COUNTYWIDE : Salvation Army Issues Holiday Pledge

The Salvation Army kicked off its holiday season Monday with a pledge to help more than 5,000 families countywide.

To meet that goal, the nonprofit group’s volunteers immediately started collecting money in front of stores and at shopping malls. This holiday season will mark the 101st year Salvation Army volunteers have fanned out into the community with their trademark bell-ringing, kettles and uniforms, said county coordinator Capt. Lee Lescano.

Holidays can be especially difficult for low-income families, he said.

“People are getting by, but when everyone around you is getting the extras at holiday season, it is even harder,” he added.

To make the coming weeks brighter for low-income families, the Salvation Army will run several programs, including clothing shopping sprees for children and food distribution. Under another program, people may “adopt” a family and funnel donations exclusively to that family, he said.

During the holidays last year, the Salvation Army served more than 25,000 people. Because of the continuing poor economy and recent fires, the need for donations is especially important this year, Lescano said.

Still, even without recent hardships, “the need is always there,” he said.

“There is a significant portion of Orange County (residents) who are living below the poverty line--always have and probably always will. We appeal to the public to remember them,” he said.

For more information about donating, receiving assistance or volunteering, call (714) 546-7880.