This time of the year offers many opportunities for people to help those who are in need, opportunities that should be taken advantage of when possible.
The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign is under way. The bell-ringers are manning the Red Kettle collection stations throughout the area. This year, because of the effects of Hurricane Irene on many area residents, the Washington corps of The Salvation Army wants to help the hurricane’s victims.
“Typically, every year we take applications to help families that are less fortunate for Christmas,” said Lt. Chris Lyles, commander of The Salvation Army’s Washington corps, in an interview earlier this month. “This year, we’re looking to continue helping those families that need us in the community, but want to place a special emphasis on the families that were greatly impacted by Hurricane Irene. A lot of those families who have lost everything at this point have never had to come to us for assistance. We’re seeing that on a day-to-day basis in our office for other types of assistance as well, but we wanted to place an emphasis on that with Christmas this year. We know things are already tight for those families that are trying to replace (things) and get back on their feet. So, we wanted to make sure we can reach out to those families that need us and will need that additional help for Christmas, particularly this year because it might only be a one-time thing this year.”
So, when you are Christmas shopping, buying groceries or picking up something for the office Christmas party, help fill up those kettles. The Salvation Army will see to it that those donations help make Christmas a bit merrier for some area residents.