One day into its annual Christmas Hamper program and the Salvation Army is already in danger of running out of toys.
Distribution of the hampers began at 8:30am Monday at the Western Fair Progress Building. By 10:15am, 720 hampers had been handed out to families in need.
Salvation Army Spokesperson Perron Goodyear expects they will provide 5,800 hampers to household in London this Christmas.
"The biggest challenge we have right now is we have a huge need for toys, we have enough to get us through Monday, possibly Tuesday," says Goodyear. "We are looking for Londoners to be very generous as they pass the toy bins. There is one in White Oaks Mall in conjunction with the (Free 98-1) Rockin' The Stockin' toy drive. As you're out doing your shopping make an extra donation to the hamper program and we will make sure that it gets into the hands of kids in our community that really need it."
The Salvation Army moved into the Progress Building last Tuesday. In one day volunteers packed nearly 6,000 food hampers. People began lining up outside Sunday night to get those hampers.
"It speaks to the demand and the need that continues in our community and the number of people that really rely on this to have a good Christmas," says Goodyear. "Again, that is why we really encourage Londoners to be generous. We also want to thank those who have already donated, whether it's a toy or to our Christmas kettle campaign."
Last year, more than 1,000 hampers were handed out each day of the program's five-day run.
"Many of the folks coming here are what are considered the working poor. People who are working full time but just don't have enough to make ends meet," says Goodyear. "They are having to make difficult decisions everyday between 'do I pay they bills or do I feed my family?' Every year we talk to folks who come in humbled but have tears of joy because they weren't sure how they were going to provide for their family this Christmas and knowing a program like this exists really takes a load of stress off of them."
Anmar, who has a two sons ages seven and 17, was among the first in line to receive a hamper.
"My 7-year-old son will be very, very excited on Christmas morning when I give him these toys," says Anmar. "I find this program very excellent. The Salvation Army is doing great things for the community. I hope one day I will work and will be able to volunteer for them."
Jane also expressed relief after receiving a hamper for her family.
"It means a lot because there is help and when you have very low income it's great that they give out so much stuff. I know a lot of people can benefit from it. It is great," she says. "We wouldn't of had enough money to buy food or toys for the baby. Every little bit helps."
The Salvation Army will continue distributing Christmas hampers from 8:30am to 3:30pm each day this week at the Progress Building.
"We encourage folks if they do need assistance to come down," says Goodyear. "They just need to bring ID for everybody in their household, proof of their income, and address. They register and they get their hamper the same day."