I have been going to the Vicksburg National Military Park to get a little exercise. Swimsuit season is here, and I hate to admit it, but a few of the body parts have relocated over the years. I like going to the military park, because once I start one of the loops, I have to go the distance to get back to my car.

Last week, as I sometimes invariable do, I found myself at the park at nearly the hottest part of the day, straight up noon.

When this happens, it is usually because I have eased into the day with several cups of coffee, chatted on the phone and piddled around doing a couple of chores in the house before I know how much time has passed and the temperature has risen.

Nevertheless, since I have been bound and determined to try and shed a few pounds and lift the backside up a bit, I head out slathered in sunscreen wearing my ball cap.

On this particular day, I decided to walk the long north loop of the park, and as I was making my way down the hill after passing the Illinois monument, I happened to look down and noticed that there were dead worms everywhere. The only thing I could figure is they had made their way out of the ground and unfortunately had become trapped on the hot pavement with no protection from the heat.

The poor little creatures had no chance from the broiling sun.

As I continued with my walking, I noticed one little worm that was still wriggling about. The sun had not yet zapped it, but I knew it would not be long before it too would wind up just like all the others.

I was just about finished with the 3.4-mile trek when it hit me. There was no way that I could ever save all those worms that had met their demise on the road, but I could have helped that one that was still struggling to stay alive.

The awareness of what I could have done reminded me about the Vicksburg Salvation Army.

They, too, are struggling to stay alive like the little worm I passed on the road.  If they do not raise $50,000 before they resume their Christmas kettle campaign, they will have to shut down.

What a tragedy if the non-for profit organization can no longer provide emergency assistance programs for our community or help those in times of disaster by offering services which include personal care kits, bottled water and spiritual and emotional counseling.

Our local Salvation Army also serves hot lunches every weekday to those that are hungry. They offer after-school programs, tutorial services and summer camps for children, and during the holidays, the agency sponsors the Angel Tree program and a holiday emergency assistance program.

Unfortunately, without our help the Salvation Army could go the way of those lifeless worms.

A dead worm we can get over, but letting the Vicksburg Salvation Army die would be unthinkable.