As Christmas approaches, Marilyn Matheson is worried about the 660 families on her list who are in need this holiday season.
“The situation is really bad,” said Matheson, executive director of The Christmas Exchange.
Her organization delivers donated Christmas hampers and gift certificates to the less fortunate.
This year, there has been a decline in donations in Ottawa, leaving hundreds of families in need.
Last year’s recession and lower incomes have contributed to the shortage of donations, said Matheson.
“There are going to be several hundred families who are not going to be helped, who will wake up on Christmas morning and tell their kids there’s no special Christmas dinner,” she said.
Donations will be accepted before New Year’s Eve to support families who still need items.
