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TORONTO -- While Christmas has almost arrived, two local charities want everyone to know it's not too late to help their fellow neighbors in need.
Darcee Cormany, regional field representative for the Toronto Salvation Army Service Unit, said the pandemic has made it a very difficult year to generate donations for the local families to whom it provides assistance with paying utilities.
Cormany, the unit's sole paid staff member, said it had relied on a small but dedicated team of volunteers who manned the Salvation Army's familiar red kettles during the holiday season.
But many of them are senior citizens and concerns about their potential exposure to COVID-19 led to the Toronto unit veering from the use of bell ringers this year.
Cormany said instead, smaller kettles have been placed on the counters of several local businesses and will remain there through this afternoon.
She added monetary donations also can be mailed to the Salvation Army Toronto Service Unit at P.O. Box 312, Toronto, OH 43964.
Cormany noted in recent years the national organization has made it possible to send donations online and information about that can be found at the Salvation Army Toronto Service Unit's own Facebook page.
"So many people don't carry cash on them nowadays. We are excited to have a way to engage with more individuals. It is a great piece of technology that is simple and easy to use," she said.
Cormany said she continues to operate the unit from Riverview United Methodist Church, which has lent space there to the charity for some time.
She said over the years the Toronto unit has provided from $14,000 to $15,000 in financial aid to local residents struggling to pay their utilities as well as aiding them in seeking government assistance.
Cormany said those individuals will need the Salvation Army's aid in warming their homes through this winter season, so donations at any time in the weeks ahead will be greatly appreciated.
She said the Toronto unit has worked with other local charities to meet various needs, with Helping Hands of Toronto providing food and Toys for Toronto supplying gifts for families in need at Christmas.
Cormany said it's common for organizers at one charity to refer those they aid to the other two.
And she said there has been an increased need since many residents have been layed off temporarily or permanently because of the pandemic.
Cormany said Toronto residents needing utility assistance should call (740) 381-0640.
Virginia Stimpert, volunteer director of Helping Hands of Toronto, said, "Since COVID, we've had quite a few new clients, including people who are out of work."
Stimpert said it's not unusual for the food pantry to see residents who need help due to unforeseen circumstances, such as loss of work due to a serious illness.
She said since this year the number of families aided by Helping Hands has risen from about 300 to 450.
Stimpert said bread and pastries donated by Riesbeck's Food Stores is distributed from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday at the food pantry at 412 Clark St. while larger distributions that include meat and other food are held there on the third Saturday of each month.
Stimpert added produce, usually supplied by the Mid-Ohio Foodbank, is offered there on the fourth Wednesdays of each month between from March to October.
Local residents needing assistance should bring a utility bill, as verification of their residency, to one of the distributions.
A handful of volunteers aid Stimpert in preparing the food for distribution.
"At the end of the month, it gets a bit hairy. But it makes me feel better to know I'm helping someone," said Stimpert, who became involved five years ago when the food pantry was at risk of being discontinued.
With support from Mayor John Parker and others, she, A.J. Hunt and the late Mark J. Miller initiated the current operation near the Toronto City Building.
Stimpert said the charity receives tremendous support from the community.
Its many supporters have included members Boy Scout Troop 41, Cub Scout Pack 41 and Girl Scout Troop 3196 who collect canned goods left by residents outside their homes on one Saturday each November.
The collection is sponsored by Clarke Funeral Home.
This year Clarke Funeral Home and J.E. Foster Funeral Home each made donations to the food pantry for the sacks of food, dubbed Blessing Bags, it provides local students in need.
Contributions to the charity and others were in keeping with a tradition of the funeral homes followed in conjunction with the city's light-up night, which was canceled this year because of the pandemic.
Another tradition benefiting Helping Hands of Toronto is the Turkey Trot, a run held the morning of Thanksgiving Day and organized by Amanda Yazbek. This year's run involved about 50 participants and netted $2,905 for the charity.
(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)