Lufkin’s Salvation Army Spreads Holiday Cheer with Food Distribution
On Christmas Eve, the Salvation Army Corps in Lufkin brightened the holiday for local families by handing out food boxes packed with festive meals. They served 60 families, offering special items like chickens and turkeys to make the occasion memorable.
Captain Cavon Phillips shared, “We were blessed with donations from businesses like Walmart and Sam’s Club, including extra chickens from Pilgrim’s and turkeys from Sam’s. It really helps make Christmas Day special for the community.”
While the Salvation Army typically offers weekly food distributions, this event stood out as a holiday celebration. They work closely with the East Texas Food Bank, securing regular supplies and partnering with businesses for special occasions.
The Christmas gathering followed the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign, which fell short of its $75,000 goal, finishing at $20,000 below target. This campaign plays a vital role in funding their year-round services. “The money we collect helps us pay rent and provide essential services like utility and rental assistance,” Phillips explained.
Despite the campaign’s conclusion, Phillips emphasized the importance of ongoing donations. These funds are crucial for maintaining community assistance programs throughout the year.
In recent years, the need for food assistance has surged. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food insecurity affected 10.5% of American households in 2021, up from 10.1% in 2020. This trend highlights the ongoing importance of organizations like the Salvation Army.
The community’s response has been encouraging. Social media buzz around the Salvation Army’s efforts shows numerous residents expressing gratitude and support, encouraging more to get involved in local initiatives.
With holidays often being a peak time for giving, the help provided by organizations like the Salvation Army not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters community spirit, reminding us all of the importance of supporting one another.
For more details on food security and assistance programs, visit USDA’s official report.
Source link
Salvation Army Lufkin,Christmas food distribution,Red Kettle campaign,East Texas Food Bank,Holiday assistance
