Parker Street donations drop as other charities see increases

It's the busiest week of the year for many charities in Halifax as they dowhat they can to ensure people are warm and fed over the holiday season.

While manysay generosity and donations are on the rise, one group has seen a marked decline.

The Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank saidit's down "an extremely large amount" compared to the last few years.

"Looking at the numbers from two years, we're down 36 per cent in terms of financial donations," said Stephanie MacWhirter, development and communications manager.

That money is used to fill gaps in its supplies. For example this year, the charitydidn't receive an annual donation of stuffing and cranberry sauce from a corporate sponsor, so instead it had to buy enough to fill 1,100 Christmas baskets.

Everyday items

The Christmas supplies will be handed out Tuesday, and now the organization is focusing on what it needs most. At the top of that list is something people may find surprising:toilet paper.

While people tend to donate toys at this time of year, MacWhirter said basic supplies are in the highest demand.

"We haven't had toilet paper to give out to clients for two to three weeks," she said, adding that diapers and Depends are also high on the list of needed items.

Stocking stuffers

Parker Street isn't the only charity hoping to collect more everyday essentials.

Souls Harbour Rescue Mission says it only has200 Christmas stockings to hand out this year, and it needs 300 more.

Founder Michelle Porter encourages people to fill them with toiletries along with a few small treats. Those stockings aren't handed out until the New Year's Eve supper, so she's confident the mission willmeet itsgoal.

Overall, the charityis seeing the opposite of Parker Street. Donations at Souls Harbour are up 20 per cent.

'Fortunate' year

The Mission to Seafarers hasalso "been very fortunate," said manager Helen Glenn.

Nova Scotians have opened their pockets and donated more than usual to the charity. It provides support to seafarers who arrive in the port from countries around the world.

Over the holidays, it willhand out 1,600 shoeboxesfilled with goodies.

But Glenn had a quick response when asked if there was something still on thewishlist.

"What we do need ongoing are more warm coats, hats and scarves," she said. "We seem to never have quite enough of that."

While most seafarers are men, Glenn saidthe organization need clothing for women, too.