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Salvos expect high welfare demand

Posted on November 30, 2009, 11:11am

Mount Gambier’s Salvation Army has called on people to continue donating toys to meet possible record demand this Christmas.

With the countdown to Christmas under way, the band of workers and volunteers at the Salvation Army office are busy organising hampers and helping struggling people.

This year the welfare organisation will give out about 50 food hampers to needy families.

Mount Gambier Salvation Army Major Steve Black said the response to the Wishing Tree toy appeal had been encouraging.

“People have already been donating toys and really good quality products,” Major Black said.

“It has been a very good start, people have been very generous.”

But he called on people not to just give toys aimed at primary school children, but remember the needs of teenagers.

“It might be the only present they get at Christmas,” Major Black said.

He said presents could be dropped off at the Christmas Wishing Tree at Kmart or the Westpac tree.

Regarding the demand this festive season, he predicted it would be huge.

“Demand is off the map,” said Major Black, who explained there were many disadvantaged families in the community.

He said families were struggling with rising utility and supermarket prices and some people were not coping or able to manage their finances.

“There are new people coming into the office asking for help each week,” Major Black said.

“Supermarket prices are hurting everyone.

“There will be a certain group in our community that will struggle this Christmas.”

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