Another community group getting involved in efforts to help out the needy at Christmas time.
Participation Lodge in Holland Centre has started a campaign to gather food, toys and clothing to give to the Salvation Army to help other this Christmas.
Lodge spokesperson Karen Kocluk says when they heard on the radio about the Salvation Army Thanksgiving food drive falling short of its goal, they decided they had to do something to help the food bank.
She says they came up with the idea of collecting non perishable food items, new toys and good quality used winter coats, hats and gloves to help the needy.
Kocluk says the shortage at the food bank coupled with local layoffs and the slumping economy means there is even more of a need this Christmas than before.
She says people can drop off their donations at Participation Lodge just east of Holland Centre on side road 30.
Kocluk hopes to be able to drop off all the donations at the Salvation Army about two weeks before Christmas so they have a chance to distribute the items well before the holiday.
If any one wants more information they can call Kolcluk at Participation Lodge at 794-3201 ext. 241.
