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published: Friday, November 28, 2008
Salvation Army looking at less cheery season
BENJAMIN ROODE
Staff Writer
Fabi Rada has never visited the Salvation Army for help before, she said.
She's donated clothes, food and even change to the red kettles so ubiquitously guarding mall and department store entrances during the holiday season.
The 60-year-old Leesburg woman was not at the Lake-Sumter Salvation Army Wednesday to donate. She lost her restaurant job six months ago and now doesn't know how to provide Thanksgiving and Christmas cheer to her 4- and 7-year-old grandchildren that live with her.
"I never thought I'd have to do it," she said of coming to the Salvation Army for help. "It's a struggle, but I'll keep it up."
Rada wasn't the only one at the Leesburg branch this week looking for help. Hundreds stood in line waiting to get food gift cards and vouchers for a return trip in December before Christmas.
Donations are dwindling and demand for help is deafening at the Army, according to local chapter officials.
More than 600 families applied for help before this week's marathon sessions, chapter officials said. That was already more than 200 over last year's total holiday compliment of assistance.
Hundreds more have applied with the three days of applications this week, officials said.
