SALVOS READY TO HELP

For close to 100 families in the Toowoomba community, Christmas will be without its usual sparkle, and the thought of putting presents under the tree will just feel impossible.

The Salvation Army is trying to change that, and remove the shame or embarrassment of asking for assistance this Christmas.

Salvation Army Church Leader Captain Dale Murray said this year the Toowoomba branch already had 51 families in the community step forward, and the group are hopeful more people will take up the offer of assistance, without hesitation.

“We want people to contact us if they need assistance,” he said.

“We don’t want anyone to feel any shame, we don’t want them to feel embarrassed by contacting us.

“We want everyone who needs help to contact us so we can help them.”

Not immune to the impacts of COVID-19, the Toowoomba Salvation Army Branch has been unable to hold its usual Christmas festivities, but the group remains as committed as ever to helping families in need.

Mr Murray said the branch has seen more new and unfamiliar faces than ever before, in light of the havoc that the global pandemic has wreaked on the community.

“It has been a tough year for so many people and it has impacted so many people,” he said.

“People who don’t normally seek assistance have had to seek assistance this year and we want to help them.

“We want everyone in our community to experience the joy of Christmas. It’s been a tough year for everyone.”

The Salvos are calling primarily for donations of toys and gifts for families in need, but will also accept food and money if locals are in a position to give as much.

“We realise it’s tough times for everyone in the community, but we’re calling on the generosity of the Toowoomba community to help the Salvation Army so that we can help people in need and we’re committed to doing that,” Capt Murray said.

“We don’t want to turn anyone away, we want to provide assistance.”

If you are interested in donating to the cause, or require assistance this Christmas, please contact the Salvation Army on 4632 7206.

Picture: Nev Madsen DON’T BE SHY: Corps Officer, Captain Dale Murray, from The Salvation Army Toowoomba is intent on providing for families over Christmas.