Community Program Lifting Spirits Up One Family At A Time
The lines of people needing help from The Salvation Army grow longer every year. This year, the San Bernardino Corps will help more than 600 local families. For some of them, it seeks businesses and other groups willing to provide extra help to one family through its “Adopt-A-Family” program.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calf.) The Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps seeks volunteers for its Adopt-A-Family program this holiday season. This program provides a way to lift the spirits of needy families by giving them a Christmas they will never forget.
Each year hundreds of Inland Empire families come to the Salvation Army for help in hopes to be considered as a family “in need”. In 2009, there are more than 600 families in the San Bernardino area that could potentially benefit from this program.
“The breadwinner may have lost a job; the family may have been forced out of their homes due to foreclosure, someone may have been seriously, and expensively ill; or perhaps the family has faced a debilitating death of one of the parents. No matter the problem that causes the disruption or the ceasing of Christmas plans, the Adopt-A-Family program is here to help,” said Capt. Stephen Ball.
Once a businesses or group chooses to “adopt” a family, The Salvation Army will pair them with a household in special need of blessing. Once the other family or business receives a match they will provide the adopted family with gifts and necessary items making their holiday bright.
Groups and businesses that adopt often invest thousands or more in a family. Families accepted into the program in the past have received gifts from new clothes for the whole family to much needed home repairs, appliances or tools.
The success of the program comes from the many generous people who pitch in to assist, not overwhelm each needy family. “It’s a matter of “whatever it takes” to aid their selected family to get past the stress of the holidays”.
“Adopting’ a family is to see the specific needs of a particular family and doing what you can to help meet them,” said Capt. Ball. “There are many creative ways to help meet a family’s needs.”
To adopt a family in San Bernardino, Colton, Rialto, Grand Terrace, Bloomington or Highland, call (909) 888-1336.
To adopt a family in Redlands and other East San Bernardino Valley communities call (909) 792-6868.
To adopt a family in San Bernardino County’s High Desert, call (760) 245-2545.
To adopt a family in Ontario and other West San Bernardino Valley communities, call Envoy Abel Tamez at (909) 509-2503 or Envoy Naomi Tamez at (909) 509-2741.
To adopt a family in the Desert Hot Springs/Coachella Valley areas, contact the Cathedral City Corps at (760) 324-2275.
To adopt a family in Hemet, San Jacinto, Idyllwild and surrounding areas contact the Hemet Corps at (951) 925-7176.
To adopt a family in Moreno Valley, Perris and surrounding areas, call the Moreno Valley Corps at (951) 653-9131.
To adopt a family in Murrieta, Temecula, Canyon Lake, Menifee and surrounding areas, call the Murrieta Corps at (951) 677-1324.
To adopt a family in Riverside, Corona, Norco and surrounding areas, call the Riverside Corps at (951) 784-4490.
About the Salvations Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Radio Network assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian church and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY.
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