Red Shield appeal starts

The Salvation Army is calling on Peninsula residents to volunteer for this year's Red Shield Appeal throughout the month of May.

Salvation Army Umina Welfare Centre manager Major Nellie Moed said the appeal would go towards funding services on the Peninsula for the next two years.

"The Salvation Army Welfare Centre in Umina provides practical support for individuals and families in financial crisis on the Peninsula," Major Moed said.

"We help with anything including food vouchers, accommodation vouchers, clothing, food packages and assistance with bills and other expenses through an assessment process.

"We are getting more and more people through our doors now that more people are having trouble finding work.

"People can come in here with their head high.

"We all need a bit of help every now and again and that's what we are here for."

The Red Shield Appeal starts on May 5, with the Salvation Army's famous Doorknock Weekend held over the weekend of May 23 and 24.

Red Shield Appeal Central Coast chairman Mr Peter Hale said that although the welfare centre provided practical assistance for struggling local families, it was only a small part of the Salvation Army's interests on the Peninsula.

"The Salvation Army Street Mission provides help to homeless people on the Peninsula," Mr

Hale said.

"And there are a number of services based on the Central Coast, outside of the Peninsula that is used by its residents.

"These include the Oasis Youth Centre at Wyong, Selah Farm drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre, the Salvo's Family Tracing Service, and the Salvo Care Line.

"As times get tougher, the need for the Salvation Army in the community gets greater and greater.

"We still need 400 volunteers for the Doorknock Weekend on the Peninsula.

"When our official collectors, who will carry an ID badge and collector bag, come to your place over the doorknock weekend, please give as much as you can."

To become a volunteer and spare two or three hours over the Doorknock Weekend, phone 4325 5614.

To make a credit card donation to the appeal visit www.salvos.org or call 13 72 58.

Cheques and money order donations can be posted to Salvation Army Central Coast, PO Box 1765, Gosford, 2250.

Press release, 23 Apr 2009 Scott MacKillop, Brilliant Logic