Hurricane victims increase need from Salvation Army during holidays

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The countdown to Christmas is on as we are only 13 days away. But having gifts under the tree may be more difficult for families than in years past due to the impacts left behind from Hurricane Matthew.

Gifts have been pouring in since the Salvation Army of Wilmington began collecting items more than a month ago.

Volunteers were busy preparing the packages for those in need Monday. Major Richard Watts says they’ve seen even more people turning to the organization for support because of Matthew.

“Some times these people were employed and were donors to the Salvation Army but now their company has been shut down or they have been displaced and as a result they are now looking to the Salvation Army to assist them,” Maj. Watts said.

Places hit hard from the storm like Bladen and Columbus counties will received their donations over the next few days.

“The message for Christmas for me as always been what the angels said, ‘Behold I give you good tidings of great joy which shall be for all people,'” Maj. Watts said.

Distribution for Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender counties will take place next week.

The deadline for donation is December 18.