Salvation Army Church reaches out
While some Belizeans will be working on Christmas Day and most of the rest will be sharing the joys of good food and good company, not everyone has the luxury of choice. This morning in Belize City, those in need of some holiday cheer were given a helping hand.
Marion Ali, Reporting
We often forget that when it comes to kindness, a little bit can go a long way. Today the Salvation Army Church on Cemetery Road did its part by handing out food items to the needy. Music Secretary, Edward Robateau, says they raised about a thousand dollars for the project by carolling each night.
Edward Robateau, Music Secretary, Salvation Army Church
“There’ll be one hundred families to receive a hundred parcels, which include rice, sugar, beans, cocoa milk and so forth that can help them out.”
For the appreciative recipients, these donations will go far.
Gloria Matura, Recipient
“Mommy she seventy-four years old and she noh have no husband, she dah wah widow. And she need and she get here for the past thirty-three years, me and she.”
Marion Ali
“What does this donation mean for you and your family?”
Glenda Jones, Recipient
“A lot.”
Marion Ali
“How big your family?”
Glenda Jones
“Five.”
Marion Ali
“So you’ve been coming here often for this?”
Glenda Jones
“No, this is the first time.”
Marion Ali
“How long you the come yah for your stuff?”
Dorla Williams, Recipient
“For years. I have nine kids”
Marion Ali
“So this is going to be a great help to you?”
Dorla Williams
“Yes, because I no have nothing.”
Marion Ali
“So this is gonna make your Christmas a little brighter?”
Dorla Williams
“Well we have a lee rice, but nothing else. I feel happy for it, because my Ma sick and I thank the young man fi carry the lee ration for her.”
The Salvation Army will complete their food distribution in different parts of the Belize District on Christmas Day. Marion Ali for News 5.
Robateau says he plans to make the project a bigger one next year, taking the goods out to the needy, especially the elderly who cannot leave home. Meanwhile the regional Salvation Army organisation, through its annual kettle appeal, has held its traditional Christmas party and continues to distribute toys to over sixteen hundred children.
