relief efforts to focus on senior citizens

BY MARCELLE HANEMANN

The Daily News

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The Salvation Army has been busy in Washington Parish since Hurricane Katrina increased the ranks of the local needy, and rather than slowing down, the group is gearing up to play an even greater role in the community.

Danny Long, the new executive director of Louisiana and Mississippi Service Centers and who recently moved to Franklinton, said close to $241,000 in financial assistance has been provided in Washington Parish, via vouchers, since the storm. That doesn't include the debit cards given out after the hurricane, he said.

Additional assistance will reportedly be available throughout this year. But the primary target group is about to be narrowed.

"We're going to move from a shotgun blast approach and focus on senior citizens 65 plus, either residents or evacuees, who were affected by Katrina," said Long.

The local Salvation Army was told the elderly are especially vulnerable and needy in the wake of the storm, and the group decided to focus on addressing their needs, he said.

Already, about 120 elderly residents received holiday assistance for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and additional help is available.

Starting tomorrow, seniors "65 years of age plus" may call the Salvation Army at 732-9230 between 9 AM and 5 PM to set up an appointment to discuss particular needs. Relief will be provided on a case-by-case basis, said Long.

The Salvation Army moved its Bogalusa service center/thrift store to Pine Tree Plaza in early December. Its hours are 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday.

With Long at the helm, additional changes can be expected. Growth is on the agenda, he said.