News

Salvation Army Program Cuts?

Updated Monday, January 28, 2013

Written By: Joe Melillo

This years red kettle campaign left the Corning Salvation Army more than $70,000 short of their goal.

January 28, 2013
Corning (WENY) - This years red kettle campaign left the Corning Salvation Army more than $70,000 short of their goal. It's the second year they failed to reach the fundraising amount they need, and this year the organization will have to cut programs to stay under budget. The Salvation army does more than take old clothing in for donations. The after school school program is vital for working parents, and changes are coming. Captain John Merchant says the organization does a lot with kids on their school work.
      “We focus on education only. Meaning homework is number one and then when we are not doing homework we are doing something educational to keep the kids minds motivated.”
      Kids are bussed straight from school and have a healthy snack as soon as they walk in. Then kids do their homework, something Damien VanEtten or Sarah DiNardo dont like to do.
       “Because you have to sit in there with miss Amber who yells a lot,” says Damien. “If you say one word she'll be like 'Stop Talking'," says Damien.
       “So I get to be with my friends and I get to do crafts and I get to have dinner here,” says Sarah.
      How much does it cost for parents? Nothing, it's all paid for by donations. And that goes along way for working Parents.
       “They're not able to afford a regular day care where it costs $150 to $300 each week. So it's really good they're bale to come here for free,” says Merchant.
      But soon things could change. The Corning branch will cut back on its summer after school program, that means less kids in the program for families that really need it.Captain John Merchant says they have already cut staff and they will reduce the number of spots for the summer program by 30 kids.