By Stephanie Froese

Christmas cheer helps families in need

Dec 15, 2010 | 6:38 AM

There’s still time to give the Salvation Army Christmas Cheer Fund.

Major Glenn Patey of the Salvation Army in Prince Albert, said the money from the 55th annual CKBI radioathon goes to fund their Christmas hamper program.

“It buys potatoes, it buys carrots, it buys whatever you put in for a Christmas dinner and plus other stuff like Kraft Dinner, soup, spaghetti-o's, ravioli, whatever kids will eat during a Christmas break,” he said.

Whatever is left over from the Christmas cheer fund, the salvation Army uses for their family services program throughout the year.

Patey said the whole point is to give families in need a better Christmas.

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“Hopefully it means that Christmas is less stressful. Whether you believe it or not a lot of people go through a lot of stress at Christmas and if you don’t have very much to begin with it causes a lot more stress.”

The Christmas cheer program costs about $50,000 a year, but Patey said it’s worth it.

“And you know we’ve never had anybody walk away from the door with a food hamper that wasn’t appreciative and didn’t say thank you. Just their (thanks) alone and to see the responses of the children and the parents, it’s always a joy to behold.”

At $13,068, Patey said the Salvation Army is close to where they need to be, but would like to see donations rise a little higher.

To donate for the Christmas cheer fund give at the Christmas kettles found at various stores around the city. You can also call 763-6078 or stop by the Salvation Army office.

sfroese@panow.com