Carroll P. Matherne
November 25, 2008
RoseMary Smith Giron
November 28, 2008
The local Salvation Army chapter is looking for 10 or more volunteers to be bell ringers during this Christmas season.
The effort is part of the 2008 Salvation Army Red Kettle Christmas campaign, which begins Friday and goes through Christmas Eve.
Ringers will be placed outside different stores and businesses in the chapter’s four-parish area – Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Mary and Assumption.
“This is our big fundraiser,” said Benitra Smith, who, along with Tedrick Ward, is the new director of the local Salvation Army chapter. “It raises money to help people in the community. It supports the Salvation Army to continue doing the most good. We hope this will carry us through the year.”
Smith’s goal is to raise over $25,000 this season. The money would go towards utility and rental assistance, individuals in need of clothing, shelter, food, furniture for flood victims and the like.
“Since we’re always placed in the community, we’re able to see first-hand what are the immediate needs of our community,” Smith said. “From our experience thus far, there are a number of people who are homeless, in need of food, and since the hurricanes, are really trying to get back on track. They either lost employment, have extremely high utility bills and are threatened to be cut off, or are threatened to be out of their home.”
Hurricanes Gustav and Ike have had a tremendous effect on the local chapter of the Christian-based, non-profit organization, according to Smith.
The region’s thrift stores in Houma, Thibodaux and Morgan City were closed for almost a month because of the storms. The national headquarters in Virginia sent down supplies so the chapter could provide hot meals, non-perishable food, clean-up kits and tarps to hurricane victims.
Donations to the Salvation Army have fluctuated over the years, Smith said. However, she is hoping for a banner year for her first hands-on experience with the kettle drive.
“This is my first year, as well as Mr. Ward’s, but we have a staff that has been here for years and years,” Smith said. “We’re very excited about our kettle kickoff. It’s a wonderful experience. You’ll be surprised how pennies can add up. Dollars can add up to keep people off the street or to have a meal.”
To volunteer to be a Red Kettle bell ringer, call (985) 872-2436 to reach the Houma service center at 1414 East Tunnel Blvd.; (985) 447-2930 for the Thibodaux thrift store at 924 Jackson St., or (985) 702-0444 for the Morgan City thrift store at 1014 Eighth St.
Benitra Smith, director of Salvation Army Service Center in Houma, prepares to kickoff the 2008 Red Kettle Christmas campaign. * Photo by KEYON K. JEFF
