'We serve.' Alliance Salvation Army lends a helping hand this holiday season

Benjamin Duer, The Repository
·2 min read
Maj. Tara Harrison assumed the Salvation Army post in Alliance in July. She replaced Capts. Shane and Dorothy Budd.
Maj. Tara Harrison assumed the Salvation Army post in Alliance in July. She replaced Capts. Shane and Dorothy Budd.

ALLIANCE ‒ Maj. Tara Harrison has spent most of her life in the Salvation Army.

The Newport, R.I., native was 10 when her parents joined the ministry as volunteers. They became officers and moved to Cuyahoga Falls.

Now retired, their daughter followed them into the Salvation Army, and Harrison, 40, has been an ordained officer for the last 17 years.

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"God is good," Harrison said. "We're in a unique position to serve our community. With the love of Jesus, that's what we do. We serve."

Her last post was Wadsworth before she replaced Capts. Shane and Dorothy Budd at the Alliance Salvation Army in July. Harrison said she has enjoyed her new mission.

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"The (Alliance) community is so kind, so forgiving and so accepting," Harrison said. "I've been doing everything I can to be part of the community."

That includes getting ready for Christmas needs.

Helping Alliance area families this holiday season

Harrison has been getting the Alliance citadel ready for this year's toy distribution, helping families with gifts, clothes and food.

About 540 area families, including 860 children, will each get a bundle of gifts and clothes; and a box of non-perishable food, plus a $10 voucher to Save-A-Lot.

The Alliance Salvation Army will distribute boxes of non-perishable foods, along with a $10 voucher, to 540 area families for the Christmas holiday.
The Alliance Salvation Army will distribute boxes of non-perishable foods, along with a $10 voucher, to 540 area families for the Christmas holiday.

Families or individuals had from Oct. 1 to Nov. 23 to register for the distribution. Harrison said there could be extra donations available next week if someone forgot to sign up.

Harrison, citing inflation costs, said they are trying to help alleviate some financial worries by providing the gifts, clothes and food.

"We're trying to help with family budgets because it just doesn't go as far, right now," she said.

'It brings us happiness.'

Harrison didn't get the distribution together alone.

"I made friends" with Stark Regional Community Correction Center, she said, so low-level crime offenders could voluntarily help the holiday program.

"I have cried at their presence because they have been so helpful. That gym does not look as nice as it does (until they got here)," Harrison said.

Canton resident, Teresa Harford, who is recovering from substance abuse, is one of the volunteers helping the Alliance Salvation Army. Harrison called Harford her "organization queen."

Harford said helping the Salvation Army with its Christmas distribution has brought joy. "We get to play Santa Claus every day," she said, smiling. "It brings us happiness."

Added Harrison: "They spent their Saturday here with me," serving others.

For more information, call the Alliance Salvation Army at (330) 823-5188.

Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com

Follow on Twitter @bduerREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Alliance Salvation Army ready to distribute Christmas donations