It will be a very Merry Christmas for the families and children the Salvation Army is helping this year.

New Gold responded to the agency’s request for more support with a donation of over 80 new toys.

Auxiliary Captain Arthur Heathcote says it ensures every child registered with the agency will receive a new toy at Christmas.

Heathcote issued an appeal last week after a decline in participation in the agency’s adopt-a-family was less than expected, resulting in the agency having to fill another sixty hampers for families registered for the program.

Within days other toy and cash donations were received, and activity at the Christmas kettles increased.

Heathcote says he is extremely appreciative of the support received.

“That’s what community is all about. Letting them know when help is needed and allowing them to step up and do what they do best – take care of one another. The Spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Fort Frances, and I am honoured to be able to serve this community through The Salvation Army,” says Heathcote in a text message to 931 The Border.

Today was the last day to make donations to the Salvation Army for this Christmas.

You can still donate food and cash any time of the year by contacting the Salvation Army’s Scott Street location.