Christmas is a time of joy and cheer for many people, but for households facing financial hardship, the holiday can be “a time of struggle,” and this year is looking especially tight for many, according to Jill Krall, executive director of the Waverly-Shell Rock Area United Way.

“People in the past who have found a way to make Christmas work are just not sure that it’s going to happen for them this year,” she said.

With the record-long government shutdown and SNAP food-support benefits stopped for November, families that were barely staying afloat financially had to start bailing, with more people than ever turning to programs offered by the local United Way.

Krall noted that the United Way winter coat program the previous week at Embassy Fellowship Church saw more than 300 kids receive

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