Last year, the Salvation Army distributed 500 Christmas hampers in the Comox Valley, each containing more than just the makings of a festive dinner. Families also received additional groceries to ease financial stress and gifts to brighten the season.

鈥淔amilies are facing impossible choices every day 鈥� skip Christmas or skip rent, pay your bills or put food on the table. These are the heartbreaking realities we see in the Comox Valley, and The Salvation Army is here to help,鈥� says Brent Hobden, Community Ministries Director for the Salvation Army in the Comox Valley.

鈥淲e鈥檙e seeing a significant increase in demand, as the rising cost of living has left many families struggling to make ends meet,鈥� Hobden says. 

鈥淔ood insecurity is rising, with more than half of food bank users accessing them for the first time. Parents are often forced to cut back on their own meals to ensure their children can eat,鈥� he adds. 

Through its annual, the is rallying the Comox Valley to help bring holiday cheer to those in need. From festive food hampers to toys for children under 19, the initiative embodies the organization鈥檚 mission to serve with compassion and dignity.

鈥淭he hampers are about more than food,鈥滺obden says. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e about giving families a sense of normalcy and joy during a difficult time.鈥�

An invitation to give 

The Christmas Giving campaign has two goals: to provide vital assistance to families in need and to raise $150,000 through the annual Christmas Kettle program 鈥� an increase from last year鈥檚 $140,000.

Donors can contribute in various ways: dropping change into a Christmas kettle at one of several Valley locations, donating online, or mailing in contributions through a campaign launched in mid-November.

Volunteers are also needed to staff kettle stations, with shifts as short as two hours available between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., six days a week. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a chance to make a real difference in someone鈥檚 life,鈥� Hobden says.

鈥淲hether you can spare two hours to volunteer, or sponsor a family, every contribution matters.鈥�

Practical assistance beyond the holidays

The Salvation Army鈥檚 impact extends beyond Christmas. Since 1964, the organization has been a cornerstone of support in the Comox Valley, offering programs like food banks, soup kitchens, emergency shelter and support for individuals facing homelessness or unemployment.

鈥淲e believe the spiritual and physical needs of each person are inseparable,鈥� Hobden says. 鈥淥ur faith compels us to demonstrate care in practical ways, whether that鈥檚 through a warm meal, a gift or simply listening to someone鈥檚 story.鈥�

Moments of hope and gratitude

Hobden recalls a particularly moving story of a woman reunited with her family through the Salvation Army鈥檚 efforts. 鈥淗er grandmother had left behind hymn books at one of our churches. When we helped her reconnect with her roots, it became a deeply emotional moment for her 鈥� and for us,鈥� he says.

These personal connections, Hobden notes, underscore the power of community support. 鈥淓very year, we hear heart-wrenching stories from those we help and those who donate. It鈥檚 a humbling reminder of why this work matters.鈥�

鈥淲hen poverty forces impossible choices, your donation can be the answer. Together, we can ensure no family has to choose between a roof over their heads or food on their plates this Christmas.鈥�

To donate or volunteer, visit or call the Christmas assistance line at 250-250-5133.