MEET APRIL, FROM WEST BALTIMORE
couple days ago, The Salvation Army’s Temple Corps spearheaded by Lt. Schelika Chisolm and Captain Michael Chisolm, partnered up with The Southwest Police Division and The Southwest Police Division’s Community team to expand Angel Tree Christmas Assistance and Food Assistance for 150 people in West Baltimore. The team congregated at the Edmondson Shopping Center, by the Old Dollar Tree, to hand out gifts and words of love to many people in need. Moms, single family units, children, and the underemployed waited to get help from Temple Corps members, such as Mr. Reggie, a long- time staple of the church.
A month ago, The Salvation Army of Central Maryland had a very slow start to acquiring Angel Tree gifts but thanks to support from many of our media friends, many people opened their hearts and wallets and adopted several hundred children, including ones who live in West Baltimore. Christmas is out of reach for many people living in West Baltimore.
April, a single mom to a young son, and a lifelong resident of West Baltimore. During the weekends, she loves to take out her son around town. In fact, April took her son out to 34th street on Hampden and ran into Captain Matthew Tidman, of Hampden corps by his TipTap kettle. She was dressed up as a mongoose that day.
The Salvation Army has always had a special place in her heart.
“I think The Salvation Army is great and they always give back to the community. The Salvation Army always looks out for the community and has been in Baltimore for a really long time,” said April.
April volunteered at this year’s Angel Tree Christmas toy drive located on Edmondson Shopping center and was also a recipient, so she can give Christmas to her child.
April said all of the parents are grateful to receive gifts for their children this year. As a long-time donor to The Salvation Army, she would give whatever she can to local service centers.
“Although I have not received direct help from The Salvation Army, I have always donated at various Salvation Army locations, and have previously volunteered at your former warehouse located off Caton Avenue. I remember sifting through clothes, food, and toys,” recalled April. “I’ve even been an Angel Tree volunteer too.”
The Salvation Army of Central Maryland is low on funding this quarter. With ½ a million down on fundraising this quarter, and red kettles across Central Maryland not raising $100,000, some people in Baltimore, Harford County, Howard County, Carroll County and in Glen Burnie will go without food, rental assistance, utility assistance, and Christmas assistance for next year.
April believes that any donation, whether big or small, can “help children, the community, and the elderly.”
“Every little bit helps. It’s never not enough. It’s always enough.”