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When the father asked to skip English class because he hadn't eaten anything that day and very little the two days before, everyone knew the Bhutanese refugee was in trouble. The hungry man lay down at Lutheran Social Services of Utah, which has seen an 80 percent increase in the number of families needing help this December, compared to 2008.
Staff rounded up food to take to the man's home and also hope Utahns remember this Christmas Eve that many families, including newcomers, are still wanting.
Donations are critically needed for a giveaway today and next week.
Despite the snow, refugees arrive at Lutheran Social Services in summer sandals. Mothers beg for diapers and laundry soap. Families hope for blankets, particularly for their babies. And more food is always sought.
Just before Thanksgiving, the Lutheran food pantry had about 80 turkeys to distribute. Yet 55 more families requested one.
"I feel very bad," said Milka Vladic, a Lutheran staff member who came to Utah as a refugee in 1998. Families often tell her they feel cold.
This Christmas season is often described with superlatives by people who work with the state's poor. Advocates see the demand as unprecedented, particularly the unrelenting 30 to 40 percent increase in need at food pantries across Utah.
Some groups donated in new or greater ways in response, one of the reasons the Crossroads Urban Center Christmas dinner giveaway at Rowland
"Other organizations did events that they haven't traditionally," said Liz Paige, the Rowland Hall director of service learning. "We [do not] see it as a sign of a change in the economy."
More than 1,400 households took home a brown paper bag filled with items such as a pie, ham, rolls, apples and potatoes. For some, the bag made the difference between having Christmas dinner and having practically nothing at all.
"It's just been a really rough year," said Melissa Janes, 40, a mother from Taylorsville as she left Rowland Hall. She has been laid off four times this year and is now balancing three part-time jobs.
This was her first year on food stamps, and she relied on donated items at food pantries about every two months.
"I've used more community resources this past year than ever before," Janes said.
Belinda Avila, 34, was there with her two children "because we don't have anything to eat tomorrow," she said through a translator.
Some people gave back in extraordinary ways. Wadsworth Brothers Construction significantly upped their spending on donations for the Toys for Tots program this year. The company spent more than $150,000 on everything from bikes and dolls to curling irons and diapers.
"We had a good year and my boss' philosophy is the more you give, the more you get," said Lori Wadsworth, a controller for the firm.
Many families hope Santa brings them the essentials this year. As he walked out of Rowland Hall, Jose Martinez, 32, said his family had moved from California to Utah two months ago to be near family. His wife, who was holding their toddler, is seven months pregnant. Martinez is looking for any full-time work.
They say Santa will bring their child his first pair of winter boots.
Lutheran Social Services of Utah needs donations today and Dec. 31 for its holiday Manna Market. Items needed include nonperishable food, winter coats, blankets, shoes, towels, sheets, diapers, shampoo, laundry soap and computers. Drop off items from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 4392 S. 900 East in Salt Lake County. For more information, call 801-588-0139 or e-mail lssutah@yahoo.com.
