Salvation Army reports a dramatic increase in requests for help

Fitchburg - Agencies helping families for the holidays are seeing an increase in requests for help.  Many families are asking for help for the first time because of the rising prices brought on by inflation. The Salvation Army says across the state – on average – nearly half of the people they are helping for Thanksgiving have never asked for help before.

The Salvation Army in Fitchburg loaded car after car so families could drive off with everything they would need to make a Thanksgiving dinner – including the turkey. Dave MacDonald is one of the volunteers. “We know it is bad out there in the economy and we are very proud to help give back,” said MacDonald.

Deborah Andujar is a case worker and told us items were also packed to help families for the entire holiday weekend.  “We figured these families the kids are going to be home for the holidays so this will make up for some extra days where they have the meals,” said Andujar.

Mildred Aviles is one of many people who signed up to get help. She told us she was not going to be able to serve a Thanksgiving dinner if she did not get help. “The food is so expensive, everything. It’s a high cost of living. You can’t even afford anything,” said Aviles.

The Salvation Army says nearly half of the people who are asking for help this Thanksgiving are asking for help for the first time. Lynette Valentine-Warren runs the program in Fitchburg. She says she’s never seen so many new faces. “It’s scary because what class of work does that put us in, do we all fall in that right now. Everyone is struggling in some way or another,” said Valentine-Warren.

Mildred Aviles is thankful for the help and left feeling relieved about celebrating the holiday with her family. “Yes, we are feeling better and thanking God every day,” said Aviles.

The Salvation Army accepts donations and they are always looking for volunteers. We are told if you do donate to your local Salvation Army the money stays in your community.

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