Finding Solutions: Salvation Army looks for help as need grows
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Donations are needed at the Salvation Army of Augusta.
They’re seeing an increase in families staying at their shelter and with tournament week around the corner, they are expecting the number of people they serve to go up.
The Salvation Army is finding solutions in hosting donation drives to get their clients what they need.
They say it’s just another way you at home can help make a difference.
More families are staying at the Salvation Army’s Center of Hope.
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“So the average is 14 children a night, but right now we’re seeing even more than that and so it’s something that’s not unusual,” said Janelys Villalta, marketing and public relations manager for the Salvation Army of Augusta. “We do see dips and waves of people coming and staying with us.”
And while this increase may be normal so is the rise in people this time each year.
“Especially at the end of March we usually see an uptick in people in general coming to stay with us,” said Villalta. “We have Masters week around the corner and a lot of times there’s people staying in hotels and motels who end up staying with us through the month of April.”
She says there are so many ways the community can help the uptick of clients at their shelter.
This month they have a donation drive for diapers and wipes.
“We’re always having family stay here with us and a lot of times those families have babies who need diapers, who need wipes and we want to make sure these families have all they have to lead a healthy, happy life,” said Villalta. “We want to make sure their priority is getting back on their feet.”
And helping set people on the right path is Pearline Harris.
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It’s been nearly six months since Hurricane Helene tore through the CSRA, and while crews are still working to pick up debris, volunteers are too.
She’s no stranger to the center of hope and once spent a few months there herself.
“I can’t put it in words,” said Harris. “It meant a whole lot to me the way they have helped me out a great deal, and they are still helping me out by allowing me to volunteer here and work here to keep from staying at home every day.”
She’s been volunteering for almost 10 years now.
The Salvation Army says volunteering is simply another way to give back.
“It’s just been a journey that I have enjoyed,” said Harris. “I can’t tell you that there haven’t been sad times because there have, but the good always outweighs the bad.”
They are still collecting diapers and wipes at the Center of Hope.
We’re told they’re always in need of underwear and hygiene products as well.
You can find more information on how to the Salvation Army on their website as well as their Amazon wish list.
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