December 19, 2008
Community helps Army; woes ahead

Mark O'Brien
mobrien@pnj.com

Even when times are tough, Pensacolians come through for good causes.

So Walter Strong was happy to see Christmas gifts for hundreds of families being hauled away Thursday.

"It may not be as nice as Christmases past, but as least they will have something for Christmas," said Strong, the major in charge of Salvation Army operations in Pensacola.

That's good news, but remember: Worse times are ahead. If you have time or money to spare, try to donate to a good cause.

In the Salvation Army's case, Christmas got a last-minute boost from groups and individuals who made the holidays happier for 193 families in Santa Rosa County and 755 families in Escambia County.

Bicycles were the biggest single item — 300 to 400 donated. Families received gift cards of $20 to $60 for food (no tobacco, alcohol or Lottery tickets authorized).

Marines to the rescue

The effort got off to a shaky start. Miscommunication with the U.S. Marine Corps kept the Salvation Army off the "Toys for Tots Program," but Marines being Marines, they weren't deterred by a bureaucratic snafu.

"The Marines came through," said Strong, who also was encouraged that donors keep dropping money into the Salvation Army's kettles at 35 locations. The group may reach its goal of $250,000 — and more would help. Any extra money will be used for future programs.

Strong has seen only a slight increase in calls for help this Christmas, but he expects requests will multiply by July as unemployment benefits and personal savings run out and the economic squeeze tightens.

He's not alone.

"This is just the tip of the iceberg," said Jean Norman, president/CEO of the United Way of Escambia County.

Rain affects donors

Already, she said, 11 social services agencies in this area have lost $4.5 million in state funding. As the economy struggles, more budget cuts will hit programs that help low-income and disabled people.

"It's going to continue to worsen," Norman said, who reported an increasing number of calls from people who never before sought assistance.

Despite the hard times, donors give, although not as much as before. That's to be expected; consumer confidence is low.

Right now, let's wish for good weather this weekend. It would encourage people to give money to the Salvation Army bell-ringers.

"People aren't going to fish around in their pocket for money in the cold and the rain," Strong said.

Here's something else to consider: Norman says low-income people give a disproportionately higher share of their income to charities.

Why?

Because they've benefited themselves or they have seen others benefit from a helping hand up.

Ellie