MARY MEAUX
Denroy Bercier picked through day-old French bread, opting for a loaf without jalapenos.
Jordan Paul, 10, patiently waited as Bercier placed the bread on a rolling cart next to plastic bags of groceries. When the task was completed, Paul rolled the cart outside the double doors of the Salvation Army to Bercier’s awaiting vehicle where he helped the senior citizen load the food inside a van.
Bercier receives $70 per month in Food Stamps, he said, which is not enough to last for four weeks, especially when adding in other bills such as car insurance, rent and utilities. The $70 averages to $17.50 per week for food.
With Thanksgiving just days away, Bercier drove to the Salvation Army for a little help to make it through the month.
By noon Monday, the Salvation Army had assisted 85 households including 241 individuals. Of that number, 40 were senior citizens like Bercier.
Sue Byers with the Salvation Army shed some light on why the need is so great.
The economic downturn that caused some industry leaders to cut their workforce or chop employees hours spiraled and adversely affected other lines of work.
“The truck driver and crew of workers who stopped at McDonald’s for breakfast every morning have been laid off or their hours cut,” Byers said. “Then the clerk at McDonald’s has her hours cut because business has slowed down. Even the guy working at Dollar General is affected and his hours cut since not as many people are spending money.”
Byers has also seen senior citizens who must decide whether to buy groceries, pay a bill or purchase their medication.
“There’s the single parent who is making it, then along comes the holiday,” she said.”
Students who receive free breakfast and lunch are out of school for the holiday meaning the parent must find a way to put two more meals on the table.
Salvation Army Capt. Leo Ortiz said he has seen a lot of “first timers” this year.
“These are people who are supporters of the Salvation Army who are now knocking on doors,” Ortiz said.
Since Hurricane Rita hit the area in September 2005, the local Salvation Army provided $2.45 million in direct assistance in addition to the regular assistance that has been given, he added.
The Salvation Army, located at 3145 25th St., will be open through Wednesday this week for those needing assistance and for those wishing to help at the holidays.
For more information, call 983-2229.
Other local agencies who provide assistance, need donations:
• United Board of Missions, 6650 Ninth Ave., Port Arthur. For more information, call 962-5661.
• Community Care Prayer Outreach Inc., 808 Nederland Ave., No.B, Nederland. For more information, call 724-0163.
