Final push this week for Santas Anonymous

The Santas Anonymous toy bins are looking full, but there is still time to donate an unwrapped toy to children in need.

Capt. Kristen Gray with the Salvation Army told the Greg Morgan Morning Show that there is a bit of an increase in requests.

“Our numbers are trending out five per cent upwards,” she said Tuesday.

Registration for the program that’s also run by 980 CJME ends Wednesday afternoon. Gray expects there will be around 2,000 families involved.

“(This) will represent roughly 4,500 children in need,” she said.

Gray said while officials don’t determine who can apply for the Santas Anonymous program, they ask that only low-income families apply.

“That can look different for families depending on their circumstances, their employment (and) a number of other factors, (including) the family size,” she said.

Gray added it’s not easy asking for help, so Santas Anonymous has moved to an online model to apply for the program.

“(This) gives people a little bit more dignity as well. They don’t necessarily have to come to us face to face,” she said.

Santas Anonymous is not the only campaign on the go for the Salvation Army at the moment. Its Kettle Campaign also is underway and Gray said it has been going well.

“We’re about a third of the way to our goal for this year,” she said.

Gray added the Salvation Army is always in need of volunteers.

People have until Monday to fill the toy bins that are available at retail locations across the city.

“Our staff and volunteers are geared up to get that toy shop up and running and we’re looking forward to be able to give a little Christmas cheer this year,” Gray said.