Salvation Army Christmas Assistance Program kicks off Tuesday [Video]

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 …