Salvation Army helps local families

     “One of the best kept secrets in the tri-county area might just be the fact that there is a Gowanda Service Unit of the Salvation Army located here,” Joan R. Byrne, committee chairman, stated this past week.

     In order to rectify this oversight before the start of the school year when some low-income families might need assistance in obtaining school clothing and supplies, the following members of the Gowanda Service Unit can be contacted: Pat Tucker, 532-5243; Mary Cummings, 532-5836; or Byrne, 532-2507.

     “It might not be commonly known that money raised during the Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle drive held each holiday season at the Gowanda Jubilee grocery store remains in this area to be used for local needs,” Byrne continued. “The Gowanda United Way’s successful 2004-05 drive last year also allocated $1,000 to be used exclusively by the Gowanda Service Unit. We are extremely grateful to receive these funds, which allow our service unit to fulfill requests for assistance,” she concluded.

     The Gowanda Service Unit’s area is comprised of Collins, Collins Center, Village of Gowanda, Persia, Perrysburg and Dayton. In addition to assisting with school supplies and children’s school clothing, the unit is often asked to provide groceries, adul clothing, and some limited assistance with used furniture and appliances. Requests are filled through a voucher system with participating stores.

     This year, through the efforts of the Gowanda Unit, three area children attended the Salvation Army’s summer camp located on Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York. This is an increase from the 2004 season and camp applications are available each spring by contacting Byrne. Availability of 2006 camp applications will be announced in this publication.

     Recipients of service often show their gratitude by providing hours of “bell ringing” during the unit’s holiday drive. Bell ringers are always needed and as the number of volunteers increase, longer hours for the drive will become possible.

     As the method of contacting the Gowanda Area Service Unit becomes more familiar, the unit should be able to provide assistance, as needed, in its service area. For more information or to volunteer, contact any of the committee members listed above.