How local people benefit from the Salvation Army's Empty Stocking Fund

The cost of living is on the rise, leading to an increased demand for assistance from The Salvation Army of Gaston & Lincoln Counties. Thanks to the generous donations received during the holiday season, The Salvation Army can provide support for families and individuals in need, including assistance with rent and utilities, in addition to Christmas assistance programs. However, when comparing the current season to the same time last year, The Salvation Army's seasonal donations have decreased by many thousands of dollars.

"Families are facing higher expenses for rent, food and utilities," said Major David Phelps of the local Salvation Army. “More people are turning to us for assistance. Like in many other places, The Salvation Army's operating costs have increased over the past year. The community's financial support is essential for us to assist those who seek our help - our capacity to make a difference is dependent on the generosity of our local community."

For people living in poverty, the picture can be bleak. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey, 36.7% of survey respondents said they would likely face eviction in the next two months. The Consumer Price Index reports that food prices are up 4.3% from 2022. Almost two-thirds of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. But there is hope as the following story shows us.

No matter how hard James tried, he just couldn’t seem to catch a break. First his hours were cut at both his jobs. Then he became ill and missed two weeks of work. The single father went from feeling financially secure to living paycheck to paycheck.

After months of taking one step forward and two steps back, James fell behind in his rent and could not seem to recover.

His pastor suggested he contact The Salvation Army for help. James met with a case manager who contacted his landlord to advocate for him. Then the case manager secured rental assistance funds to get him caught up on his rent. Through the generosity of the local community, The Salvation Army was able to pay a full month of rent, and James and his children were able to stay in his home.

The Salvation Army’s case manager was not finished. She helped James enroll his children in the Salvation Army’s Boys & Girls Club so they would have help with their homework while James was at work. She filled a box of pantry staples like beans, rice, pasta and cereal for the family and told James to be sure to come back if he needed more.

In the span of just a few days, James went from feeling hopeless to feeling hopeful.

“Thank God for this help and for The Salvation Army,” said James. “My kids and I are grateful to be able to stay in our home.”

Last year The Salvation Army of Gaston & Lincoln Counties helped more than 12,500 people through social service programs that help meet the immediate and long-term needs of individuals and families in the community.

"Christmas is a time of joy, but for people living in poverty, it can be a season of worry. We ask you to support families and individuals in our community by considering The Salvation Army for your holiday donations. Your donation will stay right here in this community, helping people in dire need," added Major Phelps.

The Gaston Gazette has partnered with The Salvation Army for decades to promote the Empty Stocking Fund. All the money that people contribute is used by the Salvation Army to buy food, clothing, toys and gift cards for families. Throughout this month, The Gazette will publish the names of donors and list their contributions.

Donation checks should be made out to The Salvation Army with the memo line noted as “Empty Stocking Fund.”  Contributions should be mailed to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 1094, Gastonia, N.C., 28053 or can be dropped off at the Center of Hope at 107 South Broad St Gastonia NC 28052

The Gazette will provide regular updates on the campaign as it progresses.

• $100 from Clarissa Craig

• $50 from J. and R. Blanton

• $100 in in memory of Bernice and N.L. Snuggs, from Porter and Libby Snuggs McAteer

• $250 from Clyde and Kim Arrowood

• $10 Anonymous

• $100 from Barry and Wanda Dellinger in honor of our grandkids, Kayley, Holden, Logan, Graham and Jamison

• $25 from Nola and Stephen Huffstetler in memory of Lewis and Jenielle Ramsey

• $50 from Charlie Killian

• $200 from Joyce & Bruce Hartung in memory of Ralph & Doris Fail

• $100 from Dwight Howington in memory of Betty Springfield Howington & Kate Lewis Howington

• $100 from Vicki Murphy in memory of David R. Murphy

• $50 (from Gail White) in memory and in honor of all the ladies who have been in The Study Club since 1911

• $100 from Margaret Inez Mills

• $200 from Paula Weant

• $240 in honor of Drs. John Lanz, Ronald Nason and Brenda Lopez from their work family

• $300 from Kenna Watts

• $200 from Ted & Ramona Rankin in loving memory of their precious daughter Allison Rankin Clark

• $100 from Robert Montgomery in memory of Sonny Montgomery

• $100 from Robert Montgomery in memory of Zelma York

• $100 Anonymous

• $80 in memory of Carol Lewis from Lisa, Linda, Denise & Karen

• $50 from Keith & Patti Bollinger and Paul & Megan Kelly in memory of Roger "Pop" Bollinger

• $1,000 from Stephan Curran

$5,505 of the $75,000 goal is the total of the Empty Stocking Fund as of Dec. 11, 2023.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: How local people benefit from the Salvation Army's Empty Stocking Fund