While the busy Christmas season for The Salvation Army has come and gone, the demand for its services remains steady.
Captain Jennifer Hillier of The Salvation Army in Drumheller said they met the financial goal over the Christmas season, and was able to help an increased demand for their services. That demand continues well into the new year.
“We still keep seeing a lot of new faces, which is concerning because we keep hearing that maybe things are changing around and maybe the economy is turning. But we are constantly seeing new faces coming to the food bank.”
She says this has been a trend over the last couple of years.
“We are hoping at some point it will level out,” she said.
Many of the users she says have been laid off for a few months and are now pressed to capacity, with the only option to turn to the food bank.
“They are out there looking for jobs and are told to keep checking back. We want to be able to support them,” said Hillier.
She said they are receiving a steady stream of donations coming from the community. Some of the in-demand items include the very basics such as peanut butter, canned fruit, and juice. Non-perishable cans are always in demand.
She says one of the best ways for people to support The Salvation Army Food Bank to meet their needs, look for the prepackaged hampers at the grocery store. These include the essentials to keep the shelves stocked.
