Salvation Army gives for the holidays
Sarah Zeeck
Issue date: 11/8/06 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Salvation Army is preparing to arrange this year's Christmas Food Baskets for needy people countywide.
Susan Thompson, one of the captains of the event, said that residents who are in need first apply for the baskets, and then are able to pick up their baskets at a later date. Christy Cozadd, Salvation Army employee and volunteer, helped with the baskets last year.
"The food was delivered to the building, and then we went by the guidelines as we were told, and gave out the baskets as the recipients came to pick them up," she said.
Inside the baskets, recipients will find between 15 and 20 items from a variety of different foods, from healthy fruits and vegetables to delectable desserts. Nonperishable foods are the predominant contents, but a few perishables such as turkeys, chickens, milk and butter are used as well.
"The size of the family depends on whether they get a turkey or a chicken," Thompson said. "Larger families get a turkey and smaller ones get a chicken."
More than just a meal is contained in the baskets. Breakfast foods, such as cereal and bread for toast are inside, too.
Actual baskets are not used; rather, large boxes are used to package the foods.
"We don't really use baskets," Thompson said, "That's just a term used for them."
In the past, many families have received baskets.
"It has gone up slightly since last year," Thompson said. "Last year, around 140 families received baskets."
Along with the Food Basket Program, the Salvation Army also sponsors a Christmas Angel Tree. The trees, bedecked in names of needy children, are located in various places throughout the county, including the Western Illinois University Union Concourse, the State Police Office and KMart. Those who wish to donate can select a name from the tree and provide an appropriate gift for the child they have chosen.
Many children have benefited from this program.
"A lot of people pick names when they come shopping," said Mary Haley, KMart human resource employee.
"If a child's name isn't chosen by the end of the season, we provide him or her with a generic gift," Thompson said.
This year's Food Baskets and Angel Trees began this week with the Food Basket pickup and will continue through the end of the holiday season.
Susan Thompson, one of the captains of the event, said that residents who are in need first apply for the baskets, and then are able to pick up their baskets at a later date. Christy Cozadd, Salvation Army employee and volunteer, helped with the baskets last year.
"The food was delivered to the building, and then we went by the guidelines as we were told, and gave out the baskets as the recipients came to pick them up," she said.
Inside the baskets, recipients will find between 15 and 20 items from a variety of different foods, from healthy fruits and vegetables to delectable desserts. Nonperishable foods are the predominant contents, but a few perishables such as turkeys, chickens, milk and butter are used as well.
"The size of the family depends on whether they get a turkey or a chicken," Thompson said. "Larger families get a turkey and smaller ones get a chicken."
More than just a meal is contained in the baskets. Breakfast foods, such as cereal and bread for toast are inside, too.
Actual baskets are not used; rather, large boxes are used to package the foods.
"We don't really use baskets," Thompson said, "That's just a term used for them."
In the past, many families have received baskets.
"It has gone up slightly since last year," Thompson said. "Last year, around 140 families received baskets."
Along with the Food Basket Program, the Salvation Army also sponsors a Christmas Angel Tree. The trees, bedecked in names of needy children, are located in various places throughout the county, including the Western Illinois University Union Concourse, the State Police Office and KMart. Those who wish to donate can select a name from the tree and provide an appropriate gift for the child they have chosen.
Many children have benefited from this program.
"A lot of people pick names when they come shopping," said Mary Haley, KMart human resource employee.
"If a child's name isn't chosen by the end of the season, we provide him or her with a generic gift," Thompson said.
This year's Food Baskets and Angel Trees began this week with the Food Basket pickup and will continue through the end of the holiday season.
Be the first to comment on this story