Charity Need Spikes As Summer Approaches
Charity group leaders in southern Colorado can tell it’s nearly summer, not because of the calendar or the weather, but the lack of supplies.
Summer months usually see a drop in donations. Adding to the problem, though, is record demand. Leaders with the Springs Rescue Mission said poverty is up 30 percent compared to three years ago.
“Sixty-four percent of our families living under the poverty line make tough choices every month between putting food on their tables and clothes on their children or paying the rent and utilities,” said the Rev. Joe Vasquez, the CEO of Springs Rescue Mission.
The group said it is in urgent need of food and clothing to help the rising number of families in need. That includes donations of furniture, appliances and especially nonperishable food and clothing.
The Salvation Army is also gearing up for a lean summer, but on Thursday celebrated its volunteers and honored its clients with a National Salvation Army Week barbecue.
“We try to give back and give the word to the people, and whatever we have, we try to give to the people, money or whatever they need,” said Nichole Murray-Russell, a former client and now volunteer with The Salvation Army. “We just love the world. We love everybody, and they provided the love, so we just try to give it in return.”
Murray-Russell said her family needed The Salvation Army desperately when they moved from Lincoln, Neb., two years ago. The organization was able to help the family of six with a number things, such as temporary shelter, setting a financial budget and finding affordable school clothes.
“Their Christmas program is wonderful,” said Murray-Russell.
Another former client turned volunteer is Rose Mary Evans. She actually met her husband while staying in the Salvation Army shelter five years ago.
“I was so depressed, and I thought this was the bottom,” said Evans.
The Salvation Army programs helped turn things around.
“It was like I was at peace. I had a clean, safe place to stay, everybody was so good to us and they gave us good meals,” said Evans.
She and her husband got back on their feet and bought their own home.
“I’m happier, happier than I’ve ever been,” said Evans. “I am finally with someone that knows me and loves me anyway.”
