PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Some local charities are in even greater need this holiday season because of the coronavirus.
Kathleen Kelley with Project HOME said winter is always a time when they are in need of supplies for the homeless populations they serve, such as blankets, hats, snow boots, sweatpants, and more.
But she said COVID-19 has amplified that need.
"Given the fact that we have a little bit more limited resources, we definitely could use those things tenfold,” she said.
Maj. Tawney Cowen-Zanders with the Salvation Army said their red kettle collections are down 47% this year, and soliciting holiday gift donations has been a challenge.
"Businesses would collect via their departments and at their Christmas party, they would have boxes out in their lobby. If you went to any local store you could shop and drop it in. It's just not happening anymore,” she said.
Both organizations say they're seeing a wider range of people reaching out to them this year for help.
"We just have more people coming who may not have had to use us before,” Cowen-Zanders said.
She encourages people to send gift donations to them through online shipping.