Grandmother Feels Grateful for Salvation Army Support Throughout the Year
For Billie Jo Flannigan, The Salvation Army means a lot. The organization has walked alongside her during tough times, and this support is particularly evident during the Christmas season.
“They’ve been more of a help than they could even imagine,” Billie says. “The Salvation Army has gone above and beyond. I don’t know how I would’ve survived without them.”
A Grandmother’s Act of Love
Some time ago, Billie’s life changed when she became the guardian of six grandchildren, in an effort to prevent them from being placed in foster care. This courageous and selfless act meant she would have to become their full-time caretaker.
“I was a personal support worker, but when my son and his wife began to struggle with addiction, I had to leave my job and take care of my grandchildren,” Billie shares. “I was struggling financially, but I did not want to lose them or separate them.”
Finding Hope and Help
Billie turned to The Salvation Army in Cambridge, Ont., to see if there were any services available that could give her an extra hand in caring for her grandchildren. She was pleasantly surprised by the welcoming and helpful nature of the staff.
“They guided me in the right direction. They did remarkable things,” Billie recalls.
The family first accessed the food bank. Later, they received clothing and Christmas assistance. The latter is crucial in helping the holidays feel special despite their challenges.
“They’ve gone above and beyond during Christmas. We’ve received turkeys, plus other food, toys, clothing, everything,” Billie adds.
Thinking about how Christmas would look for her family without The Salvation Army by her side, Billie admits it would be very different.
“To be honest, it would look poor. I’ve been struggling to raise my grandchildren on a limited income, but The Salvation Army has made sure they always have something to smile about during Christmas. That is something I couldn’t have done on my own,” she says.
More Than Material Support
From her experience with The Salvation Army, Billie believes what makes the organization special is not only the services they provide but the way they treat guests.
“They don’t just give food and support; they make you feel like you have somebody you can talk to and that is nice.”
As Billie strives to keep her grandchildren healthy and happy, she encourages people to support The Salvation Army, especially during the Christmas season.
“Many people don’t realize how even small donations can help. It all adds up and The Salvation Army uses these donations to help us and so many others.”
By Juan Romero
