Christmas this year is shaping up to look a whole lot different than what most of us are used to, due to this growing pandemic and impending provincial restrictions. But the need for charity isn't going anywhere – and in fact will be greater than ever this year.
Much of 2020 has been overshadowed by COVID-19, and the community needs that St. Albertans step up to fill each Christmas season remain strong: families going hungry, people sleeping out in the cold, parents struggling with the desperation of job loss and children alienated from their peers, all while carrying the added burden of worrying about this public health crisis.
St. Albert has many organizations that work to fill these needs each year, and each year around this time, some of them rally their volunteers and get to work making this season special for people who need it the most.
The St. Albert Kinettes have kicked off their annual Christmas hamper campaign, which takes a lot of legwork and a lot of community support to pull off. They're aiming to support 200 to 250 families this year, and are asking for gift card or cash donations. Their auction is going online, instead of being held in-person, and Fill-a-Bus is still set to happen on Dec. 5. They've also started an Adopt a Family program this year, suggesting donations of $100 per family member – money that will no doubt go a long way for families impacted by the pandemic.
For those of us who may not have money to give, but who have time on our hands, the Kinettes also need volunteers to drive and help sort food – last year, sorting alone took more than 1,000 volunteer hours.
The Salvation Army has also started up its annual Kettle Campaign, which raises money for the church's year-long community support efforts. Capt. Daniel Rowe, the new officer at the church, says one of the greatest needs he sees is helping people who've lost jobs – a recent city survey showed one in five residents had suffered job loss due to the pandemic. Kettles are currently set up at Walmart, London Drugs in St. Albert Centre, the Village Landing Save On Foods and Superstore, and will be set up at Costco as of Dec. 10, but the church is also taking online donations from those who can't or don't want to get out in person.
These worthy causes are not alone, though, and we can't forget about the many other organizations that help St. Albertans year-round, all of which need charitable support from our community. The Food Bank and Community Village, for example, is often on the front lines of social services in our city and helps some of St. Albert's most vulnerable residents.
These and many other charities risk being overshadowed by the daily blizzard of COVID-19 news, but the impact they have on the lives of those they help is immeasurable. They save lives and provide us with hope – and that's something we could all use more of this season.
Editorials are the consensus view of the St. Albert Gazette’s editorial board.
