By Mary O’KEEFE

Tis the season to shop, give gifts and have family dinners. But it is also the season to reflect on what can be done to help others, especially those less fortunate. This is the time that homeless shelters, food banks and those that help the homeless or near homeless look to the generosity of the community to help with their mission.

“We always need food,” said Jazz Santillan, Social Service manager at Glendale’s Salvation Army.

For years, the Salvation Army has filled bags with donated food and hygiene items and handed them to those in need; however, in September the program changed from supplying a random grab bag of goods to being a type of grocery store. Items are placed on a shelf and people can take what they need.

Santillan said they have seen a sizeable increase in requests for food and personal items since September, not just from the homeless community but from those who are near homeless.

“We see a lot more families in need,” she said.

She added many of the families are one paycheck away from becoming homeless. The Salvation Army has seen a “high number” of people who have spouses declared disabled due to an accident at work or because of health issues. Those families are either waiting on disability checks or are struggling with fewer funds.

“Housing is another problem,” Santillan said.

Many times multiple families live in one small apartment to share the costs of rent or many have moved out of Glendale and back to areas with higher crime and questionable schools but have cheaper rents.

“I have one family who had their rent raised three times this year,” she said.

In addition to an increase in requests, Santillan also has seen an increase in requests for hygiene items.

“Toilet paper, shampoo, toothbrushes and a huge increase in requests for underwear and socks,” she added.

Toilet paper, feminine products and diapers are expensive and when the budget is tight and it is difficult to just keep food on the table, it is difficult to find the funds for hygiene products.

Santillan said this is especially difficult for those who are homeless.

The Salvation Army is accepting donations daily Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at their location at 320 W. Windsor Ave. in Glendale.

In addition to the aforementioned items, people can also donate grocery gift cards so the Salvation Army can buy what is needed most.

  Mary Okeefe