The Red Deer Salvation Army is working to keep up with a significant rise in demand for its Christmas assistance programs.
Each year, the nonprofit organization launches its Adopt-A-Senior and Adopt-A-Family programs, where donated toys and gift cards are provided to people in need of support during the holiday season.
"This Christmas, we've more than doubled in applications compared to previous years," said Maj. Dena Hepditch, pastor at the Red Deer Salvation Army.
"We have three in-take workers, and right now, we have every appointment filled up, and we're working on a waiting list. That list is growing all the time — if someone happens to cancel an appointment, we can reach out to the person at the top of the waiting list."
Meanwhile, the Salvation Army's annual Kettle Campaign is $13,000 lower than it was at this time last year. The Salvation Army's food bank has seen "a high increase" in demand all year long, Hepditch said, adding that more people are utilizing the organization's diaper program this year as well.
Demand has also grown for the weekend school feeding program, which typically sees an even higher usage after Christmas. Hepditch acknowledged that the Canada Post workers strike is impacting the amount of mail-in donations the organization has received this holiday season.
There's also a clothing program at the Red Deer Salvation Army. Donations of clothing and winter boots are being accepted right now.
"We certainly need winter wear. As long as it's in good shape, we'd be happy to accept any donation," Hepditch said.
Hepditch noted people can also support the Salvation Army by volunteering their time if they do not have the financial means to provide a donation.
"Time is precious. If they can stand and man one of our kettles for a few hours, it would be a tremendous help. We wouldn't be able to collect the monetary donations that come in within those hours without them there," she said.
The Salvation Army will provide a free community meal at noon on Monday, Dec. 23.
"We invite the whole community to come out and join us," she said.
"It's an opportunity to bring the whole community together. It's certainly for those experiencing homelessness and people struggling financially who could use a hot meal. It's also a way to say thank you to our volunteers, our donors who support us all year long and the community as a whole. ... The community is always so supportive. We couldn't do all we do without their help and support."
For more information or to support the Salvation Army, visit salvationarmyreddeer.com or call 403-346-2251.
