Need for Christmas hampers is way up in Langley

Salvation Army Gateway of Hope has noticed a considerable increase over last year with singles and seniors needing hampers.

  • Dec. 18, 2014 6:00 p.m.

The need for Christmas hampers is way up and the Salvation Army Gateway of Hope is asking for some help.

Staff at the Gateway of Hope have noticed a considerable increase over last year’s Christmas Hamper registrations.

“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 co-ordinator.

“Cut off for registrations was Dec. 12th and we are still getting phone calls and drop ins for more. A large increase in registrations for hampers, means more funds are needed than what is available in our budget”, said Troy Gaglardi,

director of community resources at Gateway.

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.

Gateway is looking to the Langley community for help.

“Monetary donations will be the best help at this point, as our distribution day is Dec.18,” said Gaglardi. “We can then buy the balance of the required grocery gift cards to supply our registrants with the much needed food for Christmas.”

Donations can be made by cash, cheque, debit or credit at The Salvation Army Gateway of Hope.

Langley Times