Published: Thursday | December 17, 2009
Unlike many organisations that have tightened their purse strings because of the economic crisis, the Salvation Army has stepped up its donations as more persons are seeking their services, says Divisional Commander Major Kelvin Harry.
"In December, it is an extraordinary period, so more people seem to come out of their closet looking for help," Harry said.
"Every year something new is going on the list. Not only that, more people register for food parcels because we have more people coming forward," added Harry.
Commenting further, donation drive activities were accelerated on November 29, as the charity went to several institutions across the island. Food parcels and toys are a major part of the distribution drive, as different units visit various locations, and even have prayer sessions with clients.
But how does the Salvation Army cater for these people in this economic crisis?
"Although we are experiencing a global economic recession, which is affecting Jamaica, we have not seen a decrease in giving, perhaps there is a decrease in the amount that they give," said Harry.
Traditional donors
The divisional commander said there are traditional donors who give every year. Donations from corporate Jamaica have increased, and this is a major factor in offsetting the expenses.
Most people know the Salvation Army as an organisation that gives donations; however, the idea was born out of a new thought by William Booth, who wanted to spread the gospel to the masses. Along with his wife, Catherine, he started the new army in England. In 1885, Jamaica sent an appeal for Salvationists, and as Dr Rebecca Tortello noted in her history of the Salvation Army, "This clipping sparked a long-standing involvement in Jamaica, the first Caribbean island to embrace Salvationism."
Tortello noted, "Mother Agnes Foster, a former slave who was taken from Jamaica to England with her mistress and returned home after 40 years, and W. Raglan Phillips, an Englishman who lived in Jamaica as a surveyor, printer and publisher of the Westmore-land Telegraph" were instrumental in getting the Army off the ground in Jamaica.
Today, there are more than 14,000 members in Jamaica as the movement continues to be a driving force in the island, donating items and spreading the gospel. With territorial headquarters on Waterloo Road in St Andrew, Jamaica boasts one of the strongest Salvationist movements in the Caribbean.
Soldiering on
Despite challenges such as funding shortages and staff inadequacy, the Army is soldiering on. Since November, the Eastern Division has visited many hospitals, correctional institutions, homes and other institutions, bringing parcels and a word of encouragement.
There are high hopes of having more resources in the New Year, and Harry said a policy will be implemented to better manage the charity's activities. He said social services will be coordinated from a central location because of increased numbers of persons seeking assistance during the Yuletide season.
Also on the agenda for next year is a plan to sell used items and clothing.
"The funding received from this is what is going to be used to go back into social services, to feed people, among other things," he said, explaining that counselling will be among the menu of services.