More homeless, hungry need help
This is National Salvation Army week, and besides thanking volunteers, there is a sobering look at the growing needs in the Syracuse area
National Salvation Army Week (May 13 - 19) is a time to celebrate--in Syracuse, the Salvation Army has been helping the needy for 129 years. It's also a time to take stock of what more needs doing, and the list is not getting shorter.
Major George Polarek, the Salvation Army officer in charge of Syracuse Area Services, says demands on the emergency food pantry and on emergency housing are both hitting records. One disturbing trend: more pregnant women are homeless, and giving birth while living in a shelter. There is some reconfiguring, and expanding going on, to allow more families to stay together in homeless shelters.
This week is also a chance to recognize thousands of volunteers, and the Salvation Army will be delivering donuts---based on a tradition started by serving the troops back in World War One.
And, while caring for the needy is 'serious' business, some of the fundraisers to support those efforts are not.
The Turn-Around Jumpers Basketball Tournament, in the planning stages, is now recruiting 3-on-3 teams to play at LeMoyne College June 8 to 10.
Information on volunteering or the basketball tournament is on the Salvation Army Website.
