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As budget debates heat up in Harrisburg, the Salvation Army is sending hundreds of staff members to the capitol to gently remind lawmakers about the work the organization does statewide.
"A lot of them may not realize the true impact that we have, specifically on the constituents in their district and the true needs that have been increasing over the past couple of years," said Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations Sara Swaney, who works for the Salvation Army's Western Pennsylvania Division.
The Salvation Army is a faith-based organization providing comprehensive human services worldwide.
The Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division has visited Harrisburg each May for years, but a sharp rise in need throughout the state has prompted the Western Pennsylvania Division to make the trip this year for the first time.
In Western Pennsylvania demand for groceries in 2010 increased 53% and need for clothing rose 18%, Swaney said. Calls for financial help to help cover medical costs spiked 140%. "These are just some of the increases that we want to really hit home to the folks in Harrisburg. … There are turns in the economy and things are starting to improve but we still have an increased need for services throughout our division," Swaney said.
With relatively steady support from the state government for the past several years, the Salvation Army has covered the bulk of its extra costs in Pennsylvania by stepping up fundraising efforts, Swaney said. However, with new government cuts expected in the coming years, she said the group will have to work even harder: "We need [lawmakers'] support in any way possible."
The local branch will spend its time in the capitol meeting with more than 100 legislators from western Pennsylvania communities, including state senators and representatives, as well as the Governor's Cabinet, to discuss the services offered and challenges faced in various locations.