Need for Christmas hampers rising

The Orillia Salvation Army has opened its door to a growing number of holiday hamper requests this Christmas season, said Maj. Brenda Holnbeck, Christmas co-ordinator.

"The projection is we're going up," she said. "We interviewed 90 last week and have 90 scheduled for this week and we have two weeks to go after that. If we go at that pace, we will be close to 400."
Last Christmas season, $88,600 was raised through the kettle campaign here. They hope to raise at least that amount again this year, Holnbeck said.
"If we reach that, or go over that, we will be very grateful," she said.
Part of those funds, along with food and toy donations, filled 363 Christmas hampers for families last year.
"We're seeing people who pay their mortgage and utilities and all that and they don't have anything left for toys," said Capt. Jim Mercer. "They are forced to come to Salvation Army and other places, which is nice that we can do that."
Although the community has been "extremely generous" in the past, the public is reminded that items for teenagers are needed as well, he said.
"Toy drives seem to be geared towards kids and we forget the 12 and 13 year olds that, in some cases, don't get anything," Mercer said. "We do need items for teenagers, like movie passes."
Christmas kettle funds not used toward Christmas hamper food and toys are used to assist the needy throughout the year. In the past year, 980 people were provided with emergency food assistance on a monthly basis, 367 people were provided with emergency housing assistance, 721 vouchers were provided for assistance with family medical prescriptions, household furnishings and clothing. They also provide funds for school lunches, household utilities and gas assistance, emergency transportation, children to attend summer camp and the Street Ministry van providing meals.
Those in need of Christmas assistance can call the Orillia Salvation Army at 326-3284 to make an appointment to discuss a Christmas hamper for their family. Applications will be accepted for the next two weeks.
"We encourage people to call because we don't want any child to wake up Christmas morning without a gift. That would be sad," Mercer said. "We don't turn anybody away."