By Nancy Rea
Special to The SUN
Hope is what carries us through the difficult times in our lives.
The Salvation Army, with its motto of, “Meet the need at point of need,” believes that we can’t offer spiritual hope without meeting physical needs as well.
“In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets” — Matt 7:12.
Through your contributions, our local Salvation Army Extension Unit is able to meet critical needs right here in Archuleta County. Your donations provide aid to individuals and families. You help food pantries, Loaves and Fishes, Archuleta County Victims Assistance, the Rotary Backpack Program and the Pagosa Springs Pregnancy Support Center.
In addition, your gifts assist in purchasing infant car seats, funding emergency fuel vouchers and you help people pay for lifesaving prescription medication. And, your donations provide emergency shelter.
In just a few weeks, Salvation Army will donate $4,000 to purchase turkeys. This contribution will aid local churches and organizations with the funds necessary to distribute over 200 Thanksgiving food boxes to our less fortunate friends and neighbors.
Throughout the year, on a weekly basis, your local Salvation Army participates financially within our community by partnering with the Pagosa Outreach Connection. This amazing group funds requests for emergency assistance to Archuleta County residents. Salvation Army spends thousands of dollars meeting needs every year through P.O.C.
Donors, you faithfully embrace Christmas giving. We are excited to announce the details of the 2013 Christmas Angel Tree Program.
Again this year, children from newborn to age 18 and senior citizens age 60 and over can register at the Ross Aragon Community Center Nov. 11-29 to receive a Christmas gift.
Beginning Nov. 20, a gift tag Angel Tree will be placed at the local City Market. You will have the opportunity to choose a tag from the Angel Tree, buy the specific item shown on the gift tag, then drop off the purchased item at various locations around town prior to Dec. 9. Through your actions, Christmas wishes are granted and the gifts you purchased will be distributed on Dec. 14.
In advance, we extend our thanks for your generosity in faithfully participating in the Angel Tree Program. You meet specific requests and put smiles on the faces of children and seniors in our community!
Changes have been made this year: Salvation Army will not be providing Christmas meal boxes. Because of increasing demands on church food pantries, Salvation Army plans to donate funds normally spent on Christmas meals to local pantries who supply our community with food 365 days per year. Many Archuleta County churches and organizations host Christmas meals and welcome guests with open arms. Folks will have opportunities to attend and participate in Christmas functions and celebrations.
Please know that everyone involved with our local Salvation Army team happily volunteers their time and talents. It is an honor and privilege to serve our neighbors and we thank you for trusting us to be good stewards of your contributions. Because of your generosity, Archuleta County has been blessed. With grateful hearts and thanksgiving, we look forward to seeing you soon as our volunteers ring the seasonal bells at the red kettle. Your donations change lives and make a difference in Pagosa Springs.
If you have any questions, or want to be a part of our team and volunteer an hour, a day or limitless quantities of time, please contact the Salvation Army at archuletacosalvationarmy@gmail.com. Donations can be addressed to Salvation Army, P.O. Box 1567, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147.
