Gothenburg City Mission helps a large number of families with children who are struggling every year before Christmas. It can be about a few Christmas presents or a gift card for food.
This year, the pressure has been even higher than usual. Compared to last year, applications for Christmas assistance from the organization have increased by 38 percent.
I've talked to an enormous number of people now during the autumn, and more and more as Christmas approaches. I experience that people call with such enormous desperation, says Eva Barron at the City Mission.
Eating Less
Christmas is difficult in many ways for the vulnerable families, she notes.
To begin with, the children miss their daily meal at school when they are on holiday. This means that many parents have to cut down on their own meals instead to make ends meet.
This is a story we hear very, very often, that parents only eat once a day. That they let the children eat first and eat what's left over.
No Excess
Furthermore, there are expectations from children and parents that Christmas should include a little extra. A present and maybe a bit more and better food.
It's about families who barely make ends meet or even go into debt every month. They can't save up for Christmas.
People don't ask for excess, but maybe a Christmas ham or a present to give away.
This year, Gothenburg City Mission will be able to help around 1,600 families who have applied for assistance. But many will also receive a no to their application.
The collection has gone well, so we've been able to expand a bit. But we still have to make a selection and take those who have it the toughest, says Eva Barron.
