Bellringer: Ventura family finds resources with Salvation Army
Editor's note: This is the second in a series on the 43rd annual Julius Gius Bellringer Campaign.
The Cabral family moved from Texas to Ventura in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic to help two relatives who had been ill for a long time.
Jose Cabral’s brother eventually died and his mother moved back to Mexico, leaving the father of five and his wife Sara with no other family or friends in the area. The couple then found themselves and their children – Erica, Jose Adrian, Nicholas and Camilla – with a difficult decision. They could either go back to Texas or make it in California alone.
Their savings dwindled and job prospects during the pandemic were not easy to come by. Their son Nicholas also has Pallister-Killian mosaic syndrome, which causes poor muscle tone to form and other developmental issues and requires special care. Finding a doctor and resources for him was a challenge.
Desperate and not knowing where to turn, Sara Cabral started looking online for resources that could help. She found the Salvation Army, Ventura Corps website and was happy to discover it was just a couple of blocks from her home.
She went to the Salvation Army's Food Pantry and received what she needed. She went every week and sometimes twice a week for food. She started to know the volunteers at the food pantry and was on a first-name basis with them.
Seven months later, her husband found a job. They finally felt like things were going to be OK. One day while Sara was in line at the food pantry, she asked if she could volunteer. After filling out all the paperwork, she started volunteering at the food pantry where she's been helping for six months.
“In my time of need, the Salvation Army helped me and my family," Sara Cabral said. "When we needed not just food, but companionship, the volunteers at The Salvation Army made me feel welcome. I wanted to be part of that Army that helps and gives without discrimination. I want to give back. That’s why I’m here.”
To donate online, visit https://give-sc.salvationarmy.org/campaign/the-salvation-army-or-julius-gius-bellringer-by-ventura-county-star/c429370 or mail donations to Bellringer Campaign, The Salvation Army Ventura, 650 S. Petit Ave., Ventura, CA 93004. Please include whether your donation is in honor or memory of someone. You may also donate anonymously.
Donors
Inside Leisure Village: $500
Vinson and Jay Gilliam: $400
Joseph Donald O’Neill: $100 - For Gladys Engle in El Rio/Oxnard
Nancy MCatee: $25 - In memory of Anthony W. MCatee
Allen G. Collister: $100 - Honoring my favorite newlyweds: Patty and Carson
Dorcas H. Thile: $200 for 43rd Julius Gius
Total: $1,325
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: how this Ventura family finds resources with Salvation Army
