Holiday needs are on the rise
ZANESVILLE — Samantha Carson was a single mother, new in town, desperately seeking a place in which to raise her infant daughter. Many young women find themselves in similar positions, Carson said, and often it can seem as if there is no hope for a better future, no matter how hard you try.
"I literally had nothing," Carson said. "If I didn't get help, I honestly don't even know if I would still have my kids with me."
That was four years ago, and now Carson has found a home for her family and a sense of comfort, thanks to the help of the Zanesville Salvation Army. Carson admitted to feeling optimistic, if only because she never expected to find help from total strangers.
Carson is by no means an rarity, according to Mindy McCloy, office coordinator of the Salvation Army. With the holiday season officially underway, the needs of the Muskingum community are already rising. This means local charitable organizations will also see a rising need for assistance from the community if they are to continue helping kids and families — Carson being just one story out of many.
Creating a Merry Christmas
Winter brings with it obvious needs for the less fortunate of Muskingum County — food, shelter and clothing, for instance — but equally important are the donations that help bring joy to children at this time of year, according to Gary King, public information director with the Muskingum County Children Services.
"Let's put it this way," King said. "Here you have kids who have been impoverished their whole lives, who have been through trauma, who have often been removed from their homes, and life can just make them hopeless. Imagine what it means for them to get a present from Santa on Christmas, to have just that one thing to let them know that they matter. You can't put a price on that."
This is why King works continuously to connect members of the community with children in need through the Adopt a Child for Christmas program, in the hopes that something as simple as a gifted toy can bring joy to an otherwise tough existence.
Carson can attest to the importance of toys on Christmas. But as she sits with her three children in the cafeteria of the Salvation Army on Putnam Avenue, she is hesitant to discuss the Christmas toys she has received through the help of Salvation Army.
It's not that she isn't grateful; she just doesn't want her kids to know that those toys didn't come from Santa's workshop.
"There are always ups and downs, trials you deal with," Carson said. "You just want your kids to be happy."
For many, the holidays are a time of pressure and stress, according to Walter Zang, program director of the area 211 helpline. Zang said a spike in the number of calls is common for the holiday season. In the past few weeks alone, the helpline has received requests from 125 families in Muskingum County for holiday-related assistance. Most are seeking basic staples like food and warm clothing, Zang said.
"These aren't families calling in asking about free iPhones or help finding the hip new toy for kids," he added. "Many are hesitant to even ask about toys, because they feel it can be asking for too much, and in my experience they're always grateful for anything, no matter how small."
For families struggling financially, Zang said, the desire to craft a perfect Christmas for their children can often be heartbreakingly difficult.
"They want to create an experience that is joyous for their kids," he said. "But financially it just isn't possible, and I'd say this can be harder for the parents than it is for the kids, because they bear the weight of feeling like they let their kids down."
Moving forward in life
When she first arrived in Zanesville with nothing but her daughter and a desire for a better life, the Salvation Army provided Carson with the necessities to live: money for the down payment on an apartment, food, bedding and winter clothing, in exchange for community service hours.
For those with no credit, this is crucial, because it keeps the impoverished from predatory lending agencies and other last resort attempts at making money, Carson said. "We came down to the Salvation Army every month for a food box, which was life-saving," she said. "You have no idea how much these little people eat."
But, as she said, life brings with it ups and down. The first time she received food and assistance supplies from the Salvation Army, her friends broke into her apartment and robbed her of everything. She wasn't sure if she should even return to ask for more, because she figured no one would believe her, thinking she was lying to get more.
"But I had people there who vouched for me, which meant a lot," Carson said. "And obviously I'm no longer friends with the people who stole from me, I promise you that."
Life for Carson has changed significantly in the four years since she moved to Zanesville — back when a full pantry was a cause for joy — but she is aware that many are still struggling. So she returns to the Salvation Army regularly — not to look for help, but to offer it, volunteering her time in the hopes that she can help someone in the position she was once in.
"I know how hard it is for so many people," Carson said. "And I know a lot of people, more than most would realize, are out homeless living in the woods. So I just hope they find a way to stay safe, to stay warm, to keep going."
740-450-6772
Twitter: @evansmithreport
Seeking Help
If you wish to provide donations or other assistance to local charitable organizations, here is a list of requests in the Muskingum area.
Food pantries
Food donations, including nonperishable food items and monetary donations, are being accepted by the Muskingum County Hunger Network. Donations will go toward providing food baskets and holiday dinners, which are being arranged through Christ's Table, a local food provider. For more information, call Christ's Table at 740-452-9766.
Salvation Army
As a part of the annual Angel Tree Program, people can select a name from one of the many Angel Trees located at area banks and the Colony Square Mall. Each tree will have tags listing a child's name, for whom participants will purchase a gift and return to the location or at the Salvation Army. Clothing donations, monetary donations and other assistance is also appreciated. Volunteers are also still needed for the annual Red Kettle Campaign. For more information, call the Salvation Army at 740-452-8350 or visit in person at 515 Putnam Ave.
Muskingum County Children Services
Toy donations are still being accepted for the annual Adopt a Child for Christmas program, which aims to give each needy child a toy for Christmas. Donations can be made at 205 N. Seventh St. For more information, call 740-455-6710.
Frazeysburg Lions Club
Donations are being accepted for the annual Mitten's Tree program, which aims to provide food baskets and toys for families in need. To make a donation or to find out more information, call the Lions Club at 740-828-3598 or stop in at Johnston's Pharmacy at 26 E. Third Street in Frazeysburg.
House of Grace
Gifts and monetary donations are being accepted for the Holiday Help for Teens program, which provides Christmas assistance for teens aged 13-16 in Muskingum County. To drop off a donation, visit House of Grace at 2960 Maysville Pike, or call 740-455-4647 for more information.