Special Salvation Army Event to Mark 135 Years Locally; Set the Stage to Meet Future Needs

 (ABOVE) Melissa Wilhelm from Salvation Army Danville recently joined Tommy B on D102’s The Big Show.

The Salvation Army has been in Danville and Vermilion County for 135 years, since 1888.  And that long past, along with eyes on the very important future, will be the theme of a Christmas in July celebration and fundraiser; on Thursday, July 27^th; at Woodbury Falls off Hungry Hollow Road in Danville.

The Salvation Army’s Melissa Wilhelm recently joined Tommy B on D102’s The Big Show, reminding us that as wonderful as the traditional Christmastime Red Kettle campaign is; that just doesn’t fund the year ‘round work of the Army anymore.  Wilhelm says what happened in May, to give Vermilion County residents basic needs, is a great example.

AUDIO: Just for May alone, we spent $6,570 in rent and utilities assistance; and we’re very, very selective in that.  That’s one month for, like, water assistance.  And $795 transitional housing.  I think some of that total was for hotel vouchers, and things of that nature, just to keep a roof over peoples’ heads.

Wilhelm says “needs right now” are just a portion of what the Salvation Army does.  She says the main mission now is to find unmet needs within the community; and then step up and focus on long term solutions to change peoples’ lives.

AUDIO: We want to work with these people to get them out of that; not just put a band aid on it; but do the long term casework, hold hands with people, do the educational piece of it; get them out of that poverty or substance abuse; or whatever it is that’s causing that issue.  Giving them that HOPE.

And during the July 27^th Christmas in July fundraiser, you’ll be hearing from some people who improved their lives after they were given that hope by the Salvation Army.  For more about being able to attend or sponsor the event, as well as about the Salvation Army of Danville and Vermilion County overall; just go to SADanville.org, or call 217-607-9445.

To hear Tommy B’s entire interview with Melissa Wilhelm, please go to https://vermilioncountyfirst.com/big-show-bites-podcast/