Home Hardware STRAIT Group Salvation Army toy drive wrapping up on Saturday

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Patricia Budgell of the Fort St. John Salvation Army sat down with Moose FM’s Dub Craig on the December 13th episode of This Week in the Peace to discuss the Home Hardware STRAIT Group Toy Drive.

The annual toy drive collects toys for the Salvation Army to be delivered to children and families in need. 

“Fort St. John is a very supportive community that comes together for families that are in need,” Budgell explained. 

Having previously been part of the Salvation Army church in Newfoundland, Budgell first got involved with the non-profit organization as a volunteer when she first came to Fort St. John with her young daughter Evelyn.

“I wanted to get involved in the community and give back where I could,” said Budgell. 

The last day of the toy drive is December 14th, 2024. 

To participate in the drive, residents can buy a new toy, leave it unwrapped, and drop it off at the sleigh at HomeWardware. 

Budgell says it is an excellent idea for people out shopping for the drive to get gift cards for local takeout, movies, or bowling.

“Gift cards are a safe bet,” says Budgell.

Dub and Budgell also discuss people’s hardships due to inflation, increased mortgages and rents, increased utilities and groceries, recovering from COVID-19, the Canfor Mill closing, and more.

Budgell says many families benefit from the charity program, mentioning the city’s high per capita birth rates. 

“There are a lot of families and children that really benefit from this program,” said Budgell.

She says the organization has over 200 toy hampers to fill this year. 

Budgell also says the organization needs 200 pies donated so it can provide them as part of Christmas dinner packages for families in need.

“These people just need a little help making Christmas happen,” said Budgell. 

Anyone interested in donating pies can reach Budgell at Patrica.budgell@salvationarmy.ca.