Due to COVID, the focus of this year's campaign will be to provide the Salvation Army with gift cards as opposed to non-perishable food items and toys. The Portage Rotary Club will be working alongside the Salvation Army to put a spin on the annual brown bag campaign.

President of the club Jennifer Campbell says this event would normally go hand-in-hand with their Santa Claus parade, but that, unfortunately, won't be taking place this year.

"They're going to be collected up until December 7," explains Campbell. "Donations can be dropped off at multiple designated locations in the community, including Century 21 Foxx Realty, Tornado's Restaurant, BDO, Westland insurance, Portage Supermarket, Homestead Co-op, Graham Family Wellness and DC Security."

She adds they're thankful for these companies that have allowed their businesses to be drop-off points. She mentions, while this is the first year that will prioritize gift cards, they're very familiar with the brown bag campaign from years past.

"We decided to pivot and find a new way to give back to the community and reach people this holiday season," notes Campbell. "We chose to start up the holiday gift card drive and we're hoping it's a great success."

While they won't turn away non-perishable food items and toys, they're hoping to mainly get gift cards for this year.