| At least 200 children and their families will have a good Christmas, at least from the gift and food standpoint, courtesy of a Laurel business.
Employees of Howard Industries in Laurel gathered together toys for at least 215 angels from Angel Trees and collected about $2,400. Half of that money went to food purchases and the other half was donated to the Salvation Army.
“The real meaning of Christmas should be exemplified in our thoughts towards children,” Howard Industries Transformer Division president Michael Howard said. “What better way to celebrate Christmas than in helping ensure that children and their families have a merry Christmas.”
Major Jonathan McBride with the local office of the Salvation Army drove an empty U-HAUL truck to the Laurel plant. When he left, the truck was packed full of bikes, Teddy bears, and other toys.
“We’re going to have enough to get it done,” McBride said. “Looks like we’re right about where we need to be in Jones County.”
Despite a national economic crunch, McBride said numbers of families needing assistance are actually back down closer to pre-Katrina levels. This year, about 918 families in the six counties assisted by the Laurel office need help. McBride said 900 families needed help five years ago. But, after Katrina, that number jumped to 1,600 families.
In previously published articles in the Leader-Call, McBride also cautioned that people shouldn’t be fooled by fewer people needing help. Donations for most area agencies are down, but the cost to buy anything have gone up. Donations, especially through the Salvation Army’s kettle program, are still needed.
Also, donations that aren’t used right at Christmas don’t go to waste. Food, money, and other donations also help the Salvation Army respond to disasters throughout the year.
“I just want to thank everybody for their great support,” he said. “If you’re confused about how you can help, just go by a red kettle. If every shopper would drop a dollar or two, we’d be finished
(Article and photo by Jason Niblett of the Laurel Leader-Call) |
