One in ten are worried that the children will be disappointed by Christmas. It shows Salvation Army Christmas Reportwhich was made in November this year.
And it is also noticeable at the Salvation Army in Södertälje, which is currently seeing an increase in mainly single parents and pensioners who need financial support. This year, the church received far more applications than in previous years – an increase of 70 percent since 2022.
According to Leif Öberg, corps leader at the Salvation Army in Södertälje, it is mainly about the rampant household costs, food prices and rent increases.
– Many people who were previously just on the edge have now tipped over to needing financial help, he says.
“Over 600 Christmas food bags this year alone”
The Pentecostal church in Södertälje also sees an increase in demand for, for example, food bags during Christmas.
– Last year we distributed approximately 500 Christmas food bags to those in need. This year we are up to well over 600 boxes, says Helen Lind Jaktlund, who is responsible for the social center in the Pentecost Church.
– In addition, we give out gift cards to those who have children, and there we have had to raise the amount due to the increasing costs in society.
Matmissionen, Stockholm City Mission’s social food store, in Stockholm is also seeing an increase in demand for food. Up to 50 percent more have applied for support there since March this year.
In the video, you get to meet Sofia from Södertälje, who struggles to give her sixteen-year-old daughter a nice Christmas celebration.