Salvation Army Gives Grocery Vouchers to Elders in Need

This morning, the Salvation Army Belize brought some holiday cheer to Belize City with a grocery voucher giveaway. These vouchers are a lifeline for over seven hundred families, allowing them to pick out groceries to create a special Christmas meal. By teaming up with local supermarkets, the Salvation Army ensures that families can choose the items that best fit their needs. Now, let’s hear more from News Five’s Britney Gordon on this heartwarming story.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

The moment has arrived! Dozens of people are eagerly lining up outside the Salvation Army Headquarters in Belize City. From as early as 9 a.m., they’re here to collect the much-anticipated grocery vouchers. These vouchers are a beacon of hope, helping families prepare for the festive season. Major Marc Eddy Momplaisir, the District Officer of the Salvation Army, shares more about this heartwarming initiative.

 

Major Marc Eddy Momplaisir, District Officer, Salvation Army

“ Today is our distribution for vouchers. And as you see out outside, a lot of people are already there. Just to receive the virtual on is not only here, but in four places. Northside, central core where the Salvation Army is a cemetery road. And we have it at the vill. We have it as well. Joyville. So today is a busy day for us where people will receive the virtual on strongly. I believe they will enjoy this season. Because our aim is to celebrate love with them and celebrate what we call it connection community connection and  celebrate the joy of giving.”

 

The Salvation Army is gearing up to distribute over seven hundred vouchers throughout the city, bringing joy to many families. For those who can’t make it to the headquarters, they’ve got it covered with premade grocery parcels delivered right to their doorsteps. This thoughtful gesture ensures everyone gets to enjoy a festive meal.

 

Major Marc Eddy Momplaisir

“ We’re looking for the senior citizen because so many of them, unfortunately, they are the less fortunate in our country, especially those who never really have a work where they can get a pension. However, we are the Salvation Army. We are there for them. Yes, we cannot give them much but we show them that we love them. We care for them that’s why we look after them because the youngest one we give them toys but the senior we think that a voucher will help them during the season.”

 

Though some might think a forty-five-dollar donation is small, it means the world to those in need. Take seventy-three-year-old Joan Bennett, for example. She’s been lining up for these vouchers for nearly fifty years, and each one has made a big difference in her life.

 

Joan Bennett, Voucher Recipient

“ The good people at Salvation Army always look out for us. Take care of us, see that we well, they don’t give you everything, but at least they shove out their hand to give you something to eat. And I am very grateful because every year they do the same thing.”

 

George Reneau, Voucher Recipient
“Thank God we have life and we have thanks to the Salvation Army for making way for us.”

 

The aim of these donations is to make a difference in as many lives as possible. Emma Hamilton, now in her sixties, has been coming to the Salvation Army for about five years. She deeply appreciates the organization’s generosity, which helps her take care of her son.

 

Emma Hamilton, Voucher Recipient

“ It’s helped a lot because I have a disabled son that attends Port Loyola and it helps me because he can’t work and he’s an orphan because he lost his father fifteen years ago. And I’m a widow. Yes ma’am. So it helps a lot. It helps me. And I thank you.  I thank the Salvation Army.”

 

As the work of the Salvation Army continues, the organization reflects on the lives that they have touched throughout the years, furthering the cycle of kindness and generosity.

 

Major Marc Eddy Momplaisir

“Yesterday I met someone who told me. I am going to send my donation. I say, okay, very good. You say, why? From I was a little boy, I am receiving a gift from the Salvation Army. Today is my time to give back.”

 

With their vouchers in hand, recipients are all set to dive into their Christmas shopping and start whipping up the holiday meals they’ve been eagerly anticipating all year. The excitement is palpable as they prepare to make this festive season special.

 

Joan Bennett

“ You really make my holiday a little bit brighter because I tell you when I set my table with their food, da no joke with me. If yo see me jaw fat and everything.  So, I’m really happy.  I’m happy that they look out for us.”

 

Britney Gordon for News Five.