Salvation Army rings in holiday giving season

Going into December the Salvation Army in Decatur has taken in about $100,000.

Stress and debt with Christmas expenses and back-to-school pressures are big challenges for families, community ministries head Major Pam Waugh says.

Several places around Butler County will offer those people a free Thanksgiving dinner, and many are starting as early as Tuesday, which includes the Middletown Area Salvation Army.

Greg Coleman said they’ve been doing this for 20 years. “We believe the check is definitely good”, a Salvation Army spokeswoman tells the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

He explains 92 cents of every dollar will help people right here in Topeka. The charitable campaign involves volunteers who ring bells and give out candy canes in front of businesses. “But we also distributed nearly $8,000 worth of clothing; energy assistance was over $15,000; furniture vouchers were over $10,000; and housing and rental assistance, nearly $10,000; and toys at Christmas, over $18,000”.

Gilliam is the Corps Officer for the Salvation Army in Decatur. Executive Chef Chris Lilly serves on the board for the Salvation Army.

“Whatever you give is very appreciated and we’ll accept whatever we can”, said Davis.

When the Salvation Army reached out to the couple whose name was on the check, they insisted on remaining behind the scenes, Borgen said.

“We tried to fill the trolley with everything they need, plus a few luxuries”. “We depend on this for about a quarter of our entire budget”.

All donations are welcome, but food items and used products are not appropriate for this appeal.

“We helped 927 children under the Angel Tree program in 2014 and we hope to help over 1,000 this year”, said Robin Hackbarth.

In its 2015 Guide to Holiday Giving, Volunteer Starkville published a list of Golden Triangle charity organizations and their specific needs for the holiday season. Volunteers who have adopted that family can then donate those needed items.