Salvation Army gives out more to needy

Today, the Salvation Army will distribute its second set of Christmas parcels to the needy.

Governor General Dame Susan Dougan (centre) watches on as Captain Ernest Gachelin presents a package to one of several needy persons.

The annual distribution of Christmas parcels began yesterday after a service at the Salvation Army chapel on Melville Street, Kingstown.

Distribution will end tomorrow and is spread over three days because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Persons were given tickets informing them of which day to collect the highly sought after packages.

During the service, Captain Ernest Gachelin and Governor General (GG) Dame Susan Dougan spoke to the numerous persons who had come to take home parcels of food and other supplies.

“Let us give God thanks for life for once there is life there is hope. 2020 was a very difficult year in not only in St Vincent and the Grenadines but throughout the world,” the GG told the congregation.

She said some persons’ support systems were pulled from them because of COVID-19, as many relatives and friends in the Diaspora could not lend the support they usually do at this time of year.

“But in all of it we are alive,” she said while noting that the Christmas season is important to Christians as God’s only son died on the cross to save sinners.

Several persons standing outside during a service at the Salvation Army chapel on Melville Street in Kingstown yesterday, prior to the annual distribution of Christmas parcels.

Dame Susan added that the message of Christmas is love, joy, peace and good will, and the season is a time for caring, sharing and a time to put aside differences and greet friends and families in a special way.

“And this morning we have a lot to celebrate because the Salvation Army is once again reaching out to you in a special way so we have to give God thanks for that,” Dame Susan said.

She thanked the Salvation Army’s support team, noting that some of the persons who give of themselves all year round are unseen, but exist nonetheless.

“We have to thank them this morning,” the GG said while noting that she is pleased with the Salvation Army’s outreach throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

Dame Susan also encouraged persons, if they are able to, to share what little they have with others who are also needy.

In his remarks, Captain Gachelin said they were happy to have the GG onboard to help with the donations once again. He noted that it was commendable that she had found time in her busy schedule to take part in the distribution process.

He also noted that the organization cannot help everyone who comes to them but they do the best they can.

The Salvation Army Christmas Appeal started 128 years ago in London and today, the organization exists in 130 countries across the world.

The parcels being distributed contain food and personal items and are expected to benefit hundreds of needy persons.