The Salvation Army held its Annual Jingle Bell Breakfast this morning at the Glesby Centre to support its food bank and Christmas hamper program.

It was Major Brenda Hammond's first experience at the Jingle Bell Breakfast, and she says it really makes you feel the holiday spirit.

"What a lovely gift. If you come to Jingle Bell Breakfast -- and you do not experience Christmas spirit -- ...I just don't see how you could not experience Christmas if you come to Jingle Bell Breakfast. It's a lovely event," says Hammond.

Hammond says the hampers are coming along well. She notes the need is very, very high and it costs a lot to put out Christmas hampers. But she t stresses the Christmas kettles are doing well with food donations also coming in. She adds support of the Jingle Bell Breakfast is a sign of community support.

"There's a tradition in Portage of supporting the Salvation Army, the food bank, and folks who would not have Christmas otherwise. Sometimes you arrive in a community and you have to begin to do that messaging, but that is not the case in Portage. Portage has a tradition of supporting the people who need support. It's wonderful," Hammond says.

Hammond adds they'll be good for the Christmas season if they stay on track with donations.

If you'd like to donate to the Salvation Army, stop by at 220 Duke Avenue.

PCI choir sings during the Jingle Bell Breakfast at the Glesby Centre (Photo by Rae Hathaway)