And A Merrier Christmas To Some …
It’s a Christmas miracle for the Salvos! Because when the going gets tough, Americans get giving. Boston Herald:
Stunned and relieved Salvation Army officers say cash-strapped Bay Staters have come through, stuffing the red kettles with dollars, coins and checks beyond their yuletide dreams despite the nation’s growing economic crisis . . . and maybe even because of it.
“Our prayers have been answered,” said Maj. William Bode, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army’s Massachusetts Division. “The economic crisis has hit so many people hard, and to see this outpouring of generosity by local residents, businesses and other community organizations in this time of great need is truly a miracle.”
As of Friday, the Salvation Army was on track to surpass its $3.5 million fund-raising goal, a $400,000 increase over last year that is largely due to collections by intrepid cold-weather bell ringers in the annual red kettles program.
Salvation Army workers had varying theories on why people dug deeper despite mounting job losses, soaring food costs and shrinking investments.
“There’s something about the American spirit,” said Thomas Langdon, director of community relations. “When someone is down and out, people respond.”
Still one giving day before Christmas.
Posted by Jules Crittenden at 7:52 am on Wednesday, December 24, 2008
2 Responses to “And A Merrier Christmas To Some …”
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December 24th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas, Jules.
December 24th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
And may 2009 be a better year for all of us.