For the past week in the world of charity, all the suspense has been about the Salvation Army: will they have enough
toys for their annual party, or will they have to turn needy children away?
Well today, we got the answer: they just made it. Jacqueline Godwin reports:
Jacqueline Godwin, Reporting
The Salvation Army’s appeal for Christmas toys certainly did not fall on deaf ears. Today there were enough gifts to give to one thousand boys and girls. That is just how many children were invited to this year’s dinner that for the first time in several years included the traditional turkey, rice and beans and salad.
Alberto Young, Director, Advisory Board
“It is becoming more of a challenge to hold these events. Well I think the worry is that things kick off slowly. This year has been pretty slow. Every year surprisingly we always meet our target, no? And today we are hosting 700 children here and 300 at the Salvation Army School and we have got enough toys to have a toy for at least for each child.”
“We can never get enough because one, we have an outreach programme in the villages and the rural areas and two, whatever toys we do not give this year, we actually store for next year and we have had occasions like two years ago when we had extra toys so the demand was not so high the following year and so if you can give, I mean toys won’t expire we can have them for years to come.”
It is believed a number of events may have affected the public’s ability to assist in this time of need
Alberto Young, Director, Advisory Board
“Well this year we have been affected by two hurricanes and then we had a flooding in Belize and I think on a whole the cost of living has affected us. You know there is less disposable income but people surprisingly still find it in their hearts to give to those who need every year at Christmas.
Jacqueline Godwin, 7News
“And why do you’ll remain committed to this cause?”
Alberto Young, Director, Advisory Board
“Well because there are just so many needy people in this country and more importantly there are so many needy children who will eventually become adults and we want them to have the same opportunities and I think having them grow up happy and enjoying their life will also contribute to productive citizens and I think that is one of the missions of the Salvation Army.”
For 7News Jacqueline Godwin
According to Alberto Young through the outreach programme and a homeless programme. They also assist the adult population by distributing food packages. Young says they would like to give special thanks to all those business establishments and individuals who have helped to make it all possible.
