As they do every year for the holiday season the Salvation Army simultaneously conducts several projects to ensure individuals and families don't go without things most of us take for granted.
Beginning with their coat donation drive, Rick said they've gotten off to a good start. With what they've collected so far the Salvation Army has given out over 300 coats to families. However, Rick said they are currently in greater need of adult coats. He said that homeless individuals who refuse to stay in the local shelters for reasons of their own need them the most.
Another program that is doing well but could use more donations is their gift program. Each year they receive an abundance of gifts for small children and infants but come up short for teens up to the age of 17. Rick said one thing teens always need are ear buds, but also mentioned other electronics and makeup. They began taking applications for gifts weeks ago and hope to fill those lists with the community's help. Currently they have approximately 150 applications.
The Salvation Army's soup kitchen, or as Rick has renamed it "Matthew 25", continues to serve hot meals daily. They provide nearly 180 meals a day between breakfast and lunch to those in need. While there they also provide people with hot showers.
Two other programs Rick noted were the pet pantry and the free rides they provide individuals to and from Detroit rehabilitation facilities.
One of the most recognizable programs the Salvation army is known for is their annual bell ringers; those selfless individuals who stand in front of businesses braving the cold to collect money for those in need.
Rick said that he is in the second year of his five-year goal to fill each of those positions with 100% volunteers. More volunteers are surely needed to reach that goal. Those donations go a long way to helping families in our community, and the more volunteers that are out there collecting, the more families they can help.
"Every dollar counts. Every penny in those kettles can change a life", Rick said.
Rick concluded with words that every one of us needs to be reminded of at some point.
"Christmas is not about what we can do for ourselves. It's about what we can do for others around us."
