LETHBRIDGE – The Salvation Army is trying to provide 1,600 children in Lethbridge with toys for Christmas this year, the highest number the organization has seen in over a decade.
“Unfortunately, there are more families in need,” explained Lieutenant Peter Kim with the Salvation Army. “We are expecting to have more children, (so) more toys are needed.”
In the past the Salvation Army would assembled toy hampers for families.
But this year, for the first time, families in need can come in and have a real shopping experience, at the toy centre providing a sense of dignity and hope during tough times.
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“We changed our strategy of how we give out toys by allowing the parents to choose the toys for their children,” said Kim. “So they will know the difference between my little pony and barbie and batman and spider man. They can make their kids Christmas even more special.”
Bev Reeves runs the toy center at the Salvation Army and it warms her heart to know she is helping the less fortunate.
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“Being a part of it last year, it blew me away,” said Reeves, a retired teacher who wanted to help kids in other ways.
She believes there is no better experience than seeing the surprise and elation on the face of the parents as they enter the toy center.
“It is amazing to see it go from a blank room to a toy world,” Reeves said.
The Salvation Army says there is a desperate need for donated toys, especially for teens.
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