Hoosiers rush to support Salvation Army

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - As Congress grapples over whether to extend unemployment benefits, the weekly safety net has run out for some 60,000 Hoosiers. We continue our month long in-depth focus on unemployment with a look at resources for the unemployed.

Thursday we took viewers to Greenwood to the Salvation Army's Center of Hope. We told viewers that the number of new households helped in June increased 2,000 percent. Today, we went back to see how you responded to the needs there.

Chastity Reed's children helped her pick out groceries for their family of five at Greenwood's Salvation Army Center of Hope. The 5th and 6th grader were really excited about a big donation that came on Friday - cakes and cupcakes. Their mother was thrilled about the ground beef - another donation the center received Friday.

Johnson county residents were watching Thursday as we showed viewers the needs at this pantry and social services agency. Leaders showed us the empty meat freezer and the empty sugar shelf.

Friday a sweet surprise arrived - donations of sugar. And that's not all.

"We've been receiving food donations since we opened this morning. We've also received some financial donations that's totaled about $500 today," said Jeanine McGaha, director of the center.

The money was from Johnson county residents who wanted to help. Tonya Lamar popped into the center with baby formula hand - one of the many items needed to feed hungry families in Johnson County.

Asked what she'd do without pantries like this one, Chastity Reed answered,” I know they would go hungry. I try to provide the best I can, but it's real hard."

But even as people gave donations, this agency is giving even more away - forcing workers o put up a sign for the second day telling the needy their funds for rent and utility assistance have run dry.

There are centers just like the Salvation Army Center of Hope all over central Indiana. Experts say give where you live, and you can see how your gift benefits others.

If you need help visit our web site click here, www.hoosiershelpinghoosiers.org where you can find resources near you.