The Salvation Army’s Embrace

The Salvation Army’s reach is as near as 30 very excited Halifax County kids heading to Camp HappyLand in summer and as distant as the Katrina-ravaged Gulf Coast.
“The Salvation Army provides in all emergencies, ” said its Halifax chairman, Gatha Richardson. “Clothing and money following fires … We have helped with light bills and rent and places to stay.”
With costs escalating, “A lot of people now are calling for help with light and heating bills,” added the chairman.
Most visible during the Thanksgiving to Christmas holidays, Salvation Army volunteers “ring the bell” seeking donations to fill the kettle, a treasury that makes a yearlong difference in the community.
“Approximately 30 volunteers ring bells, that includes volunteers from churches, organizations and individual volunteers,” added Richardson.
“Most of the money is gathered then,” he observed. “This was a good year with between $12,000-$15,000 collected.”
During the Christmas season, Richardson said the Salvation Army gave gift packages to nursing homes. “Forty cases with 16 (packages) in each case, including toothbrush, toothpaste, lotions, a comb .…
“Seventy were given vouchers for Christmas to buy gifts for children. And we also gave toys to an additional 25.”
The Christmas donations, plus contributions from United Way, other organizations and personal gifts fund the Salvation Army’s work here.
“We sent $2,500 for Katrina, and members also sent private gifts,” said the Halifax chairman.
When the Salvation Army needs help to help, Richardson does not hesitate to seek it.
“I contact Social Services,” he said.
“And the Brotherhood of St. Andrews is a big help,” he added. “That group is really supportive about working and giving,” he said of the volunteers. “It is supported by three Episcopal churches, St. John’s, Christ and Emanuel. It is men helping.”
Still, Richardson said the Salvation Army “needs workers to help the shut-ins, to help raise funds, to aid the community.”
The reward is timeless.
“The gratification of helping people,” said Richardson, a man who has been about the business of helping others for decades.
To join the Salvation Army as a volunteer, call Gatha Richardson at 476-2493. A 25-member board governs the work. Salvation Army Director Joe DeMato, whose office is in Lynchburg, oversees work in Halifax and other Southside counties.