THE Tamworth Salvation Army has shipped in toys from across the state to keep up with the number of families seeking assistance this Christmas.
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On Monday, the Salvos will give toy hampers to the more than 250 families who registered for the organisation’s Christmas Cheer.
Captain Dean Clutterbuck said there were hampers for about 600 kids, which was up 30 per cent on last year.
“It’s a huge increase and that’s reflective of a trend across the state,” Captain Clutterbuck said.
“We’ll be handing the hampers out to registered families from about 9am to 8pm. It works out to be something like two families every five minutes.”
The Tamworth Salvos have reached out to other branches in Newcastle and Sydney for more toys, and they’ve responded by the truckload.
“It’s a real state approach to helping our community,” Captain Clutterbuck said.
“The organisations and families that are giving to us to help others, even they’re struggling. We appreciate that many in our community are struggling, but we are very grateful for the help that they’ve given us.”
On Wednesday, the Tamworth Salvation Army will hold it’s Christmas lunch at its Goonoo Goonoo headquarters.
“Even that’s up on registrations for last year, we’re heading towards the 200 mark,” Captain Clutterbuck said.
“With the Christmas lunch, while that's giving someone a meal, it’s also the community feel that’s here.
“I think while there is a need for assistance, there’s a need for people to connect, so that’s why we’re seeing more and more people come out and ask if it’s OK for them to have help.
“We see especially the older single people, who have lost a husband or wife. They’re the folks who often fall into the shadows and we’re seeing more of those folks who want to come and have good time, connect with the community and not be forgotten.”
“It’s a great day, the hall is chokkas with people – last year we tried to do carols, but it was hard to hear with the buzz of everyone just chatting.”