Write a commentThe Oswego County Salvation Army is currently facing a $25,000 financial shortfall in the budget and Major James Purvis, Executive Director, is asking the community for help.
"As our fiscal year runs October 1 through September 30, we have four months to raise the funds necessary for this year. Without doing so, next year will also be affected. Our biggest fund raiser for the year, the Christmas Red Kettle Drive, fell short of goal by $12,000. That, coupled with other funding issues, has resulted in our budget deficit," Purvis said.
Our volunteer Advisory Board is comprised of 31 dedicated community people who unselfishly give their time and hard work to assist in our mission to serve the needs of our neighbors within Oswego County. The Board is instrumental in providing service, resources, networking and community outreach. Majors James and Kathryn Purvis and the Advisory Board just completed a four hour planning and brainstorming retreat with the goal of addressing the financial shortfall.
The Salvation Army has physical locations in Fulton and Oswego but serves the entire county. "There is an increase in the numbers of people coming to the soup kitchens and food pantries. Last year 25,488 grocery orders were provided between the two locations. 437,676 meals have been provided through the pantries and the soup kitchens," said Major Kathryn Purvis. The number of households seeking assistance is up 20% over this time last year and the numbers continue to rise.
Founded in 1865 in London, The Salvation Army has historically been on the front line of meeting the needs of the less fortunate. Its founder, William Booth, fed the hungry and homeless who lived under London Bridge. The first kettle fundraising started in 1891 in San Francisco as a way of raising money to feed the hungry. During World War 1, The Salvation Army was on the front line serving coffee and donuts to hungry soldiers. Most units across the country have food pantries and many have soup kitchens.
Today hunger affects all walks of life. Single parents, under and unemployed, elderly on a fixed income, families caught in the cracks. Some individuals who donated in the past now need the services themselves as making ends meet becomes harder, if not impossible. Regardless of how it happens, the need is still the same. "The Salvation Army will feed, counsel, refer and help in any way we can," said Major Kathryn Purvis. "Oswego County is a great community with generous people willing to help us in any way they can."
Please consider helping us make a difference in the lives of those who need us most. Donations can be made to The Salvation Army, PO Box 146, Oswego, NY 13126. On-line donations can be made at www.salvationarmyempirestate.org. This is a secure site. Your zip code will direct your donation to Oswego. Your donation stays in Oswego County and will be used to feed the hungry and help the less fortunate. Your continued support is most appreciated.
