Plainview Salvation Army Overwhelmed After Cargill Plant Closing, Asking for Help
By: Michaela MacDonald
Updated: February 19, 2013
The Plainview Salvation Army says the recent closure of Cargill Meat Plant has overwhelmed their organization. They say people they used to count on for donations are now out of work and have to ask for help themselves.
"I thought oh my God no money for bills, no money for food, what do we do move out on the street, no money for rent," said Elizabeth McGraw, whose husband was laid-off from Cargill Meat Plant.
McGraw said when they got the bad news, she didn't know how they would get by. But she said the Plainview Salvation Army has been helping her family make ends meet and driving her husband to look for jobs.
"The Salvation Army van took us for my husband's orientation yesterday," said McGraw.
McGraw's husband will soon be starting at the Cargill Plant in Friona, but Salvation Army Captain Adriana Martinez says not everyone is that lucky.
"Some of the people that got hired, not everybody got hired so we are going to be dealing with the families that didn't get jobs and the families that couldn't move because they are paying a mortgage," said Martinez.
Martinez says the Salvation Army was completely blindsided by the closure, and now they are struggling to meet growing demands.
"It has dramatically affected our budget. We weren't expecting it, and now our phones ring off the wall. People are coming in for not only food, but also utility assistance, mortgage assistance, medical assistance," she said.
Now she's asking for your help.
"I'm calling out our community and asking for help and saying you know look deep in your hearts, dig deep in your pockets and if you are blessed enough to help somebody, please do so by going on our website, please do so by calling our local Salvation Army here," said Martinez.
The captains say what they need most are monetary donations to help people out with rent and utilities until they get back on their feet, but they are also collecting hygiene items and clothing to help out.
If you would like to help them out, their website is www.salvationarmyplainviewtx.org and phone number 806-296-6375.
