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A Day of Delivering Meals and Hope A Day of Delivering Meals and Hope
(5 days later)
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Traffic lights signal to empty streets. Parks are deserted, except for the squirrels. And no one knows for sure whether this city’s famed racecourse will open this year.SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Traffic lights signal to empty streets. Parks are deserted, except for the squirrels. And no one knows for sure whether this city’s famed racecourse will open this year.
But on Monday morning, as a hard rain pelted the windows, the main room of the Salvation Army building downtown was bustling with volunteers and staff who filled boxes with canned food and fresh produce.But on Monday morning, as a hard rain pelted the windows, the main room of the Salvation Army building downtown was bustling with volunteers and staff who filled boxes with canned food and fresh produce.
Before the coronavirus, the room was a dining hall where hungry people came for hot meals. But since March and the statewide order to stay home, the Salvation Army has been delivering food door to door instead.Before the coronavirus, the room was a dining hall where hungry people came for hot meals. But since March and the statewide order to stay home, the Salvation Army has been delivering food door to door instead.
“That first week, honestly, we were just running,” said Bree Barker, 32, a lieutenant with the Saratoga Springs chapter. Her Australian accent has been softened by more than a decade in the United States. “We popped out as much food as we could.”“That first week, honestly, we were just running,” said Bree Barker, 32, a lieutenant with the Saratoga Springs chapter. Her Australian accent has been softened by more than a decade in the United States. “We popped out as much food as we could.”
Some food banks in the area have closed, shortened their hours or offer food only at a drive-through. But in this small upstate city, some residents don’t have cars. So instead of giving each family the usual nine meals a month, this chapter is delivering them at least nine meals a week. The number of households served jumped to 331 in March, from about 100 before the crisis, Lt. Barker said.Some food banks in the area have closed, shortened their hours or offer food only at a drive-through. But in this small upstate city, some residents don’t have cars. So instead of giving each family the usual nine meals a month, this chapter is delivering them at least nine meals a week. The number of households served jumped to 331 in March, from about 100 before the crisis, Lt. Barker said.
Their packing done, she and another lieutenant, Trisha Smouse, 40, loaded the boxes into the back of a white van and set off for the day’s rounds: five homes, each offering a different glimpse of the wide spectrum of need.Their packing done, she and another lieutenant, Trisha Smouse, 40, loaded the boxes into the back of a white van and set off for the day’s rounds: five homes, each offering a different glimpse of the wide spectrum of need.
As the women pulled up for their first delivery, four children spilled out of a screen door to greet them. “Bree!” cried Cheyenne Winchip-Green, 6, running forward for a hug.As the women pulled up for their first delivery, four children spilled out of a screen door to greet them. “Bree!” cried Cheyenne Winchip-Green, 6, running forward for a hug.
Lt. Barker turned, extending her arm. “Let’s say, ‘Hi’ like this instead,” she said as they bumped elbows. She knows the family well. Both lieutenants are ordained ministers and serve unofficially as therapists, listening ears, homework tutors, mentors, movers and real-estate agents for the people they visit.Lt. Barker turned, extending her arm. “Let’s say, ‘Hi’ like this instead,” she said as they bumped elbows. She knows the family well. Both lieutenants are ordained ministers and serve unofficially as therapists, listening ears, homework tutors, mentors, movers and real-estate agents for the people they visit.
The children’s grandmother, Helen Winchip, stood framed in the door. A lung cancer survivor with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or C.O.P.D., she knows that the coronavirus could be a death sentence. And although she shares custody of her five grandchildren, ages 5 to 16, with her daughter, she is the main caretaker. Even a trip to the hospital would mean leaving the children with yet another interruption in their home life.The children’s grandmother, Helen Winchip, stood framed in the door. A lung cancer survivor with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or C.O.P.D., she knows that the coronavirus could be a death sentence. And although she shares custody of her five grandchildren, ages 5 to 16, with her daughter, she is the main caretaker. Even a trip to the hospital would mean leaving the children with yet another interruption in their home life.
“I don’t want to get sick, I don’t want to die,” she said. “That’s my biggest fear. I have to stay healthy for them.”“I don’t want to get sick, I don’t want to die,” she said. “That’s my biggest fear. I have to stay healthy for them.”
The children’s school bus now delivers the breakfasts and lunches they would have eaten between classes. Their parents, Christine Winchip and Gary Green, also bring groceries whenever they can. They stand outside, talking to the family through a first-floor window. When it’s time to leave, the children sometimes plead with their mother to come inside and play.The children’s school bus now delivers the breakfasts and lunches they would have eaten between classes. Their parents, Christine Winchip and Gary Green, also bring groceries whenever they can. They stand outside, talking to the family through a first-floor window. When it’s time to leave, the children sometimes plead with their mother to come inside and play.
“My kids yell, ‘Don’t go, Mom, don’t go!’ ” said Ms. Winchip, 37. “But I have to. I have to walk away,” for the sake of her own mother. She paused, wiping her eyes. “If I can protect her from what’s going on out here, it’s the best way I know how to protect them.”“My kids yell, ‘Don’t go, Mom, don’t go!’ ” said Ms. Winchip, 37. “But I have to. I have to walk away,” for the sake of her own mother. She paused, wiping her eyes. “If I can protect her from what’s going on out here, it’s the best way I know how to protect them.”
In a classroom at a technical school that has been turned into a child-care center for the children of essential workers, Quiyana Brown and her older sibling Seiamari Utsey slowly assembled a puzzle. Quiyana had found a box of blue surgical gloves. As she fitted the jigsaw pieces together, the blue fingertips poked out longer than her hands.In a classroom at a technical school that has been turned into a child-care center for the children of essential workers, Quiyana Brown and her older sibling Seiamari Utsey slowly assembled a puzzle. Quiyana had found a box of blue surgical gloves. As she fitted the jigsaw pieces together, the blue fingertips poked out longer than her hands.
Though she misses her friends, Quiyana knows that if she contracted the virus, she could infect her mother, a single parent, even if she didn’t feel so sick herself. “I’m very scared for my mom,” Quiyana said. “I think about my mom all the time.”Though she misses her friends, Quiyana knows that if she contracted the virus, she could infect her mother, a single parent, even if she didn’t feel so sick herself. “I’m very scared for my mom,” Quiyana said. “I think about my mom all the time.”
During the day, her mother, Quesie Leone, processes records at a doctor’s office. Overnight, she works at a hospital, in medical imaging. Between the two jobs and the time she tries to spend at home with her children, she sleeps only three or four hours. The prepared meals she receives from the Salvation Army give her a few extra, precious minutes with her children.During the day, her mother, Quesie Leone, processes records at a doctor’s office. Overnight, she works at a hospital, in medical imaging. Between the two jobs and the time she tries to spend at home with her children, she sleeps only three or four hours. The prepared meals she receives from the Salvation Army give her a few extra, precious minutes with her children.
“I can throw it in there and let it bake,” Ms. Leone, 34, said later, over the phone. “It will be ready for them so much faster than if I had to cook dinner.”“I can throw it in there and let it bake,” Ms. Leone, 34, said later, over the phone. “It will be ready for them so much faster than if I had to cook dinner.”
As they waved goodbye to the children, Lt. Barker pressed her gloved hand against the glass of the car. Seiamari pressed back, a high-five through the window.As they waved goodbye to the children, Lt. Barker pressed her gloved hand against the glass of the car. Seiamari pressed back, a high-five through the window.
When the two lieutenants knocked at Sara Preece’s trailer, the sound of barking came to the door before she did. That was Ally, Ms. Preece’s service dog, a beagle-basset mix.When the two lieutenants knocked at Sara Preece’s trailer, the sound of barking came to the door before she did. That was Ally, Ms. Preece’s service dog, a beagle-basset mix.
“I couldn’t go to the hospital because they wouldn’t let her in with me, and that would mean I have to be without her,” Ms. Preece said. “I don’t have kids, but she’s my all and all. She’s the love of my life right now.”“I couldn’t go to the hospital because they wouldn’t let her in with me, and that would mean I have to be without her,” Ms. Preece said. “I don’t have kids, but she’s my all and all. She’s the love of my life right now.”
In the summer, Ms. Preece brings Ally along as she rings a Salvation Army bell to collect donations at the Saratoga Race Course, which normally opens in July and attracts more than a million visitors a year. Now, without a car, a nearby bus line or the stamina to walk more than two miles to the nearest grocery store, Ms. Preece feels stranded. Even if she were able to get there, Ms. Preece, who is diabetic, would be at increased risk.In the summer, Ms. Preece brings Ally along as she rings a Salvation Army bell to collect donations at the Saratoga Race Course, which normally opens in July and attracts more than a million visitors a year. Now, without a car, a nearby bus line or the stamina to walk more than two miles to the nearest grocery store, Ms. Preece feels stranded. Even if she were able to get there, Ms. Preece, who is diabetic, would be at increased risk.
The food deliveries have been a lifeline, and she also gets water. Ms. Preece, who grew up in Saratoga Springs, prefers drinking the sulfur-scented, mineralized spring water that filled the city’s famous baths and made it a destination for health-seekers. So on their way here, the lieutenants stopped to fill milk jugs at one of several public spigots.The food deliveries have been a lifeline, and she also gets water. Ms. Preece, who grew up in Saratoga Springs, prefers drinking the sulfur-scented, mineralized spring water that filled the city’s famous baths and made it a destination for health-seekers. So on their way here, the lieutenants stopped to fill milk jugs at one of several public spigots.
“It’s the only water she will drink,” said Lt. Smouse, her forearms taut as she carried brimming jugs back to the van. “So we bring it to her because we want to be sure she’s drinking something.”“It’s the only water she will drink,” said Lt. Smouse, her forearms taut as she carried brimming jugs back to the van. “So we bring it to her because we want to be sure she’s drinking something.”
When Ms. Preece’s husband was dying two years ago, Lt. Smouse stayed with her. After he died, early one morning, she gently woke Ms. Preece to tell her the news. “They’ve already dropped off about four boxes of food,” Ms. Preece said. “From groceries to the grave, they’ve been there.”When Ms. Preece’s husband was dying two years ago, Lt. Smouse stayed with her. After he died, early one morning, she gently woke Ms. Preece to tell her the news. “They’ve already dropped off about four boxes of food,” Ms. Preece said. “From groceries to the grave, they’ve been there.”
The drive to their next stop took the lieutenants through the city. They passed enormous Victorian-style mansions, with expensive cars and manicured lawns, before pulling up at a motel just a few blocks away.The drive to their next stop took the lieutenants through the city. They passed enormous Victorian-style mansions, with expensive cars and manicured lawns, before pulling up at a motel just a few blocks away.
“If you were to look at the demographics, you’d say, ‘Oh, the median household income is quite high,’ ” Lt. Barker said. “But you have extreme wealth and then extreme poverty, and there’s really not much in between.”“If you were to look at the demographics, you’d say, ‘Oh, the median household income is quite high,’ ” Lt. Barker said. “But you have extreme wealth and then extreme poverty, and there’s really not much in between.”
One of the motel doors had a sign, drawn on pink construction paper — the handiwork of 11-year-old Aydan, who is living with his family in the room behind it.One of the motel doors had a sign, drawn on pink construction paper — the handiwork of 11-year-old Aydan, who is living with his family in the room behind it.
Updated June 16, 2020 Updated June 22, 2020
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
“All I hear is: ‘Is it dinner time yet?’ ” said his mother, Kimberly. “It’s hard to do really anything because we’re all confined in here.”“All I hear is: ‘Is it dinner time yet?’ ” said his mother, Kimberly. “It’s hard to do really anything because we’re all confined in here.”
Kimberly asked that her surname not be used, to protect her family from a former partner. The family moved into the motel in February, after a mold infestation in their home. They hoped it would be an interim stop, but the crisis upended everything.Kimberly asked that her surname not be used, to protect her family from a former partner. The family moved into the motel in February, after a mold infestation in their home. They hoped it would be an interim stop, but the crisis upended everything.
“We try to do things as normal as we can,” she said. “People drive by here and they think it’s Scumville. But it’s really not that bad.”“We try to do things as normal as we can,” she said. “People drive by here and they think it’s Scumville. But it’s really not that bad.”
For now, it’s comfortable, if cramped. In the room, she has only a microwave and a small pizza oven for cooking, and is afraid to go grocery shopping. The Salvation Army meals go a long way toward making dinnertime feel normal again.For now, it’s comfortable, if cramped. In the room, she has only a microwave and a small pizza oven for cooking, and is afraid to go grocery shopping. The Salvation Army meals go a long way toward making dinnertime feel normal again.
“It’s hard having two kids at home and trying to find something to do,” she said. “Getting in the car to go to the store? We can’t even do that.”“It’s hard having two kids at home and trying to find something to do,” she said. “Getting in the car to go to the store? We can’t even do that.”
The final client of the day was Darlene Smith, who was waiting on her porch with her cat, Maurice, when the lieutenants pulled up. “Oh, I really appreciate this,” said Ms. Smith, before asking them to put the box on a chair outside the sliding glass door. She disinfects everything that comes into her house.The final client of the day was Darlene Smith, who was waiting on her porch with her cat, Maurice, when the lieutenants pulled up. “Oh, I really appreciate this,” said Ms. Smith, before asking them to put the box on a chair outside the sliding glass door. She disinfects everything that comes into her house.
“With so many places closing, my support system has completely shut down,” she said. “They relieved all that. I don’t have to go out as much, and I can depend on them just to be there.” She paused to pet Maurice. “They are my first responders,” she said.“With so many places closing, my support system has completely shut down,” she said. “They relieved all that. I don’t have to go out as much, and I can depend on them just to be there.” She paused to pet Maurice. “They are my first responders,” she said.
Although Ms. Smith has asthma, an autoimmune disorder and limited mobility, she would zip around town on a red motorized scooter before the crisis, ringing a Salvation Army bell to ask for donations and picking up her own medications at the drugstore. Now, even her independence is not worth the risk. “I’m risking my health every time I go out,” she said. “Life can be snuffed in a moment.”Although Ms. Smith has asthma, an autoimmune disorder and limited mobility, she would zip around town on a red motorized scooter before the crisis, ringing a Salvation Army bell to ask for donations and picking up her own medications at the drugstore. Now, even her independence is not worth the risk. “I’m risking my health every time I go out,” she said. “Life can be snuffed in a moment.”
So she stays inside with Maurice, whose snoring is a comfort in the long nights alone. But although she is inside, she is not idle. Before Easter, she helped assemble baskets of candy that the Salvation Army distributed to families with children.So she stays inside with Maurice, whose snoring is a comfort in the long nights alone. But although she is inside, she is not idle. Before Easter, she helped assemble baskets of candy that the Salvation Army distributed to families with children.
She makes herself meals from what the Salvation Army provides. “The box provides everything I need,” she said, “but they give the added support, the love, the confidence for me to just go another day. There’s a lot of love in that box.”She makes herself meals from what the Salvation Army provides. “The box provides everything I need,” she said, “but they give the added support, the love, the confidence for me to just go another day. There’s a lot of love in that box.”
Lt. Smouse, who had run around the corner to pick up cookies made by another senior who helped make the Easter baskets, stood in the rain, the box resting on her hip.Lt. Smouse, who had run around the corner to pick up cookies made by another senior who helped make the Easter baskets, stood in the rain, the box resting on her hip.
“We love you, Miss Darlene,” she said. “We’ll be back around soon.”“We love you, Miss Darlene,” she said. “We’ll be back around soon.”
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