There was another long line this morning - but this one was in front of The Salvation Army. But these folks weren't picking up packages. Instead, they were getting grocery vouchers for Publics Supermarket.
It's an initiative that the Salvation Army does every Christmas to ensure that elderly and other needy persons can have food on their table. But this year was a little different, as explained by Major Jonathan Kellman, the District Coordinator.
Major Jonathon Kellman, District Commander, Salvation Army
"It is different this year, people are accustomed to receiving a literal bag in their hands something like this. But this year they're going to Publics Supermarket in Belize City and Tai San Supermarket in San Ignacio. They're also going out to Maskall Village, to Hattieville, but the people that register in the outlet in Belize City are collecting from different districts. So this year we didn't have time, we were doing grocery bags, we didn't have space and we started late, so Publics came onboard, partnered, so we using them to distribute so people come today and they're receiving a voucher and when they receive the voucher they will go to Publics and collect the $35 worth of supplies because the grocery bag is worth $35. Publics packed the packages for Maskall and we are distributing them tomorrow. It's mainly usually the elderly persons and some needy families, when they come, a lot of them, we know them, we will ask a few questions and then we'll know. Usually it's regulars but sometimes if you're new… we can tell, but we cater manly for seniors. This is what it looks like, and so they will just put the name of the person, we have the list, Publics has the list to verify it is the person and then they will shop and cash out."
In all, 775 families will be benefiting from this initiative.
