Army help people in need

By AMY LANSDON

News Editor

Christmas is a time for celebrating, but while many people are planning family get-togethers, buying Christmas gifts and other traditional activities, others are struggling just to get by.

Fortunately in Pike County there are people and organization that realize there are people in need and do everything possible to lend a helping hand.

Cindy Duke, executive director for the Salvation Army, is one of those people.

Duke has worked for the Salvation Army for five years. Although she has seen many families who are under-privileged, she still hasn’t gotten used to it and it still brings tears to her eyes.

About 10 days before the Salvation Army Kettle campaign ends, Duke said she is thankful for the people who have volunteered their time and for the many donations that have been given.

"We are doing better than we were this time last year," Duke said. "We’re about $1,000 ahead of where we were at this time, but we are still about $6,000 from the goal."

Even though the goal hasn’t been met, Duke said they have had enough to provide Christmas assistance, but there is more to do.

"The need is still great and the need doesn’t stop at Christmas," she said.

Volunteers are still needed for the Salvation Army Kettle campaign. Red kettles are set up at the Wal-Mart SuperCenter

and at Food World.

"We are so thankful to Wal-Mart and Food World," Duke said. "We have a contract with Wal-Mart to set up kettles each year, but Food World does it because they love the community."

Duke was quick to say that the purpose of the kettle campaign was not necessarily to meet a specific goal. She said helping people is what it is all about.

"It’s not a money thing," she said. "It’s a heart thing and a love thing. We’re not trying to beat the goal we’re trying to meet the needs."

Aside from the kettle campaign, the Salvation Army also helps the needy in other ways. One of those ways is providing needed items for families who can’t afford them.

Some of the items the Salvation Army needs are furniture, household items, clothing, toys and food.

"Without these donations we would not be able to help people and we would serve no purpose for the Lord," Duke said.

For larger items, Duke said the Salvation Army has a truck and driver who will come out and pick them up. To set up a pick-up time call the Salvation Army at 807-0200.

Duke also said tax receipts are available to people who make donations.

"We are very thankful to everyone who gives," Duke said. "So many people in the community give so much. We can’t say thanks enough to churches, private donors, organization and others who are so willing to give.

Duke wanted to say a special thank you to the United Way for the support they provide each year.

"Without the United Way none of this would be possible, and we would not be where we are," she said.