The Salvation Army of Greene County is helping local families in need
We know them by the men and women standing outside the shopping center at Christmas time, ringing a bell with their red, tin kettles. Or maybe we see their name on the list when natural disasters strike, and residents are looking for additional assistance.
The Salvation Army of Greene County, however, does so much more than we may think, and much of their work stays in Greene County.
“All of our donations stay in Greene County and help Greene County families in need,” said Director Bonnie Davis. “We have a wonderful board and community that really support our center’s mission and assistance programs.”
Those programs include basic need assistance for food, hotels for fire and flood victims, and rent or utility assistance. The Salvation Army also provides help with the cost of medications for low-income and homeless people in the community.
They also have a free warehouse with clothing and home essentials like dishes and blankets for those in need.
In 2024, the Salvation Army of Greene County supplied shoes for 65 children, clothing, school supplies and nearly 600 personal hygiene kits ahead of the new school year.
During the holiday season, the funds raised through the kettles go toward programs throughout the year but also supply Christmas for many.
“In 2023, we provided 555 Angel Tree gifts, and 25 Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners. We already have 300 people signed up for our Angel Tree this year,” Davis said. “We could have up to 500 children in 2024, and we need individuals, churches and businesses to adopt tags and help fill Christmas wishes for our local children.”
Natural disaster assistance is another large part of the Salvation Army’s mission. They respond with shelter, food and cleaning kits. They provide food and water to first responders and families throughout the emergency.
Davis is quick to point out, none of it would be possible without the support of the Greene County community.
“The community is the reason we can keep our doors open,” Davis said. “They are helping us so we can help others. With everyone’s contributions, whether it be their time or donations or both, it allows us to continue saying ‘Yes’ to one more family, child or individual who needs our assistance.”
Last winter, the Salvation Army’s furnace broke down and they had no air conditioning or heat- something those who are struggling can understand.
The community pitched in, allowing the nonprofit to continue operations.
“We would like to thank First Federal Greene County, Direct Results, Greene County Emergency Service and so many others for volunteering and supporting the center,” Davis said. “Without them, we couldn’t continue to assist our community.”
This holiday season, the Salvation Army of Greene County will need volunteers to ring those bells at the shopping center. They’ll need members in the community purchasing gifts for children off of their Angel Tree and they need donations of coats, food, blankets and more.
“More people than ever need support and our centers’ services. Our Center opens our doors to those experiencing financial hardship and hunger. It’s so heartwarming to receive the support we get from our board and our community,” Davis said.
For more information or to volunteer, email BonnieJDavis@use.SalvationArmy.org.