christmastime with food, and toys for their children," said Major Stephen Holland. "Starting off we have about 100 people registered so far in Chatham, so it's starting to build up."
Holland added that they're giving out gift cards instead of food hampers again this year.
"We're not doing hamper boxes, we used to do that in the past. We found that it was difficult because of volunteers over COVID. So this year again we are going with gift cards. They get quite an amount of gift cards, and they can go buy whatever groceries they need. We find that's better for them, more dignity."
Toys will still be given out to children 12 years of age and under. Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the Salvation Army Church on Orangewood Boulevard in Chatham or at their thrift stores on Lowe Avenue in Wallaceburg and on Main Street East in Ridgetown by December 2.
Registration for the Christmas Assistance program is open until November 30. You can find more information on registering by clicking here.
"If you pop into one of our offices, Family Services office in Wallaceburg, Ridgetown, or Chatham, and fill out an application," said Holland. "Just bring some I.D. something with your address on it, and we'll see what we can do for you."
Red Kettles will also be going out in Chatham this Thursday, November 17th, and in Wallaceburg and Blenheim on the 24th. To volunteer to stand at a Red Kettle, call 519-354-8353, or visit their website, www.cksalvationarmy.org.