Urgent Need Rises as Donations Plummet for N.L. Families

UPDATE: Non-profit organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador are facing a critical crisis this holiday season as demand for assistance skyrockets while donations dwindle. Families are struggling to cope with rising costs, leading to a surge in requests for food and toy hampers.

Tina Bishop, manager of the Community Food Sharing Association, reports that many previous donors are now seeking help themselves. “People are really struggling now. Those who could donate even $20 monthly can’t anymore because their expenses have increased so much,” Bishop stated. The association is witnessing a significant shift in demographics, with a notable rise in working families relying on food banks.

The holiday season has intensified the situation as families face additional expenses for gifts and meals. “The cost of a Christmas food hamper is now between $150 and $200, a staggering 50% increase from previous years,” Bishop explained. This year, the association is counting on the annual food drive during the St. John’s Christmas parade to meet the increasing needs.

The Salvation Army and the Single Parent Association are also reporting alarming increases in demand. Pam Goodyear, spokesperson for the Salvation Army, revealed that last year, 2,300 families received food hampers, and 2,200 children received toys. “We anticipate as much need or more this year,” she said, as community agencies are increasingly turning to them for assistance.

Registration for the Salvation Army’s Christmas program remains open, but Goodyear notes a lack of concrete numbers indicating increased requests. “More community agencies are requesting our help,” she added. Meanwhile, the Single Parent Association opened registrations for their Christmas Magic program in October and has already surpassed 1,700 applications—more than double the usual amount for this time of year.

Danielle Seward, executive director of SPANL, expressed concern over their capacity to meet this overwhelming demand, stating, “We will have to close off registration soon based on logistics.” Currently, they have approved only 950 children for holiday support.

To accommodate the staggering demand, SPANL has reduced the budget for gifts from $200 to $150 per child this Christmas. “We’d rather help more kids get a little less,” Seward explained, highlighting the need for broader assistance.

Both the Community Food Sharing Association and the Salvation Army are urgently calling for donations. They are accepting non-perishable food items such as Kraft Dinner and Carnation milk, while SPANL seeks gifts specifically for teens. Currently, 437 people have signed up to sponsor a family for Christmas, but the need far exceeds available resources.

This unprecedented rise in demand, coupled with declining donations, underscores the urgent need for community support this holiday season. As families across Newfoundland and Labrador struggle to make ends meet, local non-profits are calling for immediate assistance to ensure that no child goes without during the holidays.

For those looking to help, donations can be made directly to these organizations to support their vital work in the community. Your contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of families in need.