Just one day into the Salvation Army's Christmas hamper program and already the charity is running low on toys.
Distribution of the hampers began at 9 a.m. on Thursday at the Western Fair Agriplex. A long line of people, including some who had been there since Tuesday night, stretched around the building and continued to grow hours after the doors opened. It is expected 5,200 hampers and 6,500 bags of toys will be handed out to households in London throughout the program's five-day run.
"The need is huge. We have seen an increase in numbers in our food bank, so that usually indicates an increased number of families who we will help with the Christmas hamper program," said Salvation Army spokesperson Shannon Wise. "Our biggest need Wednesday was for the tween age group, which is about eight to 12, and people were very great in answering that. But now our need is toys for all ages - zero to 12. So if you were thinking of donating or if you have some items please drop them off at the back of the Western Fair Agriplex and you could help make Christmas for a lot of families."
Each hamper includes a bag of potatoes, carrots, onions, and a box of food containing the items needed to prepare a traditional Christmas dinner as well as a grocery store gift card that can be used to purchase meat. Parents are also able to get a bag of age-appropriate toys for each of their children.
"A lot of the people we serve really need help, especially at Christmas, just to make ends meet and this makes a really big difference during Christmas for those families," said Wise.
Ellen Deisley, an elderly woman who relies on a walker to get around, was among the first in line to receive a hamper.
"I think it would be a very sad Christmas day for most of these people that are standing in line, and myself included if this program didn't exist. This makes all the difference in the world," said Deisley. "It amazes me the generosity and the generous spirit people in London have."
McKayla Meredith stood in line with her partner and six-month-old son for two and a half hours. She expressed relief after receiving a hamper for her family.
"I am so thankful for the hamper because, without it, my family wouldn't be able to have as good of a Christmas this year due to the financial situation that we have been in," said Meredith. "My son is going to have an awesome first Christmas thanks to everyone in the community who put these hampers together for us."
Meredith was quick to praise those in the community who work year-round to ensure no one goes without.
"London is a very generous community," she said. "Between all the food banks and the Mission's stores there is definitely a lot of community help around here. It is excellent to see the community come together during hard times. It is not easy for everyone to be able to afford things like Christmas."
The Salvation Army will continue to hand out Christmas hampers at its new location inside the Western Fair Agriplex at 845 Florence St. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m Friday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Anyone in need of a hamper can register on site by bringing ID for all household members, proof of income, and proof of address.