The Mustard Seed in Calgary has put out a plea for donations.
In a news release Tuesday, the organization said it cannot keep up with the growing needs of homeless men and women in Calgary.
The organizations’ sorting centre coordinator Trudi Marx said they usually receive the majority of their donations over the holidays, but with the economic conditions in Calgary, donations were down last year. That, combined with the increasing number of people who are seeking help in their emergency shelters, has compounded the problem.
“When a guest arrives and we are out of things like underwear or toothbrushes, it causes frustration and pain,” Marx said. “It can add to their feelings of hopelessness, especially over the holidays which is a particularly tough time of year for people living in poverty.”
The Mustard Seed has created a wishlist of its most needed items including socks, underwear, toothbrushes and toothpaste. Donations can be made at all Calgary London Drugs locations until Dec. 24.
For a full list of needed items click here.