The 51st annual Happy Tree campaign at the Avalon Mall is facing a “critical shortage” of donations, particularly for children aged 8 and older. The need is especially high this year, with a recent poverty report indicating a difficult situation.

Major Pam Goodyear of The Salvation Army says a lack of donations has directly impacted operations, forcing the campaign to send volunteers home because there are not enough toys to sort and pack. Organizers are making an urgent appeal for new, unused toys, emphasizing that a single donation can lift a significant burden from a family in need, making a child’s “eyes brighten up, their shoulders… not quite as slumped anymore.”

“Our recent poverty report indicated that seven out of ten families are struggling right now. The number of those looking for assistance is on par with those last year but that means others are struggling to make ends meet and are not able to donate as they would have in the past.