Christmas angels deliver for Salvation Army

  The Salvation Army, often a safety net for the community, itself received a helping hand with volunteers and gifts as they began their annual Christmas distribution for those in need.

  On Monday and Tuesday, Salvation Army is providing 1,200 Yuma County families with food and Christmas gifts at its previous thrift store on Arizona Avenue. More than 6,000 gifts, 300 bicycles and tons of food have been donated through Salvation Army.

  "We thank our friends over at the community food bank," Capt. Jonathan Harvey, of Salvation Army, said. "And one of the things we are incredibly grateful for is the amazing group of 65 volunteers whom we simply could not do this without their help."

  Also providing assistance were Toys for Tots, Paradise Casinos, Yuma Association of Realtors and Yuma Rotary Club.

  Toys were provided for newborns to teenagers. After verifying the need of those families who registered with Salvation Army in October, they began collecting Christmas wish lists.

  Among teenagers, MP3 players were very popular as were Bratz dolls for girls and Nerf guns for boys.

  "I would like to remind people the need won't stop because Christmas is over," Harvey said. "Historically, we see a major increase in need during post-Christmas as seasonal work and hours are reduced."

  For anybody who would like to make a monetary donation, Harvey requests they be mailed to Salvation Army, P.O. Box 2667, Yuma 85366 or dropped off at its new facility, 600 W. Catalina Drive.

  Anne Foley, an Arizona Western College sophomore, is volunteering for her fourth year. Foley said she got started helping when she was in the National Honor Society at Kofa High School.

  "We always could use more people but when you get down here, you always feel like helping out," Foley said. "I think it helps to see some younger faces around here but we also need to thank the snowbirds because they do a lot of work."

  Anita Traverse, who lives in Patriots Park, is a winter visitor from Delburne, Alberta, who volunteered for the first time this year.

  "I'm amazed by what they do," Traverse said. "These are really bad times but everyone is so nice and works together. I wonder if people who donate aren't having a hard time themselves but they make Christmas a little better for someone else."

  One of those in need was Lorena Beltran, a Somerton resident. Beltran, who has carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands, is recovering from recent surgery but works part-time at Little Caesar's Pizza in Somerton.

  Beltran got a bicycle for her daughter, Maria Ordero, 7, and clothes and a purse for her daughter, Brenda, 12.

  "It's very nice of Salvation Army to do this for people who have needs and I really appreciate they do this because it helps a lot of people."

  Frances Chavez, a Yuma resident, said she thanks Salvation Army for everything. She has three children ages 13, 11 and five months.

  Chavez is not working now since she is recovering from surgery that removed a tumor from her neck. She was previously employed at Sam's Club, where she hopes to return to work next month.

  "I'm so happy," Chavez said. "The kids got clothes and there were toys for my little baby."

  Tina, who requested her last name not be used, is an elementary school  substitute teacher in Yuma. Tina has been unable to find steady work this year when previously she had no trouble substituting every day and said it may be because of the economy. She has three children from 4 to 16 years old.

  "It was a prayer answered because I wasn't expecting it," Tina said. "I wasn't registered, I was just driving by and Capt. Harvey said it was OK.

  "I see the Salvation Army ringing bells at kettles and you don't visualize what they do until you actually need it."

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William Roller can be reached at
wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.