I Hate to Ask...

“I hate to ask...” This is what Terry hears each time Hank has visited her over the past few years to ask for assistance from The Salvation Army of Vermillion County. Hank is still working hard at 80 years old, constantly seeking out odd jobs to help meet the household needs for him and his wife, who was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago.  

Hank first found his way to Terry, a Salvation Army volunteer, a few years ago when he desperately needed help with his utility bill one winter. As he explained it, he found The Salvation Army because “it has become known in the town, if you need help, you go ask Terry. She works for The Salvation Army, and they can help.” That is what he did. Asking for help goes against Hank’s nature but he knew he couldn’t keep trying to provide on his own. He just needed a little help to make it through that winter.  

Since that first encounter, Hank has come back a couple of times over the past few years for assistance with his utilities as costs continue to rise. Assistance is only available to a family once a year in Vermillion County, and Terry is only able to provide about $100 to individuals in need. Terry still works to connect Hank with as many resources around town as possible to lend additional help. In between visits, Terry still runs into Hank as he is looking around town for odd jobs to make additional income.  

Terry encourages those she meets, “everyone can do their part and give a little to help the vulnerable in their community, you never know when you may be that individual in need.” She relies on the generosity of donors to make her job possible. She loves being able to be the light and provide the assistance individuals in her community need to make it through a tough time. When you give to The Salvation Army, you help those in need have hope no matter the circumstance.