Charities suffer at Christmas

Tue, Dec 24th 2013, 11:38 AM

The Bahamas Red Cross has made the "heartbreaking" decision not to deliver food parcels to almost 700 people living in the Family Islands this Christmas due a fall-off in donations this year, Director General Caroline Turnquest said yesterday.

Turnquest told The Nassau Guardian that the organization only has enough resources this holiday season to meet the demand for its meals-on-wheels food program, which feeds incapacitated people.

"This year so far we were unable to send our parcels to the Family Islands because we just didn't have the funds and we are hoping that between now and the second week in January, we are able to get enough funds to buy the groceries for the parcels," Turnquest said.

"They were expecting it and more than likely some of them were dependant on it, so it's been heartbreaking for us."

Speaking of the low donations, Turnquest said, "A number of people [are blaming the economy]. Some people are now out of a job so where they could have helped before they can't now because they, too, are trying to survive."

Turnquest said the Red Cross is accepting cash or non-perishable food items for distribution. The Red Cross is not the only charity that has seen a marked drop in donations this year.

Last week, the Salvation Army made a public appeal for donations. Divisional Commander Lester Ferguson said while the organization has seen an outpouring of support since then, donations are still lower than last year.

"Up to this morning we had boxes coming in with food, clothing and toys," he said.

"We are giving out food parcels, vouchers, toys, clothing and we are trying to meet some other basic needs and the public's response has been very encouraging.

"[However], we are probably about 10 percent behind compared to last year and kettle donations are 12 percent behind last year's totals.

We are hopeful that over the next couple days that things [pick up]." Salvation Army kettles will still be at various locations today.

Ferguson said donations will go toward food parcels and other items to benefit the less fortunate.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian

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