Salvos distribute cheer

The Salvation Army in Kwinana has helped provide for those who could not afford presents or delicious food on Christmas Day with its Christmas Cheer campaign.

Hampers of food and a toy store awaited families doing it tough last week, with more than 600 donated gifts that parents could choose from and have wrapped by the Army’s youth group.

Kwinana Salvation Army Captain Erica Jones said it had been an amazing response from the community, who had already helped more than 80 families.

“It’s a team effort, it’s the community that provides all of this and we simply distribute it,” she said.

“We had seven pick-ups from Kmart, three boot-loads and three trailer-loads of food and toys. We’ve also had amazing donations from Alcoa, Gilmore College, North Parmelia Primary School and Aubin Grove Primary School.

“People come in feeling like they’ve let someone down so to be able to come into our toy room and still have that shopping experience — there is joy, shock, surprise, a sense of hope.

“That’s what we want for Christmas this year, for people to know that there is still hope and joy even if life might really suck at the moment.”

The Salvation Army in Kwinana will also be holding a Christmas Day Service at 9.30am for the community.

“It’s a lot of fun, kids bring along their favourite toys and just enjoying being apart of a bigger family,” Mrs Jones said. “For Peter and I and our children, they’ve grown up doing this, so for them Christmas just isn’t about us, it’s about more than that, so for us if you are here at Christmas you’re getting to be part of our family.

“That what it’s about for us, community and making sure no one feels like they are alone because there is no need for that when there are so many people in the world.”

For assistance, contact the Kwinana Salvation Army on 9439 1585.