Giving Back! Heart to God, Hand to Man!

During hard economic times, we are all doing our best to save a buck or two. We do the best to make the most of our income and to help others while we can. But we sometimes forget that organizations/charities are hurting, too. The stats might just shock you. My parents having been operating Salvation Armys all across the Mid-West for 35 years! I asked my mother for some stats to share with you on how hard they've been hit, too: (Stats as of Oct. '08. May vary by city.)

-The number of "Gift & Kind" donations has dropped 22%!
-The number of people requesting help throughout the year has risen 26%!
-The number of people requesting help during Christmas Time rose 30%!
-Several Thrift Stores are receiving fewer clothing donations and are having a hard time helping those who need them.
-Monetary donations continue to decline.

Yes, you read that right. Fewer donations and more people in need! Many of you are probably aware that The Salvation Army offers food baskets and gives out toys to the needy during Christmas, but they also help through the entire year as "need has no season" with the following:

-They offer a food pantry and personal care items for those in need throughout the entire year.
-They offer women's, men's and youth programs weekly and camps for the youth in the summer.
-They help with needs of shelter, prescription assistance, utility assistance and even assistance with transportation to medical appointments for those that are having a hard time affording them, if they meet the guidelines.
-They have some rehabilitation centers for those suffering through substance abuse issues.
-They do Nursing Home visitation for those that are lonely or whose families are unable to visit and and deliver gifts room to room during the major holidays
-They also do prison visitation and offer them the teachings of God.

Yes, that's right. Several people aren't aware that The Salvation Army is an organization that was founded on helping others in the name of God. I've always loved their motto "Heart to God, Hand to Man!" (If you are looking for a church to attend, call and check on the hours of their church services.)

And lastly, The Salvation Army is an organization that is one of the first on scene during natural/emergency disasters to help out the emergency crews and volunteers. Disasters such as fires, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and 9-11. Just last summer, my parents spent two months helping out the flood workers in Iowa by giving them water and food during the long sandbagging hours. They also provided cleaning kits, clothing, groceries and other assistance for those whose homes were affected. As of right now The Salvation Army is readying their canteens across the midwest to respond to flooding where necessary.

I am telling you all of this because most of you have the skills to find things such as food and personal care items that can be donated to help out those in need--those extra 26%+ that have been hurt by the economy. So if you have a stockpile and are wondering what to do with your extras, (both food and non-medicinal items, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc.) please, call your local Salvation Army and see if they are in need of those items!

And thanks for listening! :) And for those of you wanting to spread the word of this increase of the needy and the decline of donations, please feel free to post this info on your site. If you happen to be in need yourself or know of someone that is, please contact your local Salvation Army to see if they can help.