Although the Cook County Salvation Army unit will continue to help people in need, the organization will no longer be the primary sponsor of community activities such as “Merry Christmas for All” and the delivery of Easter baskets to senior citizens. “We’ve been doing some of these programs for years,” explained Salvation Army board chair Arvis Thompson. “There are other groups who do similar projects and maybe they want to step up. We’re creating that opportunity.”
The Salvation Army, like many other charitable organizations, is feeling a financial pinch because of economic conditions. Red Kettle donations were down about $4,000 last year, which helped the board make the decision to tighten the budget and eliminate some of its offerings that are not of an urgent nature. In addition to the holiday programs, Salvation Army had been providing non-food items to the food shelf (such as soap, shampoo, etc) and donating school supplies to area schools.
Thompson said Salvation Army will continue to help those in need on an individual basis instead of the broader programs previously offered. “If a teacher comes to us and says she has a student who needs supplies, we will help. If someone knows a family that needs boots or winter coats, we will help,” said Thompson.
Salvation Army will continue to provide emergency housing and disaster relief, as well as emergency heat and utility assistance. However, Thompson said, there is less money available for that as well. And, she said, before an individual receives assistance, they must now complete a financial planning/budgeting class. “We could all use help with budgeting,” said Salvation Army board member Sharon Bloomquist. “This is something we’d like everyone to have.”
“We’re asking people to look ahead,” said Thompson. “If someone needs help with a gas bill because they just lost their job, or someone is in the hospital, we will deal with that one-on-one. But we want to get people away from relying on assistance. Salvation Army is trying to help in a different way.”
Anyone who would like more information on free financial assistance training or the changes to the Salvation Army programs is encouraged to contact Arvis Thompson at (218) 387-2487. Or, attend the next Salvation Army meeting, which will be Tuesday, October 16 at noon at Cornerstone Community Church.
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