(KATV, Source: Salvation
Army) – "After the
holiday season some people think The Salvation Army takes a break," says Major
Alan Hill of The Salvation Army's Central Arkansas Area Command. "No more bell ringing. No more Christmas kettles. We just wait until next year to help those in
need. But nothing could be further from the truth!"
Every day The Salvation Army is
there to assist those in need with food, clothing and emergency assistance with
the help of supporters. In 2012, they provided services to 12,626 Central
Arkansas families in desperate need.
Nearly half of all Americans now
rate as poor or low-income according to the U.S. Census Bureau. "With persistently high unemployment, rising
living costs and stagnating wages, there are many in our community who are
hurting. That's why our Annual Fund Drive Campaign is so important," says Major
Hill. He urges the community to support generously. "Based on our service history, we will serve
1,052 people in the next 30 days.
Our goal is to raise $25,000 to support our programs that provide for these
needs. We want to be ready to respond
to those who need our help in 2013 and, with the support of our friends in
Central Arkansas, we will."
Major
Hill reports for the coming year, he expects to . . .
- Provide utility
assistance, medicine and food for more than 2,722 families in desperate need.
- Visit over 3,400 veterans receiving treatment at the
VA hospital through our Community Cares Program ― This ministry is administered
primarily through our Women's Auxiliary and provides comfort to veterans who
look forward to the weekly visits from our ladies who provide coffee, snacks,
and cheerful conversation while they receive treatment and are often separated
from their families.
- Provide more than 85,000
meals to hungry men, women and children here in Central Arkansas at the Center
of Hope Shelter at 1111 West Markham.
- Give 40 disadvantaged
children the opportunity to experience summer camp at Camp Heart O' Hills.
To
donate to The Salvation Army, you can call 1-800-SAL-ARMY, 501-374-9296 mail
your gift to 1111 West Markham, Little Rock, AR 72201 or make a donation online by clicking here.
