FeedsSalvation Army seeks more donations
As the financial hardships of the auto and manufacturing industry continue to impact charitable organizations, the Plymouth Salvation Army has faith the community will help make Christmas enjoyable for families in need.
The Plymouth Salvation Army operates two distinct programs to provide local families with presents for their children. The Adopt-A-Family program calls for volunteers to sponsor a family by purchasing gifts for the youngsters. The Salvation Army Toy Shop allows families that were not adopted to get three or four presents for their children. Moritz said the toy drives brings toys and gifts to more than 300 local children.
“Anytime we’re down to the wire, people step up,” said Bill Moritz, director of social services for the Salvation Army of Plymouth. Moritz said he is overwhelmed by the public response since the organization made an appeal to local businesses and churches for toy donations.
Moritz, who has worked with Salvation Army projects for more than a decade, said he understands from personal experience how it is to grow up without much. His gratification comes from seeing children smile when they receive their gifts.
With collection days dwindling as people prepare to make their final shopping push, Captain Jim Irvine of the Plymouth Salvation Army said financial donations are down 15 percent from last year. The goal is to raise more than $155,000 in cash donations.
Much of the money collected during the kettle drive goes to assist needy families in the Plymouth community and other local municipalities pay for groceries, utilities, rent and mortgages throughout the year.
Many would assume the need for Salvation Army services in Plymouth is minimal compared to other communities. But according to the leader of the Plymouth Corps, nothing could be further from fact.
“It may not be as obvious here as some places in Wayne and Oakland counties,” said Irvine. “Some of the families that supported us in the past, now need our assistance.”
For more information contact The Salvation Army of Plymouth at (734) 453-5464
