The Red Deer Salvation Army is in urgent need of sponsors for their “Adopt-A-Family” program. The deadline for registration is just over a week away and there is a sponsor shortage in the areas of small families and mostly single parents with one or two children.

In a release, Major Larry Bridger, Corps officer of The Salvation Army says, “The economy has certainly impacted many more households this year,” adding “We are seeing a significant increase in the number of families applying for help for the first time.”

The program pairs sponsors and families to present goods which are gifts and food for the Christmas Season. The Salvation Army also accepts individual sponsors and donations from businesses and groups. The Salvation Army does provide basic information on the recipient families such as the age of the children and their interests but not their names or addresses.

Sponsors then shop for presents, food and or gift cards if that is desired.

Those wishing to help are asked to contact Dena or Taylor at 403-346-2251.