As many families continue to experience the impacts of economic instability, inflation and the rising costs of living, several families were struggling to put gifts under the tree this past holiday season.
Christmas Hope partners made a commitment to help all families in-need and by joining together, all seven agencies: Interfaith Food Bank, Shop of Wonders, Salvation Army, Lethbridge Food Bank, Volunteer Lethbridge, Golden Giving Tree and Angel Tree, helped lighten the burden of financial stress and bring the magic of Christmas to everyone.
Christmas Hope served almost 5,300 babies, children and teens – and over 3,500 adults, including 207 seniors this past year, totalling more than 8,800 individuals in Lethbridge and area.
“This is a slight decrease of about 430 individuals from 2024, primarily due to the realignment of service coverage by toy distribution partners and supports now offered in surrounding communities,” notes Interfaith.
With demand still at unusually high levels, all Christmas Hope partners will require support beyond the holiday season to continue their missions and services to the community.
“This was only possible because of almost 1,400 volunteers who put in over 11,000 hours of service work during the month of December. Help is always needed, and our community responds with thoughtful kindness, sincerity and generosity,” adds Interfaith.
