Chair of Combined Christmas Giving says applications on the rise.

Combined Christmas Giving chair expects more needing help this year

The chair of the Combined Christmas Giving campaign says it’s looking like the need will be greater than ever this year.

Shelly McLellan said after holding two application days for people seeking assistance, they’ve received 131 applications from families, seniors and individuals.

The numbers are higher compared to this time last year, she said.

“Last year after the first two application days, we only had 104 applications.”

McLellan said she’s also receiving a lot of phone calls from people who missed the application days

“I’m thinking the numbers needing assistance could be higher this year for those reasons.”

The downturn in the work out west is definitely playing a part in the need in the community, she added.

“The work isn’t there so people who would be going out west aren’t working and their unemployment would have run out. I’m thinking that’s definitely going to affect it as well.”

Last year a total of 227 applications were received from families, seniors and individuals, which included 254 children. As well 28 families were adopted.

Last year the campaign raised more than $50,000, way above the goal of $40,000.

“It was phenomenal,” McLellan said. “Because of that, we were able to get extra toys and gift cards which was great.”

McLellan said they once again hope to raise at least $40,000. However when they do raise more, it allows them to give each family even more, she added.

“It will benefit the families as it all goes back to them.”

Families applying for assistance will receive toys for their children as well as a turkey and a gift card for Sobeys to get whatever else is needed for their Christmas dinner.

Volunteer Susan Aucoin has been the toy shopper for Combined Christmas Giving along with Elaine Parsons for 12 years now.

“I just love it,” she said. Aucoin said when extra funds are raised it provides them the opportunity to start shopping in the new year when toys are on sale, allowing for them to purchase more.

“Everything that comes in goes back to the kids,” she said.

They shop all year round, she added.

“At Christmas when WalMart is open 24 hours we’ve been in there at 4 a.m.”

Diane McNeil joined Combined Christmas Giving as a volunteer five years ago.

“I just wanted to help.” McNeil said the people applying for assistance were very satisfied when they picked up their Christmas packages last year. It was a good feeling they could do more because of the generosity of the public, she said.

“There was so much extra last year some could hardly carry the bags.”

Another application day for those needing assistance will be held Nov. 18 at the Salvation Army hall from 11 a.m. -4 p.m. People applying must have health cards and proof of income.

Combined Christmas Giving includes all the clubs, organizations and churches combining efforts to ensure everyone has a good Christmas.