Care Packages to Assist Area Families

Efficiently and carefully, boxes of Corn Flakes, canned goods and other food items were placed in boxes, which raced across the Plymouth Salvation Army's conveyer belt Tuesday afternoon.

In the chapel, stacks of toys for needy children lined the pews, awaiting inclusion into Toy Towne, which will give parents an opportunity to shop for toys for their children.

The food boxes — the product of the Salvation Army's ongoing donation efforts — will go to 528 families living in Plymouth, Canton, Northville, Belleville, Van Buren and Sumpter Townships.

Sixty members of the Plymouth-Canton National Honor Society, who were all dressed in brightly-colored T-shirts, joined the Salvation Army's group of regular volunteers.

"We're really happy that everyone volunteered," said Capt. Jolene Hull, who oversaw the massive food-packing effort, along with an additional program that is providing families with toys and clothing during what for many people is turning out to be an economically-turbulent holiday season.

This year, there was a slight dip in the number of families who will receive a food basket, with 528 packed this year, versus 534 in 2009. Those families will receive a box of food, clothing for their children and a trip to Toy Towne, which will be open Dec. 18-22, excluding Sunday, for those who have preregistered. 

"I try to look at that decrease and think it's good," Hull said. "But we do have a waiting list of families, and if we don't have anything for them, we will refer them to another agency that may be able to help them.

"I hear so much from people that they didn't expect Christmas to be like this," she added. "I always tell people that if they have any inkling that they're going to be out, apply with us in November. Then, if you don't need help, you can tell us."

The program has a cut-off date because the Salvation Army has to be able to determine how far its donations can stretch, Hull said.

Families that applied for holiday assistance will receive a predetermined amount of food based on the size of their family. Hull said she's shooting for one large toy, one small toy, and an outfit of clothes for the children who will be helped.

"We want them to have a toy that would be about $20," she said.

Parents will essentially be able to shop for toys once they are all displayed.

"We want to recreate the joy of shopping for the holidays," Hull said.

The Salvation Army pulls from a list of volunteers it keeps when they need help, but occasionally, an outside group will seek volunteer opportunities.

On Tuesday morning a group of regular volunteers and staff began the process of organizing the food, but from 2:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., members of the Plymouth-Canton National Honor Society packed food boxes.

"Unfortunately, I do know people who are effected by unemployment," said 16-year-old Nick Spuner, who attends Plymouth High. "I just wanted to do what I could to help, and it turned out to be a lot more fun that I though it would be."

Some NHS members were packing for second year in a row, but for first-timer Caroline Galli, the experience of helping out was surprising.

"I really didn't know what to expect when I came in here, but you can see how many people it's going to help," she said. "It feels good."

Hull, who said more volunteers will make sure toys, clothes and food get to their destination during the next few days, pointed out there's always time for people who want to help needy people after the holidays.

"Needs don't end at the holidays," she said.