Divisional Commander, Major Darrell Wilkinson, speaking to those attending the Christmas Hamper Distribution Service.
Governor General, Dame Sandra Mason (right), handing out one of several hampers.
Major Wilkinson: Give more this Christmas season
Despite the harsh economic climate, Barbadians are being encouraged to give more this season to the Salvation Army, as it seeks to increase the number of holiday hampers it intends to give out to those in need.
This was the call to action from Divisional Commander, Major Darrell Wilkinson, as the Salvation Army held its annual Christmas Hamper Distribution Service at their Reed Street location on Wednesday.
Having given out around 3 700 food hampers last year, the continuing economic woes for persons seeking assistance, as well as the loss of jobs seen by some public servants, led to the decision being taken by the organisation to increase the number of hampers that could be made available, despite reduced donations being seen.
“There are more persons who come to us each year than we can service, so to speak, so we always give a cut-off mark. If we have it open, people will keep coming all the time. So last year was 3 700 hampers we give out and this year we are looking at 4 000,” he said.
It was his hope that this year’s Christmas and Letter Appeal would help in bringing around $700 000 for this year’s target after raising close to $650 000 during the same period last year.
Funds from these initiatives typically go towards the purchasing of supplies for the needy, however the Salvation Army also does special donations to local institutions.
“We visit institutions and deliver care packages to them because the institutions sometimes tell us what exactly they need, and we get what is needed as much as we can afford,” he revealed.
During the short service event, those in attendance were treated to several musical selections by the Royal Barbados Police Force Band as well as kind words from Governor General Dame Sandra Mason, who encouraged all to celebrate the season by being kinder to one another and to give what they can to those less fortunate.
The annual Christmas luncheon hosted by the Salvation Army will be held on December 20, with the children’s party scheduled to be held next Wednesday. (SB)