Captain David May with the Suffolk Salvation Army said this year the demands for assistance at Christmas are greater than they have ever been when it comes to finances and volunteers.

&uot;Right now there is a big question mark and we don’t want to see a question mark when it comes to serving people. Need has no season and the public has always been very generous when we have called upon them,&uot; said May.

Already during this month, the Salvation Army’s Holiday Assistance programs are in high gear from feeding the hungry and taking applications for Christmas assistance to preparing for the annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner. While always reaching out in kindness and love to everyone weathering a season of strike, according to May there is an urgent need for more resources at the local level.

&uot;This is a season of giving thanks, and we certainly feel a deep appreciation for the donations already received. Our need is more urgent than ever, not only in terms of finances, but also in terms of volunteer support. The past summer’s stock market tumble took millions of dollars away from charity, closing the doors of many social service organizations and we want to make sure that the Salvation Army remains

open,&uot; he said.

May illustrated his concern and pointed to one foundation that funds grassroots Christian projects in the United States and around the globe. As of midsummer, with shares of its stock down more than 90 percent, the foundation cut funding to one of its programs by three-fourths.

He said that when other charities slash their funding like that, more people than ever arrive at their doors. &uot;Now more than ever we are on the front lines and people see us as a bulwark during uncertain times because we are over a century old and have been helping people for eons. Naturally, we want to live up to their expectations,&uot; he said.

According to May, the Salvation Army’s staying power is not the only reason why he feels pressured to come through for the kickoff of the holiday season. He said that when it comes to something as emotionally charged as Thanksgiving dinner and providing food and toys to families at Christmas, they don’t want to turn a single person away.

&uot;Remember that ill fortune can strike anyone at any time. The holidays are a particularly cruel time to experience trouble because people feel out of sync with what’s going on around them. When everybody else is celebrating, it stings to be among the needy. That is why we redouble our efforts from this time through the New Year,&uot; he said.

May said there are many ways volunteer groups and organizations can assist the Salvation Army during this season.

&uot;We are especially seeking individuals as well as churches, clubs, and organizations to help adopt children through our Angel Tree Program and to volunteer their time as bell ringers at our various Christmas Kettle locations. I encourage anyone who is interested in helping with either of these projects to just give us a call,&uot; he said.

The Salvation Army serves Suffolk, Franklin, Isle of Wight County, and Southampton County, and through its familiar Red Kettle Christmas Campaign it will provide food, toys and support services to more than 7,000 individuals throughout the Western Tidewater area. Throughout the year, the Salvation Army’s many programs help over 13,000 people. The organization is a United Way participating agency.

To volunteer or for more information about Salvation Army, the Christmas Kettle Program, or the Angel Tree Program, call the organization at 539-5201.