‘Do I pay my rent; do I give my kids Christmas dinner?’ Sally Ann Christmas Assistance Program helps families get through holidays

London’s largest Christmas assistance program kicks off on Tuesday.

An army of volunteers is working away at the Western Fair Agriplex to get set for the annual Salvation Army Christmas Assistance Program.

“The need is always there,” said Nancy Kerr, executive director of The Salvation Army London Community Services.

“And this year with the increase in groceries, especially rent and everything, people are making impossible decisions. ‘Do I pay my rent? Do I give my kids Christmas dinner?’” said Kerr.

More than 3,000 families have already registered for the program, with more still expected. Parents will get the opportunity to walk through the aisles of the massive venue, picking out toys for their children that have been donated by the community, or bought with monetary donations.

“So typical gifts, there’s different colour coding, different sizes of toys that parents can choose from. They get one from each section,” said Kerr.

“They’re probably going to take home about five gifts for their child and a little baggy of stocking stuffers.”

Cheryl Leyes has volunteered at the program for 20 years. It’s the smiles that keep her coming back.

“I love the smiles on the parents’ faces, that they got to choose the toys for their children rather than us choosing and putting them in a bag. It’s awesome,” said Leyes.

The program also includes a stuffed toy for each child. About 16,000 stuffed toys from the London Knights Teddy Bear Toss are waiting to be placed under a family Christmas tree.

The program is still in need of gifts for bigger kids, specifically ages nine through 12. Kerr said there are still plenty of opportunities to donate.

“White Oaks Mall is an easy place. The fire hall, Fire Station 1 at Colborne and Horton, they can drop off there any time,” said Kerr.

“They can bring to the Western Fair District as well. We’re here Monday to Friday from about 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.,” she said.

The Salvation Army Christmas Assistance Program runs until Dec. 19.