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Friday, December 19, 2008

Thousands Enjoy A Salvation Army Christmas This Morning







This morning starting at 9:00 AM the Salvation Army went into their second stage of taking care of literally thousands of local Families. It is VERY important for everyone to understand that at this point and time of day, they are done giving out these gifts and are through for the Holidays. In some cases people tend to see articles like this and try to make contact with the Salvation Army after the fact. It takes several months to put all of the names and Families together and as you can clearly see from these photos, it's a huge undertaking.

What blows me away about this whole thing is ALL of the local businesses that contribute and especially their Employees. I'd love to mention names but it wouldn't be fair because I can't mention them all here.

The Teddy Bear shown above is a cool story as well. The Bears go out to a large amount of volunteers where they actually hand make ALL of the outfits for each and every Bear. Food also goes out to all of the Families on their list. What's not shown in one of the photos above are all the chickens and other refrigerated goods that go out to all of these Families.

The Salvation Army does incredible things most are not aware of but I wanted to touch on some of what they do. Be sure to call them and wish everyone at the Salvation Army a very Merry Christmas.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

That is just awsome. Thank you Joe!

Anonymous said...

I want to thank all the people that came out to the press release for the ESPN Fernando Guerrero fight and brought toys for the Salvation Army. You helped make this event at the Salvation Army big success and you made a lot of needy peoples holiday much nicer. The Salvation Army does so much good work in the community, but without your kindness and generosity, there would be no work to do. Thank you again. Hal Chernoff

Anonymous said...

I went to high school at WiHi and each year, as a part of the National Honor Society, we volunteered on the distribution day and helped the families get their food and pick out their toys. Its so great what the Salivation Army does and I want to applaud all the businesses that contribute food, bikes, etc. It really does make Xmas better! The families are so grateful for what they get and it was great being a part of that day for many years.

Anonymous said...

Some may ask how is the .78 cents leftover in my pocket even worth giving? You can see based on these photos how it all adds up to something wonderful. Good work to you Joe, as well as all the other bell ringers and persons giving even the most modest contributions.

Anonymous said...

The only thing that I think could make this a better picture is if all those toys came from American companies with workers here.

Anonymous said...

Awesome! This is not the only organization that has helped out families. Salisbury Outreach Services offers the same for families and the numbers this year across the board were overwhelming. These organizations cross check with each other to avoid duplications and the families needing help this year were much higher than prior years. Thanks to a great community for helping those in need!

Anonymous said...

Joe, you just made my christmas for me. Thank you, for all that you do, even the stuff I don't agree with.

God Bless Everyone! Merry Christmas to All!

Anonymous said...

People...this has been happening for years! Where have you been?

joe albero said...

Anonymous 3:32,

It may have been going on for many years but it hasn't been covered till now. Welcome to Salisbury News.

Anonymous said...

Instead of one more gift for my children my wife and I will be donating a check to the Salvation Army in honor of my sons and grandchild. Those of us that have a home, a job, and enough food for our family are truly blessed. I challenge others to forego one extra gift for their kids or grandchildren and instead make a contribution to one of our local charities. Merry Christmas !!!

Anonymous said...

Joe donates his time not his money. GOOD JOB JOE!!

joe albero said...

dinosaur, that's an excellent idea!

Anonymous said...

No backlash, surprising. You did a good thing here, using the bloogg to actualy get something done, its bettter than wasted words.

Anonymous said...

for your information mr. albero,the salvation army has always gotten coverage from local media,wboc,wmdt,and the daily times.you aren't the only kid on the block.

joe albero said...

anonymous 11:06,

While I can apreciate what you're saying, I didn't see anything broadcasted today about this.

If I were in their shoes seling advertising to make a living, I'd be at events like this too. Mind you, we make nothing on this Blog and do it because we too have many thousands of people visiting this Site who probably won't be informed through the DT's and so forth.

Merry Christmas.

Chimera said...

That is awesome! My daughter will never get a pony as a present, but she cannot complain either so I try to educate her about how fortunate she really is all the time and think that once a child is old enough its a great idea to get them involved in volunteering to help others.That is probably the greatest gift we can pass on to our kids-the true meaning of Christmas.

Anonymous said...

Joe,
You know how much of a contribution you've made to sby and it's residents, as well as Wicomico county. YOU know that, when you became aware that the SA had to hire ringers last year, you jumped in and made a difference.
Instead of criticizing you, it would be great if those who continue to question your motives would put THEIR money where their mouths are and make a difference (for the better) themselves.
Talk is cheap. Actions are not.
Bless You, Joe Albero. And please, know that you're appreciated.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful! What a great feeling to be reminded of some of the good that still goes on today. Makes me smile. It is obvious that it is a labor of love.
Nalagirl

Anonymous said...

Something to consider for next year, if you haven't already.

I make my kids go through their toys and books in October to give away things they have either outgrown or don't use. If they expect more for Christmas, they have to give some away. I let them know they are giving to those that are not as fortunate as they are. You would not believe the generosity of young children. They even go through their clothing. It does my heart good to witness the selflessness of children. Try it, you and they might like it.

Anonymous said...

I've always been generous to the kettles however until I read on your blog I had no idea they had to pay people to ring the bells. It's been a good run and will be an annual tradition for me for the rest of my active life. We all helped G-R-Done and still ringing. God Bless Us One and All.