Congratulations to Salisbury News and the Salvation Army

With the economy in decline, turmoil around the world, and other non-profits decrying drops in funding, the Salvation Army in the three lower shore counties saw a 62% increase at their kettles this Christmas season.  In addition, all kettles were manned only by volunteers this past season - the first time in recent memory.

Our thanks goes out to the 442 individuals and 255 groups who volunteered their time to help provide a better life to our neighbors in need.  From local luminaries such as Wicomico Sheriff Mike Lewis and Salisbury Councilwoman Debbie Campbell to folks who don't even want their names mentioned in public, your neighbors saw a need and rushed in to fill the breach.  For that, much credit should be given to Salisbury News publisher Joe Albero.

I know, you either love him or hate him.  It doesn't matter.  Albero saw a problem.  He publicized it.  He pushed, prodded and begged for volunteers.  He selflessly gave hours of his own time - sometimes 6, 8, or more hours at a stretch.  Albero, along with the aid of a friend, kept the problem before the public eye while ringing ringing a bell AND keeping Salisbury News operational.  This was no small task and its importance should not be underestimated.  Without a continuing barrage of fresh content, Albero's army of "Joeys" (my term for his loyal readers) wouldn't have stayed put.  Without them coming back to Salisbury News multiple times each day, the public would not have been fully aware of the need and some number of those volunteers would not have materialized.

What did Albero ask in return?  Nothing.

What has Albero received for his laudible efforts?  A pile of grief and abuse.

Albero's detractors have attacked him with claims that run from the amusingly absurd to the borderline psychotic.  Somehow Albero is taking food from the mouths of poor people by asking people to volunteer their time to the Salvation Army (otherwise the Salvation Army would be paying the homeless to ring bells according to the Albero haters).  Albero is doing it merely for the attention.  Given that he (in effect) owns his own press, this claim is simply bizarre.  Albero could have easily rung the bell for an hour and then ran his own picture time after time throughout the season.  I have even read comments that claim Joe is evil for giving his time.

The bottom line is simple.  We should be applauding people like the Salvation Army, Mike Lewis and Jim Perdue.  We should also be applauding the hard work of people like Joe Albero and the hundreds of folk who gave their time to help others.  To the detractors I can only hope you find the cure for what ails you.

This post originally appeared in Delmarva Dealings