Salvation Army calls for donations

As the country prepares for the presidential election, and with political fundraising having reached an all-time high this year, The Salvation Army has issued an urgent call to residents of Waynesboro and East Augusta County not to forget to respond generously to the needs of the less fortunate this holiday season.

The Army is making a plea for immediate donations of cash and nonperishable food.

As the number of disadvantaged families continues to rise in Waynesboro and East Augusta County, the need for compassionate support from the public becomes even more essential as The Salvation Army is struggling to provide for their needs.

Although the Army recognizes that people must have received more requests for donations than ever over the past year, due to the huge efforts by both major political parties, we are so grateful to those friends in our community who have stepped forward with faithful support for families and individuals struggling to make ends meet. But unfortunately, the number of people needing help keeps escalating and the amount of public support is just not keeping pace.

This year’s economic factors, the dramatic increase in gasoline prices, home foreclosures and the credit crisis, have contributed to the local shortfall in donations too. Consumer confidence has been dropping. Discretionary income has been adversely affected, reducing the dollars available for organizations like The Salvation Army and some who have been generous supporters in the past are now in need of help themselves.

Although many struggling members of our society might feel forgotten and depressed as they approach this holiday season, The Salvation Army believes the community will once again pull together and lend a helping hand to those who need it most.

Maj. Linda Sloan

The Salvation Army, Waynesboro, East Augusta County