THERE are currently 27 families on the list but that number is expected to increase to 85.
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This means the local Salvation Army, Singleton Neighbourhood Centre and St Vincent’s De Paul will have to source a lot of food and toys to help those in need this Christmas.
Filling 85 hampers to suit each individual family is a task they fear may prove impossible in the current economic climate.
Salvation Army Captain Peter Bennett says it is going to be challenging when it comes to ensuring there will be enough toys to go around.
“We have seen a significant increase in new welfare clients as a direct result of mine closures and lay-offs,” he says.
“Local businesses are also doing it tough and there is a lot less money in town.
“Fortunately some donations have already started coming in.
“We have already collected some toys from one of our biggest supporters, George Street Chiropractic Centre.
“During our annual appeal the majority of the donations come from the general public and small businesses but unfortunately these are often made at the last minute.
“And, although we are grateful for these donations because of increased demand this year, we really need them sooner rather than later.”
It’s a plea backed up by social coordinator Leanne Bennett, who says giving earlier will definitely help and even something as simple as soft drink, chips or chocolates will make a big difference.
“We get no government funding and our only source of income is the regular collection we do at local hotels on Friday nights,” she told The Argus.
“People probably get tired of seeing us but we have no choice.
“So buying one extra food item or a small toy in your weekly shop and dropping them into one of our collection boxes may only be a small gesture but it will make a huge difference to a family in financial hardship this Christmas.”
Mrs Bennett can still recall the joy on the face of a young girl whose family had been living in a tent when she received a gift last year.
“I remember the howls of delight when she unwrapped just one new Monster High doll,” she says.
“It was only one small doll but it meant the world to her.”
And it’s simple, practical gifts and food associated with Christmas the Salvation desperately needs more of.
All items help locals
SALVATION Army Captain Peter Bennett would like to remind the community that all items donated are used to help local families.
“We don’t keep anything or store it away. If we can’t use it or have too much of one thing, we pass it on to the Neighbourhood Centre or Vinnies or vice versa.
“There is one list between all the three agencies and the hampers are distributed accordingly.”
He said they have arranged to place drop off boxes at the Singleton Library, Majestic Cinemas, Newcastle Permanent and, at various times, a stall at a location in Singleton Square.
“Donations can also be dropped off at our building on York Street all day Wednesday and Friday but please don’t leave items outside on other days and it is most likely they will be stolen,” he says.
“Bunnings has also offered to place an awareness table in their foyer this weekend.”