Good News Florida

ENCOURAGEMENT 36 NOVEMBER 2017 Good News • Broward Edition Many people have ob- served the Salvation Army in the front of a store ringing bells and sharing holiday greetings. Often people will place spare change or bills into the kettle, feeling the Christmas spirit. Many people know about the Salvation Army's Angel Tree program as well, and have purchased a gift for a child who might other wise have no gifts under the tree. What may not be as well known are how many pro- grams the Salvation Army supports through the Red Ket- tle and the personal stories behind the kettle and the Angel Tree. With millions of American children in lower in- come brackets, families who are barely making ends meet face a holiday season that may be cheerless, and they feel hopeless. The Salvation Army brings hope and cheer to those who are in poverty, right here in South Florida. Red Kettle Campaign The Red Kettle Campaign lasts from late November to Christmas Eve day, and pro- vides about one third of the funds the Salvation Army re- ceives. Bell ringers have re- ceived up to $144 million over the holiday shopping season. All funds collected in South Florida stay in the local com- munity and are used to sup- port families in need. Eighty-two cents of every dol- lar goes directly to support those in need. Needy families receive help with holiday din- ners, utilities such as electric, and other needs. The Salva- tion Army members also visit hospitals and nursing homes, sharing the joy of the holidays with those who may not have family or friends near to cele- brate with. The elderly who live alone are ministered to as well, through meal deliveries and gifting programs. Reaching out to those in danger, especially due to the recent storms in Florida, Texas and Louisiana, The Salvation Army works with clubs like the Kiwanis Club, service organi- zations such as the United Way, and college teams like the Florida Panthers to pro- vide relief. Major Keath Big- gers, Commander for the South Florida area, described the efforts. "The Salvation Army provides whatever as- sistance through the social services: clothing vouchers, housing assistance, food pantry items, and other assis- tance. The Emergency Oper- ations center provided over 4000 meals throughout Broward County. They re- ceived a call from a New York citizen concerned about her mother in Florida, who lived in Century Village. He brought her hot food and water and prayed for her. Thirteen to fif- teen thousand residents of Century Village in Broward County were without power. He personally delivered water 5)634%":/07&.#&3 108&3-6/$) UP 1.BUUIF 508&3$-6# UI 'MPPS /HDUQ KRZ \RX FDQ OLYH DV DQ HIIHFWLYH 0DUNHWSODFH $PEDVVDGRU 9LVLW 0DUNHWSODFH$PEDVVDGRU FRP 3OHDVH 5693 -LOO &DUULRQ MFDUULRQ#PPGSD FRP 41&",&3 4UFWFO1%BJHMF 4FOJPS7JDF1SFTJEFOU #BOLPG"NFSJDB DCNDDPN -VODIFPOTBMTPIFMEJO#PDB3BUPOPOUIFTU5VFTEBZBOE JO8FTU#SPXBSEPOUIFOE5VFTEBZPGFBDINPOUI 7JTJU'-$#.$$0.GPSEFUBJMT The Salvation Army Red Kettle Program Helps Families Year Round Penni Bolten Good News (Continued on page 37)