Salvation Army still accepting donations
WAYNESBURG – Each year, just after Thanksgiving, the Salvation Army of Greene County kicks off its Red Kettle Campaign, its biggest fundraiser of the year. The 2013 campaign began on Nov. 29 and ended Dec. 23.
“Donations were a little slow this year mainly because our bell-ringing season was shorter than usual and bad weather on several collection days adversely affected our collections,” Sister Audrey Quinn said. “But even though our 2013 campaign is over, people can still make donations either by mailing in a check to the Salvation Army of Greene County, 131 West First Street in Waynesburg 15370, or by dropping in and contributing money, clothing in good condition, furniture, toys and other household items.”
This year, volunteers manned kettles in Waynesburg, Mt. Morris, Carmichaels and Jefferson. Several churches provided volunteers for entire six hour days, and the WWJD Christian Center in West Waynesburg sent volunteers every Friday of the campaign to both Waynesburg Walmarts in all kinds of weather, including cold, sleet and snow.
“All of the money raised in Greene County stays in Greene County,” Sister Audrey said.
The Red Kettle Campaign roots date back to 1891, when Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee saw that many poor individuals in San Francisco were going hungry. During the Christmas holidays, he resolved to provide a free Christmas dinner for the destitute and poverty-stricken. He only had one major hurdle to overcome — funding the project.
One day he decided to set up a crab pot at the foot of Market Street along with a sign that read “Keep the Pot Boiling.” His efforts proved so successful he not only collected enough money to feed the destitute of San Francisco but also started a tradition that spread not only across the United States but around the world. Today in the U.S., the Salvation Army assists more than four-and-a-half million people during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
In Greene County, the funds collected during the annual Red Kettle Campaign are used to help the needy pay for emergency rent, utilities and lodging. It also provides food boxes and relief for people suffering catastrophic losses due to fires and floods.
“Anytime there’s an emergency in Greene County, the Salvation Army responds accordingly,” Sister Quinn said.
To be eligible for help from the Salvation Army for rent, utilities, food, fuel and clothing, applicants must be a resident of Greene County and have a family income less than 150 percent of the poverty guidelines. When applying for help, they should bring into the office proof of residency and income and copies of their eviction or utility shut-off notices.
Operating on an annual budget of around $55,000, all gotten through donations, the Salvation Army of Greene County employs Sister Audrey full time, a part time human services secretary and “lots of volunteers.”
“If you count in our food volunteers, close to 40 people donate their time to help us serve the needy each month,” Sister Audrey said. “Students from Waynesburg University are very excellent volunteers, and we’re always looking for more volunteers from the community.”
Each month, from 10 a.m. to noon, usually the fourth Thursday, the Salvation Army distributes food to needy residents at the Greene County Fairgrounds in Waynesburg in its Produce to People Program. The food is provided through the Greater Pittsburgh Area Food Bank, and food recipients self-declare their eligibility based on established income guidelines. Recipients are asked to bring along a box, carton or wagon to carry out the donated food.
“In November, we gave 740 families free food through the program,” Sister Audrey said. “This month, our Produce to People Program served 647 families.”
Through the Salvation Army’s Project Bundle-Up, seniors and children up to the age of 18 can receive a $50 clothing voucher for winter outerwear. They can then use the voucher to shop at Gabriel’s in Uniontown.
Those in need in Greene County can also visit the Salvation Army warehouse at 131 W. First Street in Waynesburg and pick up free clothing, furniture and household items. The warehouse is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday. During this time people can either donate items or take their choices of clothing or furniture home with them.
Through its Birthday Club, the Salvation Army gives a free new toy to children up to the age of 12 on or around their birthday. To be eligible, parents must bring in proof of residence and the child’s birth certificate.
Each summer, the Salvation Army of Greene County sends children between the ages of 6 and 14 to Camp Allegheny in Ellwood City free of charge. A refundable $25 deposit is required at sign-up, which begins on March 1.
The Salvation Army of Greene County also provides free transportation to and from the camp and gives each child a free duffel bag packed with a pillow, a blanket and hygiene articles.
At registration, parents must bring in the child’s birth certificate and medical insurance card. In 2014, children 6 to 12 will go to camp from June 16 to 21, and children 11 to 14 will go from July 25-30. More information about the camp is available online at www.campallegheny.org.
“Our Camp Allegheny program is one reason why our Red Kettle Campaign is such a vital component of our funding,” Sister Audrey said.
Another big fundraiser is the annual golf outing at Carmichaels Country Club. Now in its fourth year, the 2014 outing is scheduled for May 31. To get the word out, the Salvation Army contacts past participants and advertises at area golf courses.
Participants can pre-register by filling out an application available at local golf courses and in a future edition of the Greene County Messenger. After the application is complete, participants can mail it to the Salvation Army, 131 W. First Street, Waynesburg 15370. The cost for a team of four is $360.
Sister Audrey, a resident of Ruff Creek, has been the director of the Salvation Army of Greene County for six years. Prior to that, she was a foster mother for 18 years and an elementary and high school teacher in the Pittsburgh area for 25 years.
“Someone once said that the Salvation Army is Christianity with its sleeves rolled up,” she said.
Through its wide range of services to the needy, the saying is especially apt for the Greene County office.
Those wanting to contribute goods or money to the Salvation Army of Greene County should call 724-852-1479 or email audrey_quinn@use.salvationarmy.org.