Just A Phone Call Away
“We started from scratch to organize The Salvation Army Service Extension Unit, and our primary objective has been growth from the start,” shares Harry Hoagland, who has spent years working hard on behalf of The Salvation Army in Fountain County. Over the years, Harry’s job description has grown, all with the intent to better serve the community. As a result, Harry’s volunteer bell ringers raise more each year through the local Red Kettle Campaign and Harry is able to expand The Salvation Army’s services to the farthest corners of Fountain County.
When Harry recently received a call from Cindy, a resident of the small town of Kingman in the far south of the county, he knew it was a great opportunity to expand services and be more available to the entire county. Kingman was outside of Harry’s original service area, but additional resources from a successful kettle campaign meant that Harry could offer help to Kingman residents, as well.
After speaking with Cindy on the phone, Harry realized that she was struggling, both emotionally and financially, and needed immediate help. She was caring for her grandchildren after their mother had passed away, but lacked the steady income or transportation to provide consistent food for them. A friend had given her The Salvation Army’s phone number. With all that her family had been through, Cindy believed in her heart that no one, not even The Salvation Army, would be able to help. In spite of her doubts, Cindy picked up the phone and called. Harry’s voice on the other end of the line was the beginning of a fresh hope for this grandmother in need.
Using Salvation Army funds, Harry was able to provide Cindy with a gift card to purchase groceries for the week. Knowing Cindy didn’t have a car to pick up the gift card, Harry took it upon himself to drive to Kingman and give it to the very grateful grandmother. A gift card may not seem like much, but Harry gave Cindy something more: a person to call when she has questions about applying for food assistance and a friend to assure her that she is not alone in her struggle. She knows there is someone willing to drive across the county to help her family when they are in need.
Harry is back at work, answering those calls and making sure that the money put in kettles is making a difference in his community. He continues to set higher and higher goals for Fountain County, so that next time someone like Cindy calls, The Salvation Army will be able to help them, too.
We are able to help more Hoosiers in need because of assistance programs available to our Service Extension Units. If you'd like to help communities across Central Indiana, click here to donate.