Salvation Army Kettle Drive Starts November 19th.

The Miramichi Salvation Army is looking for the support of Miramichiers in its annual kettle drive. The kettle drive, which is the at the core of the charity’s annual fundraising efforts, kicks off November 19.  And not a moment too soon, said Captain Wilson Sutton, Captain Wilson Sutton, the community ministries director for the Miramichi Salvation Army.

“Out of three of the last six months I was over what I projected,” Sutton said Thursday at his office on Pleasant Street in Newcastle.

“I was over by one full month by what I had allocates,” he said.

While many people think of the Salvation Army only at Christmas, the organization is doing what it can for the less fortunate all year round.

Sutton said his organization helps about 50 families per month with everything from rent to groceries.  "Anywhere from 50 to 100 people,” he said.

They also give away Christmas hampers to the needy.  “On the Newcastle side we took 150 applications for Christmas hampers this year. We were fortunate that some other groups sponsored some of the families which helped.”

His organization needs help form the local community to make this happen.  “We know there’s gonna be a big demand this year so were looking for help from the public,” he said.

The kettles will be set up at both Miramichi liquor stores, the Sobeys stores in Newcastle and Chatham, Wal-Mart, the Atlantic Superstore in Newcastle, the Save Easy in Chatham and Northumberland Square Mall. One will also be set up at the Beaubear Co-op for the first week.

“We’re looking for volunteers for those,” he said.

They are also offering a new program called Fill The Kettle, where the public can go online and donate electronically.   “And all that money will stay on the Miramichi,” he said.

Last year the Salvation Army raised $48,000 during their kettle campaign. He’d like to see that go up a bit.  “I’d like to see us up to $50,000 this year,” he said.  Sutton said he realizes times are hard right now, but donation from the public are essential to the work the Salvation Army does in the community.

“Together we can make a difference. Let’s not forget the less fortunate this year,” he said.  “I believe that people can have an impact on other people’s lives.”

The Salvation Army is continuing its Friendship Suppers this year and there’s a lot of call for those free meals.  “The numbers are quite high on those. Up to about 40 on that.”  As well, he said they are always looking for good quality donations for the Thrift Store.

“We are really getting good support from the community. We’ve been here for over 120 years, and Lord willing, we will be here for 120 more.”

“Our motto is giving hope today and that’s what we want to do. There’s always hope,” he said.

“When I look at the Miramichi, when the chips are down, that’s when people do value to God, and we’ve seen that here in Miramichi,” he said, smiling.

Anyone interested in making a donation online to the Fill The Kettle program can text HOPE6015 to 45678 to make a $5 donation. All the money raised will stay in Miramichi.