The Salvation Army’s Gateway of Hope is facing higher need from the people who receive its Christmas hampers.
Gateway provides hampers to seniors, couples and seniors.
“There has been a 14 per cent increase in registrations for singles and couples with no kids and seniors living in the Langley and Aldergove communities,†said Andrea Voss, Family Services coordinator in mid-December. “Cut off for registrations was Dec. 12 and we are still getting phone calls and drop ins for more.â€
Last year, Gateway of Hope helped 480 registrants with a Christmas ham, grocery gift card, and other goodies. Registrants that came in after the cut-off received resources as they were available.
“A large increase in registrations for hampers means more funds are needed than what is available in our budget,†explained Troy Gaglardi, the director of Community Resources at Gateway.
Distribution day was Dec. 18 but there are still people needing help during the holidays. The public can donate money to Gateway’s hampers.