Putting the ‘Merry’ Back into Christmas
As the coronavirus crisis continues to impact lives, there is a lot of uncertainty and its hard not to wonder what will happen next. With the Christmas season just around the corner, more and more individuals and families are facing new financial challenges and scary realities.
“I’m a single parent of a two and six-year-old,” says Jennifer. “I’ve lived with my parents since my husband and I separated. COVID-19 caused my employer to reduce my hours and my family continued to support our basic needs. Then, when my dad’s hours of work were cut back, they could only do so much.”
With coronavirus job losses and pay cuts on the rise, The Salvation Army expects to see an increase in demand for Christmas assistance.
“A food hamper and toys from The Salvation Army is taking the weight of worry off my shoulders this Christmas”
“A food hamper and toys from The Salvation Army is taking the weight of worry off my shoulders this Christmas,” says Jennifer. “Being a single parent is already tough. COVID-19 just adds to the pressures.”
In 2019, poor health and a separation prevented Jennifer from working. Financial assistance wasn’t enough to pay the bills and she turned to The Salvation Army’s food bank. Later that year, she registered for Christmas assistance.
“When I reached out to The Salvation Army, my self-esteem was at an all time low,” says Jennifer. “They not only helped me with basic nutritional needs, and provided our family a Christmas worth celebrating, but with coping strategies and goals that helped me get my life back on track.”
This Christmas will be magical for Jennifer and her children thanks to The Salvation Army.
“I have less anxiety and restored hope because of The Salvation Army”
“I expect excitement and lots of smiles,” says Jennifer. “During this time of uncertainty, I have less anxiety and restored hope because of The Salvation Army’s support network.
“I don’t want to picture my life without help from The Salvation Army because I really don’t know where I would be.”
This year, Christmas may look devastating for many. But it doesn’t have to be that way. When you support The Salvation Army, you give people hope for a better tomorrow.
By Linda Leigh
