Thursday, December 10, 2009

Salvation Army Seeks Help For Neediest Families


The Salvation Army needs to fill more boxes with canned goods, which will be used in the holiday gift baskets it’s creating for more than 600 needy families. In the second week of December, it has collected only about half of the food it will need to distribute before Christmas.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The Salvation Army Corps of San Bernardino wants to help hundreds of the area’s neediest families have a blessed Christmas season.

“We will be helping more than 600 families this year with food and toys for Christmas,” said Capt. Stephen Ball, director of the San Bernardino Corps. “Right now, we only have enough canned food for half of them.”

While many families are struggling this year, the 600-plus families The Salvation Army has chosen to help this year have exceptionally great needs.

“Some families struggle year-round,” he said. “Others find themselves in unusual need due to a recent job loss or difficult family situation. One family we’re helping was recently living in their car with one child who is autistic and another who has cancer.”

Donations of additional canned food are the greatest need, but donated Stater Brothers gift certificates would also be welcomed, Capt. Ball said.

Each family will receive a Christmas gift basket filled with canned goods and a gift certificate to Stater Brothers, which is selling them to The Salvation Army at a slight discount. These families will also benefit from The Salvation Army’s annual “Christmas Giving Tree,” as the children will receive the toys donated through that program.

In addition, The Salvation Army seeks organizations and businesses that can help some of these families by taking part in its “Adopt-A-Family” program. Participants in this program would be matched with the families with the greatest needs, and would receive additional food and clothing from their benefactors.

The San Bernardino Corps benefits residents of San Bernardino, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto and Bloomington.

About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Radio Network assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.

The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian church and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY.

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