The leaves change colors, fall from the trees, and as they decorate the streets and sidewalks below it’s a sign that a new season is upon us. As the temperature drops and people seek out warmer places during the winter months, our door is open to provide hot meals and a warm place to stay to get comfort from the cold. Families arrive at The Salvation Army’s worship and service centers in search of a coat for their child, assistance with their electric or heating bills, a place to call home or simply shelter from a passing storm.

In Minnesota, the weather is nearly impossible to predict. It seems we’ve grown to expect the unexpected, but when you’re living paycheck to paycheck, it can be a challenge to make the adjustments needed to maintain a livable lifestyle. Once the snow flies and the temperature drops below freezing, without the help of The Salvation Army many people would have to sacrifice heating their homes to provide for other necessities of life, like food. It’s those types of difficult decisions that come with the change of seasons that causes many to give up one basic need for fear of losing another. It’s a tough spot when you have to sacrifice a necessity just to survive.

Yet during these tough times, God promises to give strength to the weary and power to the weak (Isaiah 40:29). As we begin our new fiscal year, we continue our mission: to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. We approach our jobs with a renewed sense that this year will bring more help to more people in need. As people walk through the door and ask for assistance, we offer revived hope as we help lift people out of a place of dependence and into a place of stability.

In order to do this, we put ourselves in a place of dependence. We rely on generous donors and volunteers, as well as community grants to help us assist those who struggle to provide for themselves. By supporting The Salvation Army you are helping to express care and compassion for the people in our community who are caught in a tough season. You offer the umbrella of protection during the storms of life. You are the hope that motivates our community members to continue forward and to move upward.

You are the fulfillment of our mission through the time, energy, and monetary contributions you entrust us with. Thank you.

Originally posted on RochesterSA.org.