Salvation Army Restores a Mother’s Hope During Christmas

 When asked how she and her son’s holiday season would look without The Salvation Army, Sara (not her real name) gave a simple answer.

“Christmas? There would have been none,” Sara said.

After escaping an abusive marriage, Sara and her young son found themselves in a challenging situation. At the time, Sara was going to school, so she didn’t have a stable income to maintain her and her son. In an attempt to do anything to survive, they turned to The Salvation Army in Weyburn, Sask.

“We didn’t have anything in our house, our fridge was empty. The freezer had nothing in it.”

“We didn’t have anything in our house, our fridge was empty. The freezer had nothing in it. We were struggling with where to find our next meal. We had no idea where it was going to come from. So, I reached out to The Salvation Army.” Sara added.

Once they contacted The Salvation Army, Sara and her son received winter gear, were set up with the food bank, received counselling and were registered to the Christmas’ Adopt a Family program.

“When we went to The Salvation Army, I was very concerned because I had never done it before, but they were very welcoming. When we walked in the door, they never judged us. They just took us in with open arms. They treated us like family,” she shared.

What Sara had initially predicted was going to be a non-existent Christmas, suddenly became a special holiday she would never forget. The day she visited The Salvation Army to pick up the gifts from their adoptive family, Sara felt an overwhelming sense of joy and emotion.

“The day that I picked it up, I bawled in their office because we had never had anything like that. We had never had help. I am very thankful for them (The Salvation Army). I can’t thank them enough for it,” Sara said.

“When we walked in the door, they never judged us. They just took us in with open arms. They treated us like family.”

Both Sara and her son got everything on their wish list and more. Her son, who has an artistic side, got a complete drawing kit. He also got some bedding, clothes, and even a skateboard, which he now uses to travel to school. Sara got lots of winter wear, a turkey, and items for their home.

Today, Sara works part-time and is rebuilding her life. She hopes to spend a happy Christmas with her son. They plan to give back this holiday season.

“I am hoping to get out and visit some nursing homes. They don’t get very much company. The Salvation Army gave me so much that I try to give back on at least one thing a year. So, I am looking forward to that.”

By Juan Romero