In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike's smashing of Houston, Texas, last week, news reports held that the nation's fourth-largest city was spared the worst of the storm, even as heroic rescue efforts continued to save thousands of stranded flood victims.

It was also reported that as many as 80 percent of the city's homes and businesses were out of electric power, some for as long as a month. Anyone who has had to cope with the loss of electricity for even one day understands that that condition may also equate to a dire threat, regardless of weather conditions or the cause of the outage.

Here in Wilkes County, circumstances beyond the affected family's control may force the loss of electric power when utility bills are unpaid and continue to pile up. But as in the case of natural disasters, help is usually available.

One of the most long-standing and dependable sources of such help for the needy is the Wilkes County Unit of the Salvation Army, but now that source is itself in need of funding, according to Unit Commander Rev. Albert W. Huyck of Tignall.

"Every Christmas season we have our main fundraising effort of the year, which is the bell-ringing Christmas Kettle campaign at major food stores," Rev. Huyck explained. "Last year we had excellent collections, and we are truly grateful for that and other gifts, but since then expenses have risen to the point which makes it doubtful that we can make it to the next season."

Accordingly, in a called meeting Tuesday, September 9, in the Parish House of the Washington Church of the Mediator, the Salvation Army board of directors launched a special campaign to raise funds to bridge the financial gap.

A 10-month treasurer's report presented by Treasurer Dot Harris shows a balance on hand of $631.54 and average disbursements of about $500 per month.

The statement shows a beginning balance of $791.85 as of November 15, 2007. Receipts for the period totaled $4,978.58, including a net of $4,660.58 from the Christmas Kettles, $400 from Memory Lane Cruisers, $100 for summer camp from the Washington Optimist Club, and 30 other private donations.

Disbursements for aid over the same period totaled $4,980.88, leaving the September 9 balance of $631.54.

As usual, financial help in paying electric utility bills was by far the greatest amount paid out. Seventyone cases were approved for a total payout of $4,274.70. Other aid included gas utilities (4), $266.34; phone bill (1), $40.92; rent (4), $273; prescriptions (1) $75; bus tickets (2), $46.54; and one meal, $5.38.

A total of 84 cases handled in the 10-month period included the following circumstances: unemployed because of disability 18; out of work 27; part-time work (insufficient income) 16; single mothers 28; grandmothers caring for children 5; and medical problems 21.

The report also showed that last year 114 volunteer Christmas bellringers worked 113 hours on 17 days or part-days.

"We express our sincere appreciation to all our friends, volunteer helpers, and contributors," Rev. Huyck said. "The Salvation Army makes every effort to see that every contribution is used for maximum benefit to people who need and deserve help. Now we need help and we thank you in advance for whatever you can do."

Along with Huyck and Harris, the Salvation Army's Wilkes County board of directors includes Dr. Marvin R. Clayton, Willard Lance, Mrs. Gene Land, Carroll B. Leavell, Rev. Denise Moss, Smythe Newsome, Mrs. Gene Sandifer, and Rev. Gale Seibert.