Much more than an Army of one

Salvation Army volunteers give their time and talent to the community and offer hope.

By MICHELLE JONES, Times Staff Writer
Published August 25, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [Times photo: Zach Boyden-Holmes] Jim Yeager of Hudson chats with a friend as they enjoy a spaghetti dinner at the Salvation Army in Port Richey. Monday through Friday at 4 p.m. they feed the homeless and those in need at the Center for Hope on Washington Street. "It's way better than McDonalds," said Yeager.

PORT RICHEY - It doesn't take an entire army to run the Pasco County branch of the Salvation Army.

However, a few good men and women volunteers are always welcome as the ministry reaches out into the community.

The Salvation Army's motto is to never deprive someone of hope because it may be all they have.

"We offer them hope," said Jeanne Coulter, the manager of the Salvation Army's Center of Hope for the past 10 years.

The hope takes the form of groceries, shelter, financial assistance, medical assistance, bus tickets, referrals, back-to-school supplies, clothing and daily feeding programs in addition to a prayer support system if the client desires.

"If the Lord leads, we minister to them," Coulter said. "They need to know they matter. We give them a hand up, not a hand out. We want to help them better themselves."

Coulter says she is humbled by the position she has within the Army and the opportunity it gives her to reach out.

The Salvation Army has been at 8040 Washington St. in Port Richey for 27 years. Between July 2006 and July 2007, they assisted 3,734 people.

"Whether it is groceries or clothes for a new job interview, we are here to help," Coulter said. "I'm a Christian, and I listen with my heart."

They also have a church building with Sunday services and Sunday school classes where they provide spiritual help for the clients who want to grow as Christians. The church is on U.S. 19 in Holiday.

The referral program helps clients get into rehab if needed and even provides legal assistance.

Coulter says they have a wonderful community that reaches out in so many ways.

"We'll put out an SOS for Save Our Shelves when the food pantry is in need and the community comes through," she said. "They just need to know what to do and they do it. We have a good track record with the community."

Each day Monday through Friday at 4 p.m. they feed the homeless and those in need at the Center for Hope on Washington Street, and at Thanksgiving and Christmas they have special programs.

Volunteers work hard all year, and on Thanksgiving they have time off while others from the community work the holiday dinner shift. At Christmas, food boxes are provided. People can give $30 and it provides a Christmas dinner for a needy family.

Greg Danelski is a volunteer who works in the Food Pantry one day a week.

"This gives me a sense of satisfaction and a way to give back to the community," he said. "I also like the people who work here and the fellowship they provide."

Dennis Klinger is a fourth-generation Salvation Army member and a volunteer in Pasco County.

"I find this as a whole most fulfilling and it touches my heart," he said of his work in the social services end of the ministry. "I have found my niche."

Klinger runs the Christmas Angel Tree Program during the holidays in addition to the year-round work he does at the center. This program provides needs and some of the desires of children in the community who otherwise wouldn't have much of a Christmas.

Recently the Salvation Army collected back-to-school supplies for children.

Fast Facts:

How to donate

Readers who would like to donate to the ministry should call 1-800-958-7825. Cars, boats and other big items can be picked up by calling this number. Monetary gifts are always welcome.

[Last modified August 24, 2007, 20:40:42]