Vicksburg is at risk of losing one of its most precious resources.

Unless they came come up with $50,000, the local Salvation Army might be forced to shut its doors and halt its important services.

“Giving was down. We had two big donors that were unable to give this year, which caused a tremendous budget shortfall for us,” Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary president Kamace Priest said. “We depend on that money to pay our bills throughout the year and also to support our various programs.”

As much as the Salvation Army depends on our community’s support, our community depends on the nonprofit organization. More than 6,700 people were served by the local Salvation Army last year. More than 50,000 meals were provided. Almost 150 people received rent assistance and more than 200 were helped paying their utility bills.

“It makes a difference in the lives of people,” Salvation Army Capt. Srikant Bhatnagar said. “If we can change one or two lives, it means our program is very successful.”

This could quickly fall to zero unless our community pitches in.

A sum of $50,000 is not out of reach. If every resident of Warren County pitched in $1.03 — that’s right one dollar and three pennies — the Salvation Army could continue to meet the needs of our community.

“We would have to shut it down and just sort of shutter it until we do the Christmas kettle campaign,” Salvation Army board president Danny Jones said. “We’ve got money for certain things, but we don’t have money for light bills and help and so forth.”

Let’s help Christmas come early for Vicksburg’s Salvation Army.