After The Bahamas Red Cross and The Salvation Army said they saw a dramatic decrease in donations this holiday season, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday urged Bahamians to consider helping these organizations.
"Quite often, even a small donation of money, food or other goods can make all the difference, especially if as many of us as possible give a little more in order to help individuals and institutions in need," she said in a statement.
"As a former minister for social services, I am acutely aware of the essential services charitable organizations provide to thousands of Bahamians on a daily basis and at Christmas. They need our support."
Bahamas Red Cross Society Welfare Officer Brendalee Rolle said donations are "dismal" for 2014 and described it as the "worst ever".
In a separate interview, a representative from The Salvation Army told The Tribune that value-added tax (VAT) may be a reason why it has struggled to raise funds this month.
VAT will take effect on January 1 at a rate of 7.5 percent on a variety of goods and services.
Butler-Turner stressed that such charitable organizations work hard to help the underprivileged in The Bahamas and businesses and residents should help in some small way.
"Whether it is a monetary donation, a present wrapped for a child, the gift of a food basket, a cooked meal or some other donation, let us give with a generous and open heart," she said.

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