Salvation Army seeks volunteer help
by Lauren Crider, reporter

    In times of disaster or need, people must depend on others to offer a helping hand. During such times, the Salvation Army usually works quietly in the background, lending not only a hand but food, shelter and comfort as well.

    Salvation Army volunteers provide treatment for addicts and shelter for the homeless. In Houston after Tropical Storm Allison, they cooked and served hundreds of full meals and provided victims with shelter.

    These past months, the United States has witnessed disaster, despair and fear on scales that U.S. citizens have never before seen. Relief has come from people’s willingness to donate not only money but blood, family and time.

    Throughout this period, the Salvation Army has provided shelter, food, counseling, clothing and other essentials to those affected by the nation’s disaster.

    In New York, Salvation Army Volunteers set up grief and worship centers, shelters for relief workers and served countless meals. They have not forgotten Los Angeles, Pennsylvania, or Washington, D.C.

    They have aided in search and recovery operations at the Pentagon, offered translation services for passengers marooned at airports and counseled with those left behind.

    The work is not finished, and the need for volunteers or money has not been met. Despite this national tragedy, people should not forget those in need here at home.

    No money from the disaster relief fund will go to the people who have lost their jobs as a result, such as American Airlines workers. They will need basics such as food, clothing, prescriptions and counseling. The Salvation Army plans to assist with utilities, mortgage payments and rent.

    Accomplishing this local goal requires thousands of dollars and hundreds of man-hours.

    Volunteers are also needed for the organization’s annual programs. The group needs people for Adopt an Angel, volunteer registration, data entry, gift sorting and distribution.

    Volunteers may also donate Thanksgiving turkeys or ring bells at kettle sites around the metroplex. Varied hours and positions are available.

    Group volunteers are also needed. For instance, restaurants may donate food to other hungry volunteers. Volunteers are needed through December.

    To donate or volunteer, contact the Christmas Cheer Department at 817-332-2495 or Volunteer4TheSalvationArmy@juno.com. Tax deductible contributions are always needed. Checks may be made payable to The Salvation Army and sent to P.O. Box 2333, Fort Worth, Texas 76113-2333.