As the need for aid from the 91原创 Christmas Bureau increases, donations have dropped.

As of Tuesday, the bureau had raised $162,000 this year, well short of the goal of $280,000 they had set. Meanwhile, there were 790 families receiving toy and grocery gift cards for Christmas 鈥� up from the 700 anticipated families, said Darrin Leite, the treasurer of the 91原创 Christmas Bureau.

The Bureau鈥檚 budget would have sufficed for 1,700 children, but they are now helping 1,757.

Every family gets $150 in grocery gift cards, plus an additional $50 per child. Then toy gift cards for $50 per child are also given out.

鈥淲e鈥檙e definitely trying to get more donations in,鈥� Leite said.

The bureau can handle this year鈥檚 needs thanks to funding from last year, but after this Christmas, the cupboard will be bare, and fundraising will have to start from scratch for 2020.

That鈥檚 a concern for the society, which ensures families in 91原创 get gifts for kids every year.

In the past, donated new toys were distributed directly to parents, but due to COVID-19, the bureau has switched to using a gift card system.

To donate, go to , or 91原创 City hall鈥檚 finance department.

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