Staff Writer
HOULTON — Giving back to those in need is the forefront of what the Salvation Army stands for. Each year, representatives seek out community members for donations to help provide holiday meals and gifts to families in need. Last year, the Houlton Salvation Army sent out more than 100 food and gift baskets to families from throughout the county and this year, they’re expecting that number to be much larger.
Pioneer Times photo/Jennifer Ruth
SEE A MOVIE, HELP THE NEEDY — The Temple Theater in Houlton has partnered with the Salvation Army to help raise food items for this year’s Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets by setting up a donation bin at the theater. Customers are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to donate when they go see a movie. Pictured here at left making one of the first donations is theater Manager Patrick Blanchette and Salvation Army Minister Irma Pearl. “It’s already November and I’ve got 69 families registered just for the fuel assistance,” explained Salvation Army Minister Irma Pearl.
Both Pearl and her husband Steven put in countless hours overseeing the Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets and the ministers are hoping to reach out further into the community and raise more awareness and food for those in need.
“We’re going to have this bin set up at Temple Theatre,” she explained. “So when you come to the movie, you can drop off a non-perishable item as well.”
Setting up a food drive bin in a high-traffic location has worked in the past and the Pearls look forward to seeing the public take an interest in helping them meet their goals.
“We don’t just service people in Houlton,” said Pearl. “We provide relief for families all over the County.”
Pearl said with the rising cost of fuel, more families are going to be struggling. The Salvation Army has provided fuel assistance to needy households, and Pearl said, they’ve only got 1,200 gallons to spread throughout the region. That’s not much considering how many families are going to be in need.
“Any help would be appreciated,” she said.
Anyone wanting to drop off food donations can do so at the Salvation Army church on Court Street, or at Temple Theatre in Market Square.
For more information on how to help, contact the Pearls at the Salvation Army at 532-2322.
