Salvation Army asking for food

BURBANK — Three- hundred families might go without a holiday meal if the Burbank Salvation Army does not receive more food donations for its holiday meal program, officials said.

About 400 families registered in November for the program, which is an increase of about 100 from last year, said Capt. Claudia Ruiz of the Burbank Salvation Army. Salvation Army officials said as of this week, there is enough food to provide holiday meals for only 120 families.

“It’s an urgent need. We only have one week left to be able to get enough food and enough toys to give to all the families,” said Ruiz’s husband, Capt. Mario Ruiz.

Canned vegetables, rice, boxed potatoes or other holiday trimmings are needed. Toys and nonperishable items will be distributed to families in need from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday. Mario Ruiz said if more supplies do not come in, they will be forced to give less to each family.

“Somehow, every time that we’ve been down, the community has always come through. The community here is a very giving community,” Mario Ruiz said. “The only thing I want to do is get the word out.”

It’s possible that the Salvation Army’s figures of those needing a meal are lower than 400, Mario Ruiz said. Every year, officials with the Burbank Temporary Aid Center, Salvation Army and Burbank Coordinating Council compare lists of families that received a holiday meal. Mario Ruiz said he plans to meet with Janet Diel of the Burbank Coordinating Council to compare lists of families that applied to receive services.

“We try to make sure that there are not duplications,” Diel said. “Our whole project is to be sure every family gets helped once.”

Volunteers with the army are also optimistic that the community will come to their aid.

“With the economy this year, it’s a lot different. We’ll pull through, I’m sure. Burbank is a very giving community,” said volunteer Anne Braine.

Leftovers from the Burbank Coordinating Council’s Holiday Basket program were donated to the Burbank Salvation Army. The contribution was enough to feed about 20 more families.

“I think, because of the way our economy is doing, some people, they’ve never asked for help before. It would be really sad if we weren’t there to help,” Claudia Ruiz said .

The Salvation Army, which began in the 1800s, is mostly funded through the community and a grant from the city, Mario Ruiz said. He said the organization also receives Federal Emergency Management Agency funds.

More volunteers are also needed to help with distribution next Monday, Mario Ruiz said. He said more families than last year are requesting help this holiday season. Twenty-five volunteers have already committed to helping out, but 80 to 90 are needed.

“Last year, they [the Salvation Army] did about 300, and this year, they just kept coming,” Mario Ruiz said . “There’s a sense of desperation. It’s sad, because it should be a giving time.”

To donate holiday gifts and food to the Burbank Salvation Army, call (818) 845-7214 or go to the drop-off at 300 E. Angeleno St.