The Prince Albert Salvation Army is trying to help families in need this Christmas with its food and toy campaign.
For families who qualify, they are given vouchers that can be used to purchase food and toys beginning the week before Christmas.
The registration had officially closed on Nov. 22 but the organization decided to extend it by an extra day on Wednesday for families who missed out.
Lieutenant Whitney Reid said they want to help as many families as possible.
“So far, looking at the numbers, I can see an increase from last year,” she said. “I am not sure of the percentage but I know there is an increase. There is a lot of need and we want to be able to help as many as we can. So, we like to have as many come register so we can help them out.”
Reid added there are income and expenses requirements but the organization is flexible.
“Even those families or students or people who have had a good job but have recently lost their job, we will take into consideration, say, if you lost your job then we can look at your figures and say, ‘Well, you are not going to get that this month, so we can give you a hand.’”
Money for the program comes out of the Salvation Army’s Christmas kettle campaign in November and December.
Toys come from Santa anonymous boxes which are placed throughout the city and is a partnership with the Optimist Club.
Vouchers can range anywhere from $30 to $100 depending on size of family.
The toy store opens at the Salvation Army office on Dec. 17.
(PHOTO: Lieutenant Whitney Reid of the Prince Albert Salvation Army, right, helps Margaret Halcro, left, register for the food and toy campaign. Photo by Fraser Needham.)