After several weeks of donations, the Salvation Army Angel Tree became a reality Wednesday with families receiving food and gifts for their children.
Over just a few hours, the gymnasium of the old Shady Grove Elementary School, which had been filled with bicycles and an assortment of other toys, became empty again. However, it is the hope of Captains Bill and Stephanie Mockabee, who run the local Salvation Army, that those donations will fill the hearts of those receiving them this Christmas.
“We sing a song that goes, ‘Ever is the war cry, Victory! victory!,” Captain Bill Mockabee said. “Today, we’ve seen victory over hopeless and poverty.”
Mockabee said a number of families receiving Salvation Army Angel Tree gifts Wednesday were in the complete opposite position last year.
“They told me that last year they helped fill an angel,” he said. “This year, they’re having to ask for help. Based on the amount of angels that did not get adopted, I believe the economy has really started to take a toll. People weren’t able to give a lot, but somehow, some way, they’re giving.”
Mockabee encouraged those that can donate to give to the Salvation Army Red Kettle drive, which has a number of locations throughout the City of Laurel including Wal-Mart and the U.S. Post Office. Civic clubs such as the Kiwanis as well as members of the Jones County Sheriff’s Department are helping to ring those bells this year.
Don Schwartz, who is chairman for the Kiwanis Red Kettle drive, said he works hard to make sure club members man the kettles every year.
“We’ve been ringing the bells for the kettles for the Salvation Army for a long time,” he said. “I’ve been here 14 years and we’ve been doing it ever since I’ve been here. I encourage everyone to support the Salvation Army because they give to the poor year round.”
The joy of those receiving Salvation Army Angel Tree gifts is readily apparent.
Dominique Evans, who said he is disabled and lives with his mother and seven others, said his mother, Fannie Keyes, lost her job this year.
“I just want to thank the people that give,” he said. “I thank the good Lord for the Salvation Army being here for the needy. Merry Christmas to them.”
Helen Evans, who shares no relation, said she is taking care of six grandchildren ages 6 to 13 years old that were left with her by their mother.
“God bless the Salvation Army,” she said. “They’ve been a big help. (Captain Bill Mockabee) is awesome.
“I pray every day that God will give me the strength,” Evans noted when Mockabee asked her how she raises her grandchildren. “I keep them in church. If it weren’t for the Lord, I don’t know where we’d be.”
Those wishing to contribute to the Salvation Army or help during the holiday season can do so in a number of ways including:
• Volunteering to ring the bell in front of local businesses
• Hosting your own online Red Kettle at www.onlineredkettle.com
• Make a monetary gift. Checks made out to the Salvation Army can be mailed to P.O. Box 2548, Laurel, Miss., 39442, or delivered to the office.
For more information, call the Laurel office at 601-428-4232.
Local News
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Photo/David Owens
Salvation Army begins Angel Tree distribution
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