Homestead Co-op in Portage la Prairie has stepped up to help out the Salvation Army this Christmas.

Co-op made a $5000 donation to aid the charity in its Christmas hamper program. Marketing and member relationship coordinator Shannon Vaughan says it's a yearly donation.

"We set up a food donation bin every Christmas and match any Co-op brand non-perishable food items. However, because this year's donations were lower than in previous years, probably because of COVID-19, we decided to make a sizeable donation to not only help them at Christmas but in the coming months."

This year, the Salvation Army has taken a different approach to the hampers. The Salvation Army has been purchasing gift cards for 300 families and children so they can have toys. Major Brenda Hammond says this donation helps them a lot.

"It's greatly appreciated, really appreciated. Thank you to Portage. Portage rallies around you when things need to be done, and the Salvation Army is a great place."

The Salvation Army has started the process of handing out hampers.