{"id":8484,"date":"2015-12-17T08:39:58","date_gmt":"2015-12-17T13:39:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/huntsville.dopperonline.ca\/?p=8484"},"modified":"2018-10-01T13:22:36","modified_gmt":"2018-10-01T17:22:36","slug":"making-christmas-wishes-come-true","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/doppleronline.ca\/huntsville\/making-christmas-wishes-come-true\/","title":{"rendered":"Making Christmas wishes come true"},"content":{"rendered":"

Every week, I will be profiling an extraordinary human being who lives in our community. If you know someone who is doing something interesting with their life, I want to hear about it. Send me an email at <\/strong><\/em>laura.maclean@doppleronline.ca<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve discovered a bit of a theme with writing these weekly profiles. It\u2019s generally the people who are behind the scenes doing all sorts of amazing, selfless things for others who are the most hesitant to want to talk. It\u2019s like they don\u2019t want to toot their own horn. But that\u2019s okay because I want to do that for them.<\/p>\n

<\/broadstreet-zone><\/strong><\/div>\n

And in the spirit of Christmas I want to bring long-time Salvation Army volunteer Doug Dalrymple into the spotlight. Last week, I spoke briefly to his wife, Sharon, about the possibility of writing a profile on him to highlight all the wonderful things he does for local families in need at this time every year. So, when I arrived at the Salvation Army Church Saturday morning for photos of Dalrymple I wasn\u2019t sure why he was still sitting out in his van. Sharon hadn\u2019t told him yet. When I went outside to introduce myself and tell him what I was after, I surprised him with my proposal. At first, he had to think about it. He wasn\u2019t entirely certain he wanted the recognition. After a few minutes, though, he graciously accepted. He just wanted to make sure when I wrote my piece that I would be sure to include the fact that it takes many helping hands to carry out the work that the Salvation Army does.<\/p>\n

\"Doug

Doug Dalrymple is sort of like a teddy bear himself. He is a kind-hearted man with an affinity for making children happy.<\/p><\/div>\n

Everyone knows that what makes the Salvation Army such a vibrant force in the community is a bevy of dedicated volunteers and a lot of willingness on their part. After all, it would be near impossible for one person to touch the lives of the hundreds of local families who are currently in need. Especially when it comes to making Christmas wishes comes true.<\/p>\n

Dalrymple has been a big supporter of the Salvation Army for most of his life. He started on kettles when he was 13 in Detroit, Michigan, where he was born. When he was 16, and living Windsor, he became involved in food collection and helped pack the Christmas hampers every year. As time went on, so did his commitment.<\/p>\n

\u201cI needed to fill a void in my life,\u201d he says. \u201cI came from a broken home. I believed this was a way to open myself up.\u201d<\/p>\n

For more than 30 years, he has played a vital role in the annual toy drive. Even with his health not at its best, he\u2019s still making a significant contribution as a volunteer. And more so these days. Because it\u2019s Christmastime.<\/p>\n

This is a wonderful community of people that give from their hearts.Doug Dalrymple<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What Dalrymple likes most about this jolly time of year is making children happy. Seeing a smile on their face. Knowing that the good will services of the Salvation Army has helped make the season bright for a child who needs it the most. To him, Christmas is all about the kids.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe in making it special for the children,\u201d says the 66-year-old, who, alongside his wife and many other selfless volunteers put forth an extra effort to ensure a successful toy drive year after year. \u201cI used to personally deliver a parcel to a family, which was usually to a single mother with four kids. I always found the mothers were so appreciative of the Salvation Army. I see a lot more of that need nowadays.\u201d<\/p>\n

This past Saturday, after the Stuff-A-Cruiser event wrapped up, the sorting and storage room at the Salvation Army Church on Mary Street was literally wall-to-wall and nearly floor to ceiling-high with donated toys.<\/p>\n\n\t\t