In the News ... "Salvation Army continuing 'Love Beyond' Late Bills"

• Salvation Army is issuing a rallying cry for Americans to “Love Beyond”

By Michael Bauer , Reporter
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Two months ago, the Salvation Army of Odessa began its Love Beyond campaign.

The campaign kicked off on Valentine’s Day and is an appeal and invitation to the community to join the Salvation Army in serving suffering humanity and to show those hurting a love beyond all else.

Even though the campaign was released on a day known for love, it goes beyond that to be used all year.

“What it is as we continue our services provided in the Salvation Army, we’re focusing on that element,” Corps Officer of the Salvation Army Major Luis Melendez said. “Instead of waiting until Christmas, it fits properly that we love beyond. We love the individual. We love what we do. We love to serve. In this case, it was utilities. In another case, it might be food bonds or counseling for another. We love beyond. It’s year-round.”

Millions of Americans face daily financial struggles and uphill battles to escape poverty.

The Salvation Army in Odessa works year round to remove the constant burden of worry and stress to provide hope and a way forward to those in need.

A surprise expense, like an unexpected car repair or medical bill can be the difference between affording rent and buying groceries or paying monthly bills.

When funds are available, the Salvation Army helps pay overdue bills, preventing homelessness and stabilizing housing for individuals and families who have fallen behind on their expenses and risk losing their homes.

“As long as we have those funding available, we’ll give out to the folks,” Melendez said. “But the folks in need to come and bring their ID and proof of address and bills and then our caseworker creates that file and the people get the bills paid. We want to get the word out and that’s why we want to express it that way. We know it’s difficult times. The economy isn’t that good or people have been laid off. Everyone has a story.”

Melendez said TXU and ATMOS Energy will give funds to the Salvation Army to help folks who are behind on their utilities ...

• Read the rest of this OA report ...