While the toy drive in Wallaceburg is going well, the supply is short across Chatham-Kent.
Salvation Army officials in Chatham-Kent said they are in short supply of the needed toys for their Christmas hampers that will be distributed on December 18th and 19th.
Each year the local Salvation Army distributes over 1,000 food and toy hampers to families throughout the municipality.
This year the numbers are 1,100 food and 1,100 toy hampers.
The traditional toy drives have netted some toys, but will not meet the demand for hampers.
Monday marked the start of packing toy hampers and it was quickly realized that there would not be enough toys, especially in Chatham.
In Chatham, there are over 500 toy hampers to pack and only enough toys for about 20% of them.
The Salvation Army also distributes in Ridgetown and Wallaceburg.
These areas should have enough to meet their needs.
The need in Chatham is higher than in past years, and the supply is lower.
The Salvation Army is calling on the community to support their efforts in filling the toys hampers this year. Toys are needed for all ages, but in particular girls 7-14 and boys 9-14.
Please give as you are able.
New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the church (46 Orangewood Blvd) or at the family services office at 19 Raleigh Street. Both locations are open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Salvation Army Chatham-Kent ministries report that they are at 40% of their goal of $450,000.
These funds support their Christmas efforts and also all year-round programs.
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