Last year the Salvation Army Christmas Hamper Program served 257 adults, 101 seniors and 257 children in Williams Lake.
The Christmas Community Dinner event served over 200 guests by 48 volunteers in 2023, while the toy hamper for children gave $18,000 in gifts to children in need.
This year, those in need of services are expected to double, said Lt. Jessica Hoeft of the Salvation Army in Williams Lake.
“The demand for our services here in Williams Lake is increasing. We have seen a 30 per cent increase in our food bank and share shelf demands … every dollar donated helps to supply help to whoever comes to us.”
The biggest challenge facing people currently is the cost of housing, said Hoeft.
“People’s income is predominantly going to housing, so they have to make a decision, ‘do I pay for rent or do I get food.’ So that is what we are seeing playing out and witnessing every day.”
Funds donated to the Salvation Army in Williams Lake stay local to help those in need.
Mayor Surinderpal Rathor, who helped kick off the kettle campaign, encouraged residents to do what they can to help those less fortunate this holiday season.
The Salvation Army is hosting their Christmas Dinner at noon on Dec. 22.
