MILFORD – Among every contribution the Milford Salvation Army brings to their local community, one aspect always holds true: “There’s an Army Behind Us”. The local non-profit enters its 126th year with new and returning services that serve struggling families of Milford, Mendon, and Hopedale during the holiday season.
With the losses of SNAP benefits affecting millions of families amid the ongoing government shutdown, Milford Salvation Army members are working harder than ever to provide comfort to such families heading into the holiday season. The town’s Salvation Army major, Kevin Polito, encourages families in need to visit their headquarters for practical support, non-perishable food items, hygiene products for both men and women, and much more.
Eighty-two cents of every dollar go directly to services for clients in need. These services include, but are not limited to: youth arts ministries, summer camp programs, and nursing home ministries for families or veterans.
“We want to be a beacon of hope” states Polito. “Nobody should feel bad to reach out to an organization like the Salvation Army, along with all the other local communities around us”.
According to the non-profit’s Community Care Secretary, Pat Downs, signups for the non-profit’s holiday toy/gift programs started last month between October 7th through the 10th, and October 21st through the 23rd. Families filled out the names of their children, and their Christmas gift requests. Those requests were then placed on angel tags and brought out to the community, where takers have until December 10th to drop off toys to the town’s Salvation Army. Volunteers will then come in and organize all the gifts into separate bags from December 10th through the 11th. By December 20th, families who filled out request forms will be given an assigned time to receive their gift items. Despite the signup deadline passing, Downs assured that no family is left shut out, and that they will do everything they can to accommodate.
Polito also introduced the addition of Virtual Red Kettles, a more reliable and simple option for people to donate online. QR codes will be available at your local Salvation Army Kettle, as proceeds go to supporting families in Milford, Mendon, and Hopedale.
Polito and Downs have a storied history with the Salvation Army. Downs participated since she was a child, where she eventually landed the position she has today. Polito has served as a Salvation Army officer for the past sixteen years, listening to stories from donors whose family members served in WWII and thought highly of the Salvation Army. This non-profit brought tremendous joy to their lives, and they hope to spread that joy to children and families through their holiday gift programs.
“When families come in and pick up their toys, it’s like, WOW, what can we say” says Downs, in response to how they feel when children finally receive their toys. “It’s an opportunity to push back against it [the growing anger in the world] …we get to spread infectious joy to people…I’ve been blown away by the generosity of the people” adds Polito.
Both Polito and Downs are incredibly grateful to all the volunteers that support their operations. Those interested in volunteering with the Milford Salvation Army are recommended to call or leave a message to (508)-473-0786. Their offices are open Mondays through Thursdays from 9 AM to 2 PM at 29 Congress Street in Milford.
For more information, please visit The Milford Salvation Army’s official website or Facebook page.
