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‘Mustering’ for the Salvation Army

BY THE EDITORIAL BOARD
Lizzy Adams with Salvation Army communications department looks over the depleted shelves in the organization's food pantry in their building on Capital Blvd. in Raleigh on Nov. 29, 2016. "Normally, these would be much fuller this time of year," with people donating in the holiday spirit, she said. But this year the Salvation Army assisted other organizations helping victims of Hurricane Matthew, taking a toll on their own supply of food that they distribute to needy families.
Lizzy Adams with Salvation Army communications department looks over the depleted shelves in the organization's food pantry in their building on Capital Blvd. in Raleigh on Nov. 29, 2016. "Normally, these would be much fuller this time of year," with people donating in the holiday spirit, she said. But this year the Salvation Army assisted other organizations helping victims of Hurricane Matthew, taking a toll on their own supply of food that they distribute to needy families. Chris Seward cseward@newsobserver.com

Contrary to whimsical belief, the Grinch doesn’t steal Christmas. Povery and misfortune do, and that’s why, every year just before Thanksgiving, hearts and minds and some savings go out to the less fortunate in the community. Churches gear up their own toy drives, businesses do, and rock-solid charities such as the Salvation Army get ready for a busy but rewarding time.

Unfortunately, the good folks at that Army, who deploy thousands of citizens to their kettles with bells every year, are experiencing a shortage of food donations this Christmas. Let’s get the addresses for donations out there: In Wake County, call 919-779-8867 or go online at www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/wakecounty/get-involved/. For Durham, Orange and Person counties, call 919-384-7130 or go to www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/durham/donate.

The problem with the shortfall may be that people in the area dug deep to help people whose homes were devastated by Hurricane Matthew, or it could be that the recent election season just distracted people.

No matter. The election’s over. And Christmas is upon us, so it’s time to go to the well again in order to see to it that families do not lack for Christmas dinner, or any other dinner, for that matter. The Salvation Army also coordinates some gift-giving, particularly for children. ‘Tis the season — to give.

This story was originally published December 4, 2016 at 5:58 PM with the headline "‘Mustering’ for the Salvation Army."

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