Record number in need this Christmas
David Koon, left, looks through toys as his parents, Eldon and Annie Koon, plce toys in boxes for Toys for Tots.
With the struggling economy, local organizations geared to helping families in need at Christmas are seeing an all-time high demand.
“We are going to be way over last year and it doesn’t surprise me,” said Linda Lederhos with Care n’ Share. “Right now everyone is having a hard time with the economy, but I’m hoping donations will pick up at the end. This year has me worried. I expected that the need would be higher, but also the donations are lower. It will be rough.”
Care n’ Share is a non-profit organization that provides families in need with toys and clothing for children at Christmas.
The group will be serving 40 to 50 more people than last year, according to Lederhos. On average, the group serves 250 children. Donations have totaled about $700 this year.
Care n’ Share also accepts gently used toys and clothing.
“New items obviously are what we want, but gently used things would be great too,” said Lederhos. “Give me a call, the need is definitely there.”
She also hopes to receive baby blankets for younger children.
The deadline to receive items has passed. Gifts are available to pickup at noon Friday, Dec. 19, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church.
• Lorraine Nicholas with the Ministerial Association of Bonners Ferry also says donations of food are down.
The association provides families with holiday food baskets.
“Last year we had 98 families so I expect it will be close to that this year,” she said. “Donations are down from last year.”
With the higher cost for turkeys, Nicholas is looking for people to donate one.
“Turkeys are so expensive this year,” she said. “If anyone would like donate one, it would be greatly appreciated. We try to collect enough money to cover the baskets, but if not, we will go into our treasury money. Regardless of money collected, the association provides for everyone that registers by Dec. 12.”
Usually food baskets are given out with Care n’ Share gift baskets. The two will be given out separate this year.
• Those interested in Toys For Tots have until Christmas Eve to register for gifts. Recipients can register by calling Trinity Lutheran Church.
“I’m anticipating a great need,” said Elden Koon, program organizer. “I think right now we are already over what we were at this time last year. Because of the economy and many people are out of jobs.”
He is also hoping toys start coming in for donation. Mike Young, Annie Koon and David Koon also help with the program.
“I don’t think I have anything in the boxes so far,” said Elden Koon. “I really don’t get stuff until a week or two before Christmas. What I am filling boxes with right now is with toys from donation money and things from last year.”
All donations for Toys for Tots stay local. Also needed are clothing and toys.