Salvation Army Working to Assist Those in Need During Holiday Season

HOULTON, Maine (WAGM) - As the need throughout the County continues to grow, the salvation army is stepping in to help during the holidays.

It’s a familiar sound for many during the holiday season… Volunteers from the salvation army are collecting donations to help people throughout the county.

“Our goal this year to raise is fifty-thousand dollars. Last year we raised a little more than that, but we kind of took into account for maybe a little bit of a loss this year. Things are going okay but we can kind of feel it out there and we see people trying to keep the distance like they’re being taught to do from the CDC.”

The pandemic has impacted many throughout Aroostook County. Pastor Frank Nataluk says there is an increased need.

“The need is great… a lot of people asking for assistance this year. We help a lot of families with utilities and heat. Just got a phone call a few minutes ago a young lady, a mom, in need of wood for her wood stove as that’s all she has to burn so we’re trying to figure out a vendor for that. Generally, the same type of need as any other year it’s just it’s amped up this year quite a bit due to the pandemic and people losing jobs. And I think people really are trying to stay positive.”

Tony Stewart is a bell ringer this year for the salvation army. He says he’s grateful for the opportunity to give back.

“In the past the Salvation army has helped me out a lot… and so I figured you know just might as well so what I can do help them get donations to help the other kids and stuff that need it. I think it’s one of the greatest organizations there is. I mean they help out a lot of people whether it’s with bills or Christmas and I’d do anything for them.”

With the pandemic in mind, the Salvation Army is also taking donations from a distance. Those interested in donating, can text “Houlton” to 41444.

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