Salvation Army to distribute 2500 hampers to the needy

by Eldonté Samuel

The Salvation Army is projecting this year to distribute 2,500 Christmas hampers to needy households, this year. This will be 1,000 more than what was provided in 2023 when 1,500 hampers were distributed.

Governor General Dame Susan Dougan gives hamper to disabled man

“One person cannot hold two bags in your hand, because the bag is so heavy,” remarked Commanding Officer, Captain Wilkings Buissereth on Tuesday, December 17, which marked the start of the distribution. The ‘Army’ gave out 800 hampers on Tuesday to persons at the Salvation Army Headquarters in Kingstown.

People were in line both inside the church and under the gallery eagerly waiting to collect their bags of food items. Members of the Special Services Unit (SSU), of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), were stationed at the entrance of the building to help maintain order.

In the bags were groceries including rice, sugar, corned beef, tuna, and pasta, among other items. Making remarks during the service which preceded the distribution, Captain Buissereth praised God for protecting him and the congregation during the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 1, 2024.

“By the grace of God, we are alive,” Buissereth commented, to which those in attendance responded, “Amen!”

The Captain shared that the Salvation Army team jumped into humanitarian support mode on July 3, after the passage of the hurricane, travelling across the mainland and visiting many shelters. They distributed relief items including food, clothing, and sleeping materials.

He said the ‘Army’ was able to accomplish those efforts and more, such as operating their daycare and pre-school, thanks to the people’s contribution towards the organisation whether through the kettle appeal or direct donations.

Captain Buissereth lauded the Salvation Army’s daycare and its teachers, claiming it is “the best preschool for the country…In our feeding programme, every day we feed about 200 people. Your donation will help us to move forward,” he said.

The Captain wrapped up by asking parents to send their children out this Saturday, December 21, 2024 for a children’s Christmas party, noting that “…Santa will be there. The gifts are ready for them already. I am sure they will enjoy the time. Feel free to send the children, they are safe”.

Among others who spoke at the distribution ceremony were the Deputy Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trini Chen, who extended Christmas greetings; and Governor General of SVG, Dame Susan Dougan, who delivered the Christmas address.
Dame Susan, who is a part of the programme annually, emphasised that “Christmas is the season of giving, and today we are happy to embrace the joy of sharing”.”

She noted that across the globe there are people who are “just existing”, without access to essential goods and services, and thanked God “for peace and safety we enjoy in St Vincent and the Grenadines”.

The Salvation Army committed to serving the needy since it was established in 1930, and the Governor General expressed her pleasure in the work of the non-profit evangelical organisation, as it has been able to evolve and continue providing for over 90 years.

“I thank all those in the Salvation Army. Your vision, [and] the volunteers who are compassionate, dedicated and willing to serve. You stand as a beacon of hope for many in society.”