Donations for Christian Shelter in SBY at all time low
SALISBURY, Md. – With temperatures rapidly dropping, some families are struggling to find a warm place to stay and food for themselves here in Salisbury, especially children. Anthony Dickerson, Executive Director of the Christian Shelter, says Last month alone, twenty-three children in Salisbury seeked refuge at the safe haven known as the Christian Shelter here in Salisbury and it seems to be a growing concern.
“We are getting a lot of calls from families due to the weather and getting cold,” Dickerson said. “They may be here past the holidays, so we are going to make sure that they have a good holiday and a good Christmas.”
Volunteers, like Nicole Gattis, say nothing is more important than the kids leaving with a full belly
“To see the children leave here with smiles on their face, they always thank us after we feed them and say, thanks for your help and thank you for volunteering, it makes me feel good.”
Dickerson says recently he is seeing more families in need of support. Two things they are in need of most; knowing where their next meal is coming from and a roof over their heads.
“The increasing rental rates. The families cannot afford the rent when their rent has increased.”
Dickerson says they rely strictly on donations from the community and they have been at an all time low.
“Some of the donations we need is breakfast meat, breakfast food, laundry supplies, deodorant, things of that nature. Things that families need for everyday life.”
“Our food need is through the roof.”
This issue has delayed other projects for the shelter, like their very own playground they plan on building if they obtain a plot of land located right behind the church.
“If you don’t have the income, if you don’t have the resources, if you don’t have the money then it is going to delay that project.”
