Every Christmas, a magical transformation comes over The Salvation Army’s Saskatoon Temple. The church’s gymnasium is turned into a North Pole toy shop, complete with row upon row of toys.

Parents or caregivers register in advance. When they arrive, they receive a gift card for the food portion of their hamper.

“This recognizes that not all families in our community want a traditional turkey Christmas dinner,” explains Captain Derek Kerr, pastor at Saskatoon Temple. “It gives them the flexibility of choosing how they want to spend those funds.”

The parents or caregivers then go to the toy shop where they are met by a staff member or volunteer. There, they can walk through and choose two toys for each of their children, specific to that child’s needs and wants.

“They have the dignity of choosing items that would be more appropriate for their child than what we could do if we were packing ourselves,” says Captain Angela Kerr, who pastors with her husband, Captain Derek, at Saskatoon Temple.

Volunteer Blessings

Saskatoon Temple’s story is a big one to tell.

“We’re a pretty busy ministry unit at Christmastime,” adds Captain Derek. “We help anywhere from 3,500 to 4,500 families, depending on the year. A lot of people come through.”

It takes an army of volunteers to do what Saskatoon Temple does, including generous and appreciated corporate sponsors and staff, who come alongside each parent or caregiver as they walk through the toy shop.

“The volunteers are always telling us what a blessing it is to be part of the toy shop,” says Captain Angela, “but they are a blessing to us and to the people we serve.”

Community and Congregation

Saskatoon Temple’s Christmas hamper program has been going on for several decades, long before the Kerrs arrived on the scene.

For the Kerrs, though, the program holds a special place in their hearts. Before they were Salvation Army pastors, the young couple were clients who were assisted by The Salvation Army one Christmas.

“The hamper program is important to us because when we were clients ourselves, the love and support we received from The Salvation Army was simply incredible,” says Captain Angela. “So now we try to pay it forward.”

“There’s no better time of year to be a Salvation Army pastor than at Christmas,” Captain Derek goes on to say. “Sometimes, people just want to talk to us in the lineup or share a story. It’s more than just toys; we’re providing friendship, love and support.”

One of the recent additions to the toy shop was a prayer station.

A shipping box was transformed into a “gingerbread house” in the lobby, and guests are invited to write a prayer while waiting in line. On the following Sunday, the congregation is asked to read out the prayer requests.

“There’s a lot of interaction between community and congregation,” comments Captain Angela. 

“There’s no better time of year to be a Salvation Army pastor than at Christmas,” Captain Derek Kerr

Hampers of Hope

The hampers are not just about food and toys, however. They also include copies of Faith & Friends and Just for Kids for the children, as well as flyers pertaining to church programs.

“It’s important that we also share the gospel message,” says Captain Derek. “The Salvation Army’s slogan is Giving Hope Today, and I feel that we are giving hampers of hope.

“That’s really what it’s all about: hope.”

Making an Impact

Despite the gruelling 12-14-hour days leading up to Christmas, the Kerrs wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s a privilege to sit on the other side of the table when someone comes through the line and shares their story with you, and you get to hear that story and pray for them, and I don’t ever want to become disconnected from that privilege,” says Captain Derek. “And I use that word carefully, because I know it truly is a privilege to be doing the work that we do and to be walking with families, because we have been on the other side of the table.” 

“God always provides a moment, and that moment comes through someone reminding you of the significant impact you’re having by sharing the love of Jesus,” concludes Captain Angela. “That’s absolutely what carries us through the holidays.”

Photos: Nathan Regamey

This story is from: