The Salvation Army of volunteers are keeping up the Christmas cheer as the charity heads into the final days before Christmas.
Cpt. Kirk Green said Cranbrook has been generous as always, and the Salvation Army is $30,000 away from their $160,000 goal this Christmas.
"The season's been very, very good," he said. "The people in Cranbrook and area have been quite generous."
There have been too many contributions to the Salvation Army to list, but Kirk said some memorable ones this year have been the Chamber Turkey Drive and as always, the Christmas Kettles.
Donations are still happily accepted as they hope to top up their fund to $160,000 to make sure all Cranbrook residents have a happy holiday season.
"We have every confidence that the citizens will be every bit as generous as they've always been," Kirk said.
Demand has been a bit different this year, with many applications but some not actually using the service in the end.
On Tuesday, December 18, Kirk said they had 20 new applications, which points to a possible upward trend in Salvation Army usage.
Volunteers are always needed, even in the last days heading into Christmas. Kirk said the Salvation Army has a dedicated team of 100 volunteers who are out collecting funds through the Christmas Kettles and packing and handing out hampers. There are still a few open kettle shifts before Christmas for anyone looking to do a little community service.
"We're always looking for volunteers, even at this late date," Kirk said.
Pick up this year is December 21. Kirk said this year they have shifted operations from their main building to a new one, where the hampers will be picked up this year. It was decided with all the other big projects underway by the Salvation Army such as the shelter, they needed a new space to greet the public and do the hamper work. They will now be operating out of 216 Slater Rd.
Kirk said the mood as always at the Salvation Army is jolly and happy as the volunteers put the finishing touches on the Christmas hampers.
"We're used to this, the mood's good."