–the selfless service of Salvation Army volunteers

By Vishani Ragobeer
TAKING a stroll around town during the Christmas season, it’s hard to not hear the distinct

ringing of the Salvation Army bells or the cheery ‘Merry Christmas’ shouts.
It’s also hard to miss the shiny red money-collecting ‘kettles’ hanging from the green and red ‘Salvation Army’ signboard, accompanied by a jovial soul requesting a contribution.
Why is it that from 09:00hrs to 16:00 hrs, Monday to Saturday, these faithful souls persevere in hopes of getting contributions from passers-by?
I sought to speak with a few of the volunteers who were around Georgetown on Water Street one rainy morning to find out exactly why these volunteers seek contributions during this season.

Speaking to Norma Scott, who was in front of Republic Bank on Water Street, she said that the reason she is collecting funds is for the Salvation Army branch (The head Office in

Alexander Street) she is attached to can carry out various outreach programmes.
“From in October time, people come to us and ask us for things like foodstuff and school supplies and so in time for the holidays,” she disclosed.
Scott also highlighted that not only during the holidays, but throughout the year, “We feed the poor, the schoolchildren and homes.”

She also explained that volunteers have no access to the money they acquire through kind contributions, but each volunteer is given a stipend at the end of their stint which spans from about mid-November to Christmas Eve.
Having benefitted from the Salvation Army herself however, Norma revealed that she always gives her stipend back to the organisation so that someone could benefit.
Also, she has been volunteering to collect donations every Christmas for five years now.
Due to the efforts of volunteers like herself, she noted that the Army is able to make packages to distribute to the needy.
“We give back to the community because it’s Christmas and it’s a happy time for all, nobody must be left out,” she said.
Outside of Guyana Stores Limited on Water Street is another Salvation Army volunteer, Joan Stuart.

“We do it [collect funds throughout the Christmas season] to help folks who can’t afford to be merry,” Joan said.
This, she explained, involves the purchasing of food items and personal products to create hampers to be given out to the needy at Christmas time.
Similarly to Norma, she explained that the Christmas season is not the only time the Army uses these funds donated by passers-by to assist needy persons, but help is also rendered throughout the year.
When questioned why she chose to volunteer, she responded, “I love doing this. It is a great feeling to know that you were able to make someone’s Christmas better [and] it just makes me feel happy.”
She also noted that she has been volunteering for more than 10 years now.
“When you do good, it comes back to you,” Stuart reasoned, adding, “the Salvation Army is committed to doing good things and spreading the Christmas Cheer.”

Finally, ringing her bell and saying her routine chant: “Thank you… have a Merry Christmas” in front of National Hardware on Water Street is Sheirvon Richards.
Richards noted that this is her third year volunteering for the Salvation Army and she doesn’t mind one bit. “I’m out here collecting funds for a good cause and well, I’m having fun… I’m collecting funds to help with sick children in the hospital who can’t afford to pay for their treatment and to cater for children in homes,” she said.
When the Head Office (in Alexander Street) receives all the money collected, they would use it to help these causes.

Often, hospitals would go to the Salvation Army requesting aid for persons who need it, while persons in need themselves would go requesting funds. Once their requests have been verified, they would receive funds to help address their problems.
It is through the dedication and perseverance of these volunteers throughout Georgetown that those in need of serious assistance or those that just that little extra Christmas cheer are able to enjoy their Christmas.
So if you passed a Salvation Army volunteer while Christmas shopping, I hoped that you spared them some change and if not, don’t forget them next year when they return!