By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The downtown merchants with kettles, Sleep Shoppe, Toy Depot and Smith's Market, have really given a helping hand to the Salvation Army so far this season, according to Major Paul James.
"Sleep Shoppe this year has helped raise $4600," James said. "This year, Toy Depot has raised $975, then Smith's Market $654 out in front of their location. That's been a huge boost to our efforts this year."
A program that the Salvation Army helps with many may not know about is their representative payee program.
"A lot of them get plugged in to us by Social Security," James said. "They'll contact or refer them to us. It's really an amazing program. Some of them have that and we just pay their bills, is kind of what the function is supposed to be with that. I know my staff goes above and beyond and if for some reason they need to move, they help them find another apartment. If it's equipment or other things that need to be replaced, they help them in purchasing furniture and different things like that."
Another program with big success in 2021 is the Pathway of Hope program.
"We helped 27 families who have benefited from the case management," James said. "Three received a car that was donated to us this past year and we have another car that's designated to a family that's going through the program and needs to finish a couple of other goals. That should be the fourth car that, we've been able to help somebody."
They are looking for 2022 referrals for the Pathway of Hope program. For more information, call (620) 663-3353.