Final push for struggling holiday donation campaigns

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The Saint John Police Force is putting out a final call for donations to its Holiday in a Box fundraiser as contributions collected so far this season founder at just half last year’s number, while the Salvation Army has lost ground in its annual Christmas Kettle Campaign.

The Saint John Police Force’s annual donation drive collects shoeboxes filled with essential items for Saint John’s most vulnerable adults.

Last year, the force collected 675 boxes, said Police Chief Robert Bruce. With two days left in this year’s program, they’ve received just under 300.

“I think, you know, there’s a lot of competing interests out and there and I think it’s a sign of the times too,” Bruce said.

“We have more vulnerable people,” he added, noting that with the rising costs of living, some people may not have the money to spare on making charitable donations this year.

“We have people that have more pressures at home as far as putting food on the table.”

This is the force’s third year of the Holiday in a Box program, which is done in conjunction with the city’s five priority neighbourhoods.

Bruce said it was developed to fill a gap for initiatives that provide gifts for adults in need during during the holiday season.

Donations of toiletry items; socks, hats and gloves; stationary items; playing cards; candy and gift cards are all on the recommended list of items to fill a box.

“Pretty much like essential items,” Bruce said. “Simple things that people take for granted: toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, nail clippers, shampoo, deodorant, socks.”

“Then maybe some treats like candy or chocolate,” he added.

I can tell you right now, if somebody walked around with us in Waterloo Village and had the conversations we have during the day, we'd have 10,000 boxes.

Robert Bruce

The force will deliver the boxes to the priority neighbourhoods on Friday, to be distributed to those in need by community groups, Bruce said.

Filled shoeboxes can be dropped off to the police station on Wednesday and Thursday, he added. Gift wrapping is done at the station.

Tamara Kelly, chair of the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners and executive director of ONE Change, said she’s seen first-hand the difference the boxes make.

“I can tell you from witnessing them being given out in the community, there are a lot of people in our community that do not have family still around, that do not have a support network, and then you do have a lot of single parents that the main focus is the child,” Kelly said.

“It is really well received, and nobody has any leftover for sure.”

Bruce said the city’s vulnerable population is growing.

“There’s no hiding it. It’s everywhere,” he said.

“I can tell you right now, if somebody walked around with us in Waterloo Village and had the conversations we have during the day, we’d have 10,000 boxes.”

Even with the lower donation numbers, Bruce said he’s grateful to those who have donated.

“I would never be disappointed with the number of boxes we’ve got,” he said. “Because I know that everybody’s done what they can do to contribute.”

Salvation Army donations 56 per cent off goal

With just 10 days more to go, the Salvation Army is only at 44 per cent of its goal of $215,000 in its Christmas Kettle Campaign.

The annual fundraiser is the organization’s largest of the year, said Jason Brinson, lieutenant and corps officer for the Salvation Army in Saint John.

“We still need almost $120,000 to get to our goal,” he said.

The donation drive supports year-round initiatives, funding personal care items, financial assistance, the organization’s Hope Cafe and recovery program as well as services it provides during local emergencies, Brinson said.

“We want to be sure that we can help everyone who needs supports at Christmastime. We want to bring joy to everybody,” he said.

Brinson said the Salvation Army also gives out meals and toys for Christmas. Demand for this program has increased this year, he added, and the organization is still looking for new toys for children from infants to age 13.

With just a few more days to go in fundraising, Brinson said people can make the most out of their donation on Thursday, Dec. 14, with Scotiabank locally matching all donations up to $15,000. On Saturday, Dec. 16, Brinson said Walmart nationally is matching Kettle donations up to $100,000.

“We’re grateful for the the community for their support,” Brinson said.

“At the kettle, for example, if somebody has 50 cents, that 50 cents still helps. If somebody has a toonie that still helps,” he continued.

“I think recognizing that whatever people are able to contribute goes a long way to help us to be able to help others.”