Lethbridge’s Christmas Hope ‘on track’ to meeting goal as final push begins

As Christmas nears, it's all hands on deck to get the final donations out to those in need.

Seven organizations in Lethbridge are entering the final push for this year’s Christmas Hope campaign.

The city-wide initiative, which includes the Interfaith Food Bank, Lethbridge Food Bank, Lethbridge Family Services’ Angel Tree, MyCityCare’s Shop of Wonders, the Salvation Army’s Toys for Tots and Volunteer Lethbridge, is geared towards helping those in need celebrate the holidays.

“We have already seen more than 800 hampers go out to local families just here at Interfaith Food Bank alone and with our Christmas Hope campaign partners we know that number is at least doubled or not more,” said Danielle McIntyre, executive director of the Interfaith Food Bank.

This year, the Interfaith has set out to help 1,000 households celebrate the holidays with food on their table.

“Our Christmas campaign budget is actually $525,000,” explained McIntyre.

“This is the time of year where we recruit the majority of support that will get us through next year. At this point, we’re at about 60 per cent of our goal with two weeks left to go.”

This year’s Christmas Hope campaign has a target to help 9,000 people, including 6,000 children, 3,000 adults and 250 seniors.

“I think we’re on track,” said McIntyre. “We do know that every agency has been terribly busy over the last little bit.”

Toy distribution partners say the demand has been felt since the campaign officially launched in November.

“We have just about reached our capacity of 500 children helped and that’s a 15 per cent increase and at the same time,” said Lt. Zach Marshall, community ministries officer with the Salvation Army Lethbridge.

“Our fundraising is actually down about 10 per cent.”

With one week left to go until Christmas, Marshall says the final push to bring in donations is underway across all agencies.

“It’s one of those things where you never want to see the target met because it means that more families are in need, but for us it means that we are able to help people as best as we can,” he said.

Gifts for teenagers, such as Bluetooth speakers, Lego, LED lights, makeup caddy and sports equipment are still in high demand.

Lego, Barbies and Hot Wheels are still needed for younger children, along with baby gifts.

The food banks are still actively collecting holiday food staples like turkey and cranberries, while LSCO is asking for donations for seniors.

“Every donation counts,” said Marshall.

“Every little bit of support helps so that we can mobilize and help our neighbours in need.”

A list of items needed or to register, you can visit ChristmasHope.ca