THE Salvation Army in Kempsey is desperate for toys to meet a huge demand this Christmas.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The demand is from families who are struggling to pay their bills and give their kids something under the tree for Christmas.
Local Salvos Captain Karen Keddie said this year the demand was greater than ever.
Much of it was from many families who had never reached out to the Salvos before.
She hopes the Kempsey community will rally to the cause and help with donated presents.
“Of the 100 or so families we expect to help this Christmas, probably half of them are new to us,” she said.
“They are finding it hard to make ends meet and they have come to us for help.
“Unfortunately because of government budget cuts we have to try to do more this year with less, and we are really in need of toys to help brighten up Christmas for a lot of kids in Kempsey.
“This town has a fantastic heart and a spirit like nowhere else and I am hoping the people can come to our aid.”
Captain Keddie and the Salvation Army are particularly in need of toys for older children.
“Our Christmas presents are for kids aged 0-13 years and we always have presents for the younger kids and babies," she said.
"We find it difficult finding suitable presents for older boys and girls because they are into electronic games and phones and computers and things which we can’t afford.
"We usually struggle there, so if you have gifts for this age group we would love to have them.
“We have received 20 boxes of toys from our headquarters but this won’t be enough to meet the demand this year.
“What we like to do is offer all our kids the chance to choose a main present, and then we have smaller stocking fillers which we add to that.
“We have the Natureland Motorcycle Club toy run of course which is a fantastic help, but even with that it I’m afraid it won’t be enough."
Captain Keddie said the tightened budget at the Salvation Army had a knock-on effect beyond simply providing gifts.
“Last year we spent probably $1000 at local shops on presents, but we don’t have the money to do that this year," she said.
If you think you might need help this Christmas, whether it is for Christmas presents, food hampers or electricity bill assistance, the Salvation Army urges you to get in early and register for an appointment to talk about your situation.
You can call the Salvation Army on 6562 1781.
