Published: November 25, 2008 08:15 pm      

Salvation Army helps area families enjoy traditional Thanksgiving meal

PRINCETON — Thanksgiving dinner is an American tradition, but it’s a costly one when there are bills waiting to be paid and no paycheck. The public’s generosity means the difference between turkey and a pot of beans for many area families.

At the Princeton Salvation Army, families started gathering for holiday blessings and contributed groceries. Allowances were made for the Tuesday morning snow storm that made area roads slippery.

“We’re doing this for 150 families today and so far we’ve had 135,” said Capt. Kelly Goldfarb. “We had appointment times and got the radio to announce them, but we’ve allowed people to come as soon as they could get a ride.”

“This year we’re doing it a little differently. We had groups of 25 people every 30 minutes, and we prayed a Thanksgiving blessing over them before they received their food,” Goldfarb said.

Princeton area families received stuffing, a bag of potatoes, green beans, corn, pumpkin pie, rolls, cranberry sauce and a 15 pound turkey. The Princeton Wal-Mart’s employees worked with the Salvation Army to acquire the groceries, and store employees prepared the food boxes and made a substantial contribution of their own, Goldfarb said.

“We’re seeing very grateful families,” she added.

Kettle donations have been down substantially this year, but the Angel Tree program is making progress. The Christmas trees are decorated with cards, each one describing a child in need and his or her Christmas wishes. This year 385 children, ages 0- to 12-years-old, are being aided.

“The Angel Tree is starting to come in. We were concerned with the number of donations, but we’ve had to replenish some trees because some many (Angels) had been taken by the public,” Goldfarb said.

Approximately 187 area teenagers are being helped this Christmas with a gift card program. Contributions for the card program can be sent to the Salvation Army, 300 Princeton Avenue, Princeton WV 24740, Goldfarb said.

Recipients in Bluefield lined up inside the Salvation Army’s Citadel while Thanksgiving groceries were being distributed. The turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, vegetables, pumpkin pie and rolls meant the difference between a celebration and a somber Thursday.

One McDowell County resident knew what her family would be doing if it wasn’t for the public’s generosity.

“Not much,” said Janice Graham, 51, of Welch. “Yes, it helps when you’ve got a big family.”

Tough economic times are limiting holiday options for many families.

“Well, I guess we wouldn’t be having a turkey or ham,” said Kevin Vincent, 40, of Bramwell. “It’s definitely a good program. I just got laid off from the mines here a couple of months ago.”

Even a modest meal can be costly for a family with limited resources, other recipients said.

“It’s hard in this time with the economy the way it is,” said Michelle Cleary, 57, of Kimball. “You have to pinch your pennies the way it is.”

She knew what her family would be doing Thanksgiving day if the distribution did not take place.

“Nothing. It would be a very quiet time. You don’t want to cook another pot of beans,” she said.