Major Marjorie Simmonds, one of the pastors of the church, along with her husband, says they are ready for about 150 people to show up on Dec. 25, a few more than last year.

"It’s for those who don’t have the means," says Major Simmonds.

"It’s a full-course meal of turkey, cranberries, potatoes and vegetables, with pie for dessert, right here in our building," she says.

The Salvation Army took over the Christmas Day duties from the Brock Mission two years ago. Major Simmonds says this year, in particular, has been so strong for volunteers they have more offers than they can use.

"We’ve been blessed. We’ve had more offers from potential volunteers than we have need," she says.

Christmas Day dinner isn’t the only thing the church is doing for its holiday outreach. They have also prepared thousands of hampers of food and toys over the years to go out into the community.

Shelley Ballantine, hamper program co-ordinator, says the hampers were sent out the weekend before Christmas to families who had registered at the church. "There’s a food hamper and a toy hamper for people who have low-incomes or who are on social assistance," says Ballantine.

Ballantine, who has been with the program for five years now, says it seems to be about the same number of people in need from year to year but the need for those same numbers seems to be greater. "With housing and utility costs as high as they are, it’s difficult for many people. They’re very grateful" for the program, she says.

The 2001 food hamper program provided for 1, 492 families. Statistics from 2002 show the toy hamper program provided for 2,515 children in the community.

The church also runs a food bank on an ongoing basis throughout the year in Peterborough.

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