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The crowds began to form as early as 7:30 in front of the Salvation Army branch here on Regent Street. It's their annual cash voucher distribution to those in need during the Christmas season - and, from the looks of it, there are many who fit that description. Recipients can get up to $45 worth of goods at any Public's Store. Their district coordinator says that only those who register will be able to receive.

Marceddy Momplaisir, District officer, Salvation Army in Belize
"This is our annual voucher and our aim is to celebrate love with the people and to connect the communities and not only that but to celebrate the joy of giving because we strongly believe it is not about us but it's about all us together because if you look at outside we have a lot of senior citizens who are not as fortunate or don't really have family abroad or who have a heavy job that can support them but when they find out that the Salvation Army is going to give them something we make sure that people get their vouchers so that we can support them in that way."

The Salvation Army will distribute 700 vouchers between all four of their locations. And for those who may have missed out on the cash voucher, they will still get a chance to receive a package on behalf of the Army and its sponsors.

Marceddy Momplaisir, District officer, Salvation Army in Belize
"Yes they have to register first because guess what it's not only here we have it we have it in four places, cemetery road and north side castle road and we have it at Hattieville and Ladyville so sometimes we can't be there so we make sure we have it at the same time."

"We don't really worry about that because as I said to them this morning we have their name meaning that they have registered and as long as they have a number they will get their voucher however there are so many people calling who want the voucher and unfortunately we cannot support everybody in that sense but what we have is not big but we do our best so we are going to see how we can solve that problem in terms of giving some parcels but those who are out there they don't want to miss it but I told them don't worry about that you'll get your voucher as long as you have your number."

We spoke to 2 of those recipients this morning and they both expressed their gratitude to the Army for the needy

Cecil Price, Voucher Recipient
"Well for the past 8 years I've been receiving this Christmas cheer and I feel very good about it because it helps me a lot me and my family."

"We buy our apples and grapes and you know different stuff for the Christmas, thanks to Salvation Army."

Loyda Dawson, Voucher Recipient
"I am very grateful, very grateful "

Reporter:
"This is the first time you are getting?"

Loyda Dawson, Voucher Recipient
"No I'm on a monthly program"

Reporter:
"And how will this help you get your stuff for the holidays?"

Loyda Dawson, Voucher Recipient
"It will help me a lot, I need a lot of the stuff because I am a diabetic right? So I need to buy some stuff so it helps me really good."