The local Salvation Army in Chatham-Kent is in the middle of its annual toy drive, but the need is so far outweighing the supply.
Monday marked the start of packing toy hampers, and volunteers soon realized they have a shortage. In fact, there are only about enough toys for 20% of the hampers to be distributed here in Chatham.
Each year, the local Salvation Army distributes more than 1,000 food and toy hampers to families throughout Chatham-Kent. This year’s numbers are 1,100 food and 1,100 toy hampers. In Chatham, there are more than 500 toy hampers to pack this year.
Toys are needed for all ages, but particularly in girls 7-14 and boys 9-14.
Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the church at 46 Orangewood Blvd. or the family services offices at 19 Raleigh St. Both locations are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
Christmas hampers go out Dec. 18 and 19.
Meanwhile, the Red Kettle campaign has reached 40% of its $450,000 target, according to Salvation Army officials.
