Salvation Army mobilizes locally to help residents with high heating costs

SUSSEX COUNTY—The holiday season is coming—and with it, the anxiety experienced by many unable to afford holiday gifts and other small luxuries during the time of year most often associated with the joy of giving, sharing and having family get-togethers. Mindful of that, the Salvation Army is issuing a plea to anyone who can help. But this year, due to the projected higher costs of fuel, there is even more urgency on the charitable organization’s part. “What we’re most concerned about this year is the heating situation,” said Carol Wilson, a Salvation Army field representative who covers seven Northern New Jersey counties, including Sussex, Morris, Warren and Bergen. “With the cost of fuel right now, helping one or two people is going to wipe out our budget if we don’t raise additional funding.” During a cold weather snap that ended two days prior to Halloween, Wilson said her office received calls from three people, one of whom was about out of fuel, with the other two on the verge of it. “We networked around and for one man, we did get assistance for him,” Wilson said. “The other two people have not called us back yet. The thing is, we can’t help them with the whole bill. We’re trying to put a cap of $200 on what we do as a budget per request. “The more we can raise, the more we can pay,” Wilson added. “And the more people we can help.” Wilson said that her organization is looking to companies and local businesses to help. The army will also renew its annuyal Kettle Club drive, a fundraising effort similar to a March of Dimes or a disaster relief campaign. The Salvation Army, Wilson added, is operating a food pantry in Franklin that is expected to provide free Thanksgiving meals to about 88 needy families on Nov. 24. Kettle Clubs are located at Wal-Mart sites in both Franklin and Newton. She said that anyone interested in helping should contact the Salvation Army’s Franklin location at 973-827-0102. Last winter, the organization raised about $11,000 locally, which helped buy such items as book bags for schoolchildren, Wilson said. “We already have over 400 requests for children’s toys,” which will be taken care of,” she concluded. “(And) while we don’t turn any child away when it comes to donating toys, our main concern is the cost of fuel.”