Salvation Army in Mercer County very low on funding

May 3—By GREG JORDAN

Bluefield Daily Telegraph

PRINCETON — Toughening economic times and dwindling donations have placed a local human service agency known for its Christmas red kettle drive and the help it gives the needy all year in dire financial straits.

The Salvation Army in Princeton is a place where the needy frequently go when help with rent or utilities is needed, but the nonprofit agency requires money to meet those requests. That funding is now at a very low point, said Sgt. Melissa White, the unit's director.

"We're out of funds completely," White said Thursday. "We're in a very detrimental spot."

Requests for food pantry donations have had a good response, but general financial donations that let the Salvation Army operate have dwindled.

"I'm very concerned," White said. "It's some of the lowest days we've seen, and I think it can be attributed to the overall economic concerns and with all the concerns taking place around the world."

This decline in donations has been ongoing for months, she said. Donations during last Christmas's red kettle drive fell short of the Salvation Army's goal.

"To be honest, we've been seeing it for a year and a half, but it's continued," White said. "That and in combination with the $25,000 deficit from our kettle season, it makes it very difficult to sustain operations."

The local Salvation Army is planning a radiothon starting May 15 to start raising money for operations and there are appeals for monetary donations already underway.

"No donation is too small and no donation is too large," White said.

Donations can be dropped off at or mailed to 300 Princeton Avenue, Princeton, WV 24740 or mailed to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 1090, Princeton WV 24740.

The local Salvation Army focuses mostly on rental and utility assistance. Requests for help in both areas continues to increase.

"We are at an all-time high on requests and an all-time low on funding," White said.

Besides help with rent, utilities or food, the Salvation also provides ongoing ministries for women and youth.

"The community is not only dependent on the financial ministries that we offer, but also the character-building ministries that we offer like our weekly women's ministries and youth ministries," White said. "We have about 20 kids come at least every week. We feed them a meal every week and do some type of lesson as well as a spiritual lesson."

The women's ministry is also a weekly activity focusing on a four-fold program with service, fellowship, a workshop and education program, White said. There are also weekly Bible studies, Sunday school and Sunday worship services.

General financial donations help pay for these ministries as well as help keep the Salvation Army unit in operation.

"I'd really appreciate that the community would pray for our organization and our people at this time," White said. "It's every day, keeping our doors open (with) finances that we are very, very low on."

— Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com

Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com