The Tribune

By MORGAN ADDERLEY

CHARITY organisations such as the Humane Society, Red Cross Bahamas and Salvation Army have all reported their donations for the Christmas season are down.

According to inspector Percy Grant, general manager of the Bahamas Humane Society, there has been a “decrease in donations, (but an) increase in animals” at the shelter.

He said the shelter is “overwhelmed with animals,” which the group must take care of and ensure they are “medically sound”.

Also, the organisation temporarily closed adoptions this week, as is normal for the group to do ahead of Christmas. This prevents people from rashly adopting animals as Christmas gifts, and then returning them a few days later. Adoptions will start again on December 27.

Donations the Humane Society needs include financial help, dog and cat food and cat litter.

According to Janice Mackey, the human resources administrator & logistics officer at Red Cross Bahamas: “Donations for the Christmas season have been steady. They’re not as in abundance as they were in previous years, but we’ve had donations and we’ve been able to do the work that we want to continue doing during the holiday season, which is providing some needy persons with a nice Christmas package and a Christmas meal.”

However, she admitted: “It’s a slight decline from last year.”

“We accept donations in cash or food items. No clothing – the clothing items we have stopped (except) in times of hurricane or when people are really needy, but we don’t do clothing on a regular basis.”

Andrew Sears, a Salvation Army Thrift Shop employee said, “This year it’s decreased from the time I’ve been there and I’ve there four years…But we managed, and it’s still kind of good.”

The Salvation Army is in need of food, clothing or certain services.

Nearly any service that they can “find useful” is appreciated, especially carpentry.

Mr Sears said, “Carpentry or anyone who does interior design, if they are willing to offer their services, we are willing to take it.”