Salvation Army in
need of help itself
Posted 5/22/02

The Mille Lacs County Salvation Army is in need of funds. The organization has given out approximately $30,000 each year for the past four years to residents in need.

But, by February, the Salvation Army had distributed roughly $15,000 and Chairperson of the Mille Lacs County Salvation Army Service Unit, Linda Ramson, was told by the new director to stop allocating money. There would not be another $15,000 available this year to help those in need.

For the past two and a half months, the organization has been turning people away. Mille Lacs County, which is one of the poorest counties in the state, will not receive more funds for the Salvation Army until September.

Pastor Vernon Dorn of St. Paulís Lutheran Church and president of Milaca Ministerial Association said, "People are still in need."

The Ministerial Association has been working with the Salvation Army to help raise funds, but more is needed.

Ramson said the Ministerial Association recently gave the Salvation Army a check for $500 last week and within minutes half of that was distributed to needy people.

The organization has received some small donations from area churches and residents, but Ramson said the group is unable to help anyone until September, unless it receives more donations.

Donations can be made to Salvation Army and sent to Linda Ramson at Mille Lacs County Family Services, 525 2nd Street SE, Milaca, MN 56353.

Volunteers are also needed to help organize fund-raising drives. To volunteer your time, contact Ramson at 320-983-8208 (office) or 320-294-5702 (home).