Demand For Services Surge Causes Shortfall For Salvation Army; Monetary and Other Donations Sought

The Salvation Army’s Peterborough Christmas Assistance program claims they are already facing shortfalls due to a surge in demand for their services, with several weeks left of their campaign announced on Wednesday.

The CHristmas Kettle Campaign began outside Lansdowne Place’s food court on Nov. 16. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SALVATION ARMY PETERBOROUGH TEMPLE.

The non-profit began registering families and individuals two weeks ago and has signed up about 2,000 applicants.

“We're seeing more community service and general applicants,” said Billi Balment, Salvation Army community family services supervisor. “In the past two years, there's been an increase in single people seeking help in the latter half of the program.”

Meeting needs this year has been challenging due to near-full bookings and dwindling resources and funds according to Balment.

“We have a plan for the expected influx but public support is crucial this year more than ever,” she said.

Families visiting The Salvation Army Toy Shop have shown great interest in practical items like hats, mittens, toys and puzzles as stated in a press release.

“We ran out of mittens last Thursday. I bought 200 more, and they were gone by Friday,” Balment said.

Monetary donations continue to come in for the non-profit organization however The Salvation Army says they have slowed compared to the initial surge during the Hope For All Seasons Christmas Appeal. The organization is seeking donations of mittens, games, puzzles, toys for ages nine to 13 and teen toiletry sets.

“There's still time to help,” Balment added. “We have the Christmas parade this weekend where food and toy donations can be made, with volunteers from Country 105 and Move 99.7 and Chemong Home Hardware on hand to collect them and bring them to the church on Saturday.”

Monetary donations can be mailed to 219 Simcoe St., Peterborough, ON, K9H 2H6 or made in person and at kettles across the city. Donations by phone can be made by calling 705-742-4391, ext. 257. Toy and mitten donations are accepted at the church doors on Simcoe Street.

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