Holiday helpers get early start

Because of the jobless rate in Pasco County, Salvation Army West Pasco is starting some Christmas aid programs earlier.

"The unemployment is really catastrophic," Jeanne Coulter, manager of the Center of Hope, said about the economic downturn. "I feel for these (jobless) families with children. They're under a lot of stress, a lot of pressure."

The Angel Tree went up at Gulf View Square mall Nov. 13, about a week earlier than usual, Coulter said. Benefactors "adopt" needy children listed on angel ornaments hanging on the tree and then shop for toys and clothing for the youngsters.

About 745 children benefitted from the Angel Tree program last year, and Coulter expects more youths will be registered for aid this holiday season.

For residents thrown out of work, holiday cheer likely will be in short supply, Coulter said. They are grateful for any help, with many people living largely on unemployment benefits or food stamps.

"They're sad, they're depressed, they're not themselves," Coulter said. "Their lives have been changed. They're not complete."

Some were shocked to lose jobs through no fault of their own and, because of the recession, stunned that they can't find new work.

The Center of Hope kitchen reflects the harder times, Coulter said. On weekday afternoons last year, 65 to 70 people were supplied hot meals; now, 75 to 90 might pack the feeding program site.

The national unemployment rate rose to 10.2 percent in October; in Pasco, that rate is hovering at about 12.5 percent as of September, the latest statistics available.

"I haven't seen anything like this in the past 13 years," Coulter said about her tenure at Center of Hope.

Salvation Army helps with the Angel Tree gifts and holiday food boxes.

Highlights of aid programs include:

Angel Tree

The Angel Tree is on display through Dec. 13. That gives shoppers extra time to buy gifts for needy youngsters in the West Pasco area, Coulter said.

Benefactors pluck a paper angel ornament from the Angel Tree. The tree is laden with paper ornaments listing needy children and their wish lists for presents. The benefactors shop for toys and clothes for the youngsters. Volunteers are needed at the Angel Tree to assist contributors during minimum two-hour shifts during mall hours.

Holiday food boxes

Community groups can lend a helping hand by sponsoring a holiday food box to supply a dinner for needy families. Contributors shop from the list of items printed on a label pasted on the side of the box. Groceries to feed a family of four usually cost about $30, Coulter said. The deadline for the boxes is Dec. 14. Call (727) 847-6321, ext. 223.