The Smithers Salvation Army is feeling the pinch as the number of people requiring their services continues to rise.
Community Ministry Director Lara Niessen added the summer months are already difficult,
“Our Christmas season is our biggest time of year for both monetary and for donations of food,” she said.
“It usually lasts us until early spring and coming into the summer months, we’re quite low on stock so any donations that people bring forward are used right away.”
Neissen said their membership has gone up by about 70 per cent in the last year.
“Unfortunately, out budget is pretty much the same as the last couple of years so I think getting out there and speaking to people about what’s really happening in the community for people who are on a low income is essential.”
Volunteer numbers are also down at the food bank mainly due to people going on vacation through the summer.
The Salvation Army is hoping to run their school hamper this fall and are looking at attending a job fair in Smithers to help increase volunteer numbers.
“Really right now, we’re still trying to keep out head above water so getting out there and talking with people is the first step to get new things happening,” said Niessen.
Anyone wishing to donate or volunteer can find more information on their website.
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