It's more important to help the Salvation Army this year than ever before, according to Gatha Richardson, chairman of the local Salvation Army chapter. "We have had so many requests for help this year," Richardson said yesterday, "that it's going to be hard to fill all those requests. We just encourage the public to help as much as they feel they can," he added, noting that Salvation Army bell ringers will be out in force through Christmas Eve.
Ninety percent of all the money that goes into the local kettles remains in Halifax County to help local people, he pointed out.
"We want to thank our local industries — J.M. Huber and Dollar General for their generous donations," he said. Richardson also extended a hearty thanks to both Wal-Mart and Belk, where the bell ringers have been located this season. He also thanked Goody's for their constant support of the local chapter.
Local churches, he pointed out, have also been very supportive and he extended his thanks to all of those who have helped. But he urged people to continue to donate so the chapter can be assured that all Halifax County residents will have a merry Christmas.