Volunteers Miranda Caverley, left, and Melissa Kepler, right, look for a Dora the Explorer doll for a client Monday during the annual Salvation Army Christmas Giveaway. (Sarah Wright, Gazette)
The slumping economy hasn't had a huge impact on Christmas toy donations at the Salvation Army
this year.
Capt. Amber Boone of the Chillicothe Salvation Army said the need was strong this year, and although some normal donors weren't able to help, others stepped in to take their place.
"I think a lot of people realized it was going to be a tough year and maybe just took the time to donate one or two things, it all added up," she said. "We were able to help just as much as we have in the past."
Some bought gifts for those in need off trees throughout the community, and others donated through private food drives. The businesses at Central Center conducted a toy drive and donated the toys, to Boone's surprise.
"We didn't know they were having a drive, so when they showed up with toys, we were so grateful," she said.
Other organizations donated money from fundraisers, including the local VFW Post and the Rock for Tots.
"To get those checks and have money to get more gifts with was great," Boone said. "We get a lot of toy donations for younger kids, so with a check, we can go out and buy gifts for older kids and boys. That way we can suit all the needs."
It's a busy time of year for the Salvation Army. After helping families through the holiday season, the organization gears up to start its 2010 programs in January.
After-school programs for teens offering homework help and a daytime homeless shelter are just a few of the programs operated by the Salvation Army on East Fourth Street. Boone said the collections taken at red kettles during the holiday season allow them to operate throughout the year.
"A lot of people think those donations are for the holidays, but those donations help us throughout the year in community outreach," she said.
The kettles go out during the holiday season when people are in the giving spirit.
"This community has come forward and helped so much," Boone said. "Especially around the holidays. We got nervous when we saw how many needed help this year, but the Lord always provides, and thank goodness we were also able to provide."
Click to read article at The Chillicothe Gazette
JMC Ministries Response
written by Miranda Caverley
Yep that is me in that picture with one of the teens from the Salvation Army Church. I have worked with the Salvation Army Chillicothe Corp for nearly 6 years. Working with the different children programs they run, playing drums, and piano for church services, volunteering to help with the Christmas distribution, and the red kettle campaign.
Reaching out to the community in Chillicothe Ohio has been my passion for many years to help make a difference in peoples lives.
Jeremy and I didn't know the newspaper was showing up that day to take pictures and write this article. If we did I probably wouldn't have been wearing the reindeer antlers, but I am a goofy person and if you know me personally I love to make people laugh and have a good time. And we definately had a good time.
We at JMC Ministries pray you are inspired and blessed this Christmas season to reach out to those in need and share the love of Christ everyday.
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