Calgary charities worry as donations drop

Calgary charities are struggling this holiday season with fewer donations than in the past.

At the Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter, the shelves are almost empty. About 50 women and their children escape to the shelter each month, many just with the clothes they're wearing.

Theresa Rothenbush said her organization is desperate for donations of clothes and toys

"We have no kids' socks; there are kids walking around upstairs without socks," she said.

"There's a woman that's been here for two weeks wearing the same thing every day. There's a woman that's six months pregnant and she went two weeks without a winter coat. We're really in dire need down here."

The mood might be a little brighter over at Immigrant Services Calgary, but there aren't as many donated toys to hand out.

"It is a challenge to make sure that all the immigrant families are able to celebrate Christmas this year," said Wendy Fehr.

The Salvation Army also said donations are fewer than in the past, and the amounts smaller.

"What's happening is, I guess, with the economy … people are being cautious," said Sigrid Mahr, spokeswoman for the organization in Calgary.

"[Compared with] this same time as last year, we are down 15 per cent. It's still early, we still have three weeks. Our campaign ends on Dec. 24, but this is a huge concern."

The Salvation Army relies on the Christmas funding drive to run programs throughout the year, she said.

Mahr said people can donate toys, clothing, furniture or gift cards. One family even donated Christmas cards with stamps, helping people to contact their families for the first time in years.