HIGH POINT – The big bicycle will have some company today as a local nonprofit collects ham for the holidays.
Capt. Tony Perez, director of The Salvation Army of High Point, will be perched on top of the Bicycle Toy and Hobby shop on N. Main Street for the nonprofit’s annual Hammin’ It Up food drive. The organization looks to collect 800 canned hams to give to families for the holidays.
Perez will start his day on the roof at 6 a.m. and end it when enough hams are collected.
“It’s a great opportunity for the community to help out and to provide ham for those that can’t provide it for themselves,” Perez said.
The event has been held each year during the holiday season for four years. The Salvation Army sponsors several families that sign up for gifts and dinner during the holidays.
“We do it to help families so they can have food on their dinner table just like we do,” Perez said.
Residents can donate canned hams or give a $10 donation at the bicycle shop. The nonprofit has reached its goal every year, and Perez doesn’t think this year will be any different.
“Even though the need is a little higher, I think this year will be as good as any,” Perez said.
As economic woes continue, the number of requests for assistance has grown. Last year, the organization had a need for 750 hams and collected 754. This year, it needs 800 to give a ham to each family on its list.
“The number is growing because of the economy,” said Brittany Cadwallader, development and marketing coordinator. “We get a list of families who have had some sort of loss of income or having a hard time financially and help them for Christmas.”
The Salvation Army of High Point also helps in several other events during the holiday season. The Red Kettle bell ringers already are outside more than 20 stores and shopping centers in High Point, Jamestown, Archdale and Trinity, and red stockings and Angel Trees are set up in restaurants and stores around Greater High Point for residents to make contributions during the season of giving.
jhowse@hpe.com | 888-3617