Salvation Army seeks help in providing a better Christmas for community

During the first two days of taking applications this week for Christmas assistance, Salvation Army staff members were overwhelmed with 140 requests.

The charity’s local office anticipates a tough time fulfilling all of the needs unless community support comes through.

“We really need it this year,” said Capt. Jonathan Gainey. “I know everybody says that every year, but this year it has been a rough one. We’ve had a rough time just getting through the summer.”

The Salvation Army is in such dire need of help that, for the first time, family applicants will have to choose between food and toys if donations are insufficient.

“There is such a great need this year, as far as applicants are concerned, we have to be real careful with what we are doing,” said Capt. Staci Gainey. “In the past we have offered food and toys to families. Now we are only going to be able to offer one or the other.”

Several times this year, the Salvation Army had to issue public appeals for food.

The official holiday food drive begins Nov. 23 and continues through Dec. 11.

Last year, 1,121 children in Craven and Pamlico counties received Christmas toys through The Salvation Army. They were among the 2,151 individuals who received assistance.

The New Bern headquarters also has the added burden that its Havelock store was flooded in August and is currently closed.

“We have added an element of the military,” Staci Gainey said. “Because of the flooding, our presence is not in Havelock anymore. We wanted to do something for the people who are in need, those who are military as well as those who are not military.”

Looking ahead, Jonathan Gainey is fearful that the call for help will only increase.

“We’re wondering if we have not seen the major hit yet because of the unemployment checks people are receiving,” he said. “When those run out, we’re thinking that’s when we’re really going to be hit. I think we are going to be in even more trouble in a few months when all of those (unemployment checks) extensions are done.”

Applicants should take photo identification, as well as a Social Security card for all household members. The head of the household must take proof of income and expenses.

Charlie Hall can be reached at 252-635-5667 or chall@freedomenc.com.

Salvation Army Christmas assistance

Applications are being taken:

♦ Through Nov. 6 at the New Bern Salvation Army Church at the corner of North Craven and Queen streets, from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m.

♦ Today, Friday and Saturday in Havelock at the Tourist and Event Center, from l0 a.m. to  4 p.m. today, and from 9 a.m. to noon Friday and Saturday

♦ Nov. 5 and 6  at HeartWorks in Bayboro, from 3 to 7 p.m.

♦ Nov. 5 and 6 at the Pamlico County Department of Social Services in Alliance, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 5 and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 6.

Call The Salvation Army in New Bern at 252-637-2277 for more information.

Donations can be made at The Salvation Army office at 1402 Rhem Ave. or the Family Store at 310 Queen St.

The Salvation Army’s annual Kettle campaign kickoff is Nov. 20 at Belk in New Bern Mall. The campaign begins the day after Thanksgiving at other to-be-announced locations.