We hear so much about people struggling during this pandemic, but we haven’t heard much about what kinds of programs are in place to help those in need. I emailed the local Salvation Army in my small rural county in Upstate New York and was so encouraged to receive a response from them within ten minutes. I was invited by the directors, Lt. Derrick and Lt. Heather Purvis (a husband and wife team) to sit down with them in person.
It was uplifting to hear about the numerous programs the Salvation Army in Herkimer has in place to help those in need. If you are reading this and live somewhere else, may I encourage you that what I have found to be available in my local area is repeated in Salvation Armies, Rescue Missions, churches, and non-profits throughout our country and the world. No matter where you live, there are many chances to get involved.
Derrick and Heather made it clear that, even at this late hour, there is still time to make a donation or volunteer before Christmas, and there are many opportunities to help year-round.
Before I get into the specifics, I would like to share Derrick and Heather’s inspiring story with you.
Derrick and Heather were both raised in families in which both parents were officers in the Salvation Army, but neither Derrick nor Heather initially wanted to follow in their parents’ footsteps.
Heather’s dream was to become a math teacher. She enrolled at Houghton College, a small Christian college in Western New York, as a math major. By the time she graduated, she felt led by God into the ministry, and she enrolled in the Salvation Army seminary in Suffern, NY.
Derrick loved baseball and started college in Vermont playing baseball for a Division III school. He focused on playing more than his studies, and he was put on academic probation and sent home. Soon after, a friend of his committed suicide which deeply affected him. He began thinking about what he could do to make a positive difference in the world. He felt God leading him into the ministry, and the Salvation Army seemed like the logical choice. He enrolled in the Salvation Army seminary and began the same year as Heather.
Two years later, in June of 2017, the same month that they were married, they graduated from seminary and became ordained, making them both third-generation Salvation Army career officers. Also in June 2017, they were commissioned to their first assignment in Wellsville, a small town in Western New York near the college Heather had attended.
The year 2020 has been a challenge for them. Their first child was born in May, and at the end of August, they moved to Herkimer, NY, to begin their new assignment.
Derrick described the difficulties in beginning a new ministry during a pandemic. “Usually, you meet your congregation during your first week. It has been four months and we are still not permitted to hold services, so we haven’t yet met most of our church members.”
They had an additional challenge early on. After only two weeks in Herkimer, Derrick injured his back. He has had to pace himself as he heals, and he must rely on others to lift the heavy boxes.
Heather explained that she started early in the fall working on putting together their Christmas Assistance Program. She collected the names of Herkimer County families in need and began collecting donations. This year, approximately 275 families will be participating in the program.
Heather brought me into a large room filled with large black garbage bags. The gifts are bagged this way so the children can’t see them. Each family also receives a box of food and a voucher for a free turkey. To help keep everyone safe, families drive up to the building and are given their items by a staff person or volunteer.
Individuals or families without children also receive food boxes and vouchers.
The Herkimer Salvation Army will give out an impressive 3,400 pounds of food this Christmas.
Derrick’s main project for Christmas is organizing the kettle drive. He explained that this is the Salvation Army’s biggest fundraiser for the year. Herkimer County’s goal is to raise $35,000 this year. As of Saturday, they had raised $10,882.
It is not too late to give. No worries if you don’t have any change; the Salvation Army now offers the option of scanning your phone instead of dropping change in the kettle. And if you are not coming out to the stores and you still wish to donate, you can easily donate online.
Derrick is still in need of more ringers from now through Christmas Eve. (To sign up in Herkimer, call 315-866-1240 and leave a message.)
Besides these Christmas programs, the Herkimer County Salvation Army runs year-round programs to help combat hunger.
One ongoing program they have is the Gleaning Program. Hannaford Supermarket, Walmart, and Heidelberg Bakery donate food that the Salvation Army gives to community members every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 11 am. On average, 30 to 35 families participate in this program. (This program is in need of volunteers who can lift heavy boxes.)
In addition, their food pantry is open to Herkimer and Mohawk residents Mondays through Thursdays from 12:30pm to 2:30pm.
The Salvation Army’s Soup Kitchen has remained open; however, they have been forced to switch to take-out service only. Hot meals are served Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 6pm. During the warmer months, an average of 60 people participated, but the numbers are much lower during the colder weather.
Heather and Derrick are passionate about their ministry. They hope to be able to start live church services soon and to begin children’s and adult ministries.
“I love working with young people,” Derrick explained. “It gives me joy in knowing that all these kids will have a Christmas. But my greatest joy is leading people to Jesus.”
“It is so fulfilling knowing that you are making a difference,” Heather added. “We are committed to serving God wherever he leads.”
The enthusiasm of this young couple is contagious. By the time I rose to leave, I had volunteered to be a bell ringer.
*You can make a donation to Herkimer Salvation Army by visiting their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TheSalvationArmyHerkimer
*Photo by Deena from Pexel