The Salvation Army is inviting Saint Lucians to take part in a series of holiday activities aimed at helping vulnerable families enjoy a meaningful Christmas.
Local leader Captain Jude St Juste says the festive outreach begins on December 6, when the Salvation Army partners with KFC to distribute toys and food to children at Serenity Park.
On December 18, the team will hand out care packages in Castries, followed by another distribution in Vieux Fort on December 19. Toys will be given to children, while adults will receive packages containing a mix of household items, food supplies and personal essentials.
On December 26, the Salvation Army will host a Christmas dinner for people living on the streets. The event, held at the Castries City Council and supported by Sandals, will include food, ice cream and entertainment.
“We want to remind them that there are people who care,” St Juste said. “In a society where the less fortunate are often overlooked, we make the time to talk with them, share with them and be present.”
A central part of the Salvation Army’s end-of-year efforts is its Christmas Kettle appeal, which runs from November 7 to December 24. Volunteers stationed outside Massy Stores branches across the island collect donations used to fund the organisation’s Christmas distributions and its year-round assistance programmes.
“What we collect goes directly toward buying goods for Christmas, and the rest supports people throughout the year,” St Juste said. He noted that the Salvation Army routinely assists with a range of needs, including helping individuals purchase medication.
The organisation’s daily work extends far beyond the holiday season. Its feeding programme provides 135 to 140 meals each weekday. It also distributes monthly care packages to families in need, offers clothing donations, and operates a daycare and preschool to provide affordable childcare for families facing financial difficulties.
St Juste, who previously worked with the Salvation Army in Jamaica and Antigua, moved to Saint Lucia in July. He says one of his priorities is building more partnerships with local institutions.
“Sometimes we simply lack the goods and products needed for our soup kitchen or feeding programme,” he said. “Massy Stores, Domino’s Pizza, and KFC are our main supporters, but we welcome anyone who wants to help. There is a lot of work to do.”
He also highlighted the shortage of volunteers.
“Some volunteers even come from Jamaica just to help,” he said. “If anyone in Saint Lucia can give two or three hours, it would make a real difference. It will help us support more families at Christmas and throughout the year.”
To learn more about supporting the Salvation Army’s work, St Juste encourages the public to contact the organisation’s office at +1-758-452-3108, reach him directly at +1-758-727-9033, or email sacastries@yahoo.com.
Hi good evening i would like to be apart of your fundraiser i am new born parent i would love to be though of by you guys