‘The toughest year I’ve seen in 10 years’ — Lethbridge Salvation Army Christmas Campaign in desperate need of donations

The Lethbridge Salvation Army‘s Christmas Campaign ends in days and they are in desperate need of toy and cash donations.

“I have not seen a year like this, this has been the toughest year I’ve seen in 10 years,” Deb Bakker, Lethbridge Salvation Army Family Services Director said.

At just over $80,000.00 the Christmas kettles are $8,000.00 behind the same time last year, and they still have along way to go to reach their goal of $120,000.00.

READ MORE: Donations down at Surrey Christmas Bureau as need rises

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Funds from the kettles help with programming for the holiday season as well as throughout the year.

“It puts on financial stress where are scrambling… to make sure there is enough for everyone in our community and that’s really important.  We want to make sure that nobody goes without Christmas, so we are out there we’re ringing bells,” she said.

They are also in desperate need of toys.  So far over 1400 bags of toys have been given out and they need to hand out over 500 more to families in need.

READ MORE: Charitable giving in Canada drops to 10-year low, according to tax data

“Toys are slow in coming in this year, we are especially needing toys for ages two to four and teenagers,” she said. “It’s… the economy where people do give but they just don’t have lots to give, this year,” Bakker said.

There are several drop off locations for both toys and the Christmas kettles are scattered through out the city.  The last day for toy and kettle donations is the 22nd.