The economy has struck the Portland area pretty hard. There are still a large number of people out of work, and in dire financial times. With the prospect of Holidays just around the corner many families are faced with absolutely no potential of celebrating without help from others. The Salvation Army was one such organization providing help to poverty stricken families this holiday. Registration for holiday baskets began on November 13, 2009 at 9A.M. The line for registration began forming prior to 6:30A.M. Mothers, fathers, children and families stood in the cold and pouring rain.

We followed one family as they headed for their first ever registration for holiday help. The mother arrived at the Hillsboro registration location a few minutes prior to 7A.M., nearly 2 hours before the official start time. When asked why she was arriving so early in such inclement weather she stated, “I was afraid that there might be limits to the number of people that they will help. If we don’t get help from them, there will be NO Christmas in our house this year.” The Salvation Army will provide baskets that include food for all family members in the home, as well as, toys for the younger children.

When the unemployed mother arrived, the line was already over 20 people deep. The few lucky leaders of the line were able to huddle under a small overhang, while the rest of the crowd waited in the rain. The line continued to grow, as the Salvation Army began setting out barriers to create a snaking line with the crowd. While waiting on the sidewalk, cars that drove past at normal speeds, sprayed high velocity, ice cold splashes of rain puddles on to the patiently waiting crowd. The people continued to come and the line reached the end of the block, rounded the corner and still continued for quite a distance.

The doors opened promptly at 9A.M. The crowd was filtered, a few at a time, into the building. The set up was quite efficient once inside. There were long tables with people registering participants at a rapid pace. Families were required to have identification for all adults in the home. For children, they needed social security cards or proof of school registration. One simple form was completed for the family that included names, birth dates, gender, and identification numbers; once the form was completed the family was sent to a second area where they were assigned a date and time when they could pick up their Holiday basket. Pick-up dates began in mid December.

When a family arrived for their pickup, they were allowed to go to a table for their child’s age group and select a gift based on their child’s wants and needs. Most gifts came with two items banded together. Plus, parents were then allowed to pick a stocking stuffer out of a separate basket. The families were then given prepackaged boxes that contained food for their Christmas dinner. Additionally, they were provided with a $10 gift certificate for groceries so, they could purchase any additional supplies needed for their holiday meal. We commend The Salvation Army for their help to the needy this holiday season!

Photo of Families gathering their Holiday Items.

If you are blessed and not in need this holiday season, please be sure to check out this site and see how you can help the Salvation Army.

www.salvationarmyusa.org