Dalton Laing, Gleaner Writer

Lurlene Howell (second right) gives a package of basic food items to a needy woman during the handing out of more than 300 parcels last Thursday in Savanna-la-Mar. Also in the picture are corps officers for the Salvation Army in Savanna-la-Mar, Captain Marlene Agyemang (right) and Bandmaster Eupie Williams.

The work of the Salvation Army worldwide is quite effective, especially in reaching out to the poor and needy.

At Christmas, this kind of care-giving comes out as bold prints on the page. The organisation's Savanna-la-Mar Corps is no different and this year more than 300 less fortunate families will benefit from its offerings.

The Annual Kettle Drive was launched during the last week of November and, ever since, members of the corps have been posted at strategic locations across the business community of Savanna-la-Mar, beckoning persons to put a donation in the red kettle.

Significant drop in donation

The funds are used to purchase basic food items for the waiting beneficiaries. It is customary that the contributions from the donors along the streets are complemented with donation of food stuff from business personnel. However, Captain Marlene Agyemang says there has been a significant drop in the donation of goods.

"Most of the goods we put in the bags are bought from the funds collected," says Captain Agyemang. "We have not received much donation in terms of the actual goods but we still have to provide for the needy families."

Among the few donors was the Mormon Church.

Last Thursday, the distribution was carried out at The Salvation Army Church in Savanna-la-Mar where members of the church volunteered their services to ensure that those who are in dire need are given assistance.

According to Captain Agyemang, a comprehensive screening process had to be carried out to ensure that those with the need are those who get the benefit. He says that visits were made to shut-ins ahead of time and their parcels were delivered to them.

The majority of the beneficiaries are elderly and sick persons, but a number of others benefit also if they have a large family and are finding difficulty to provide.

The items found in the packages are mainly rice, sugar, flour, cornmeal, Kool-Aid, salt, matches, tin food, milk powder, cooking oil and other basic items.

These two persons assist an old lady after she received her Christmas gift of basic food items. - Photos by Dalton Laing