Agency tightens belt to fund operations

After second year of about $100,000 in losses, Salvation Army counts on public’s generosity

The Salvation Army of Texarkana is taking steps to cut back on spending after two years of finishing its fiscal year with a shortfall.

“We end our fiscal year Sept. 30, and we ended up about the same as the year before, about $100,000 in the hole,” said Maj. David Feeser, who took the position as Salvation Army co-leader in July, along with his wife Maj. Louise Feeser.

The organization covered the shortfalls with money it had in savings.

“We had money from previous years in reserve. We would use it for building maintenance and things like that, so we really had to dip into our savings just to operate. So now we don’t have money to be able to take care of those things and it could affect us in the future,” Feeser said.

The Salvation Army is taking steps to get back within budget, including not hiring for two open positions, one full-time and one part-time that will save the organization about $40,000.

“We’re already part of the way there, but we could really use those positions. It would really help us out. One was an extra case worker and the other was a maintenance janitor position,” Feeser said.

Other moves they’re making include taking steps to lower utility costs and being more prudent when purchasing food.

“We’re looking at your standard things. One big expense for us in the food pantry. When we buy food on a monthly basis, we question if we really need the items. We have to be more conscious of those kind of purchases so that’s the first thing that’s getting cut into,” he said.

If necessary, the Salvation Army will consider cost-saving measures that might affect its programs like the shelter or the Boys & Girls Club.

“It’s just looking at those kind of areas. I’m a person that having to even consider this is so foreign to me. We want to help out. When we’re in a position where we can’t help out, it makes us feel so helpless so we need to get ourselves in a position where we’re able to help. … We’re not going to be able to end this coming year the way we did the last two years. We’ve got to cut and hopefully maybe we can raise some money to cover the difference,” Feeser said.

Feeser asks the community to remember the Salvation Army this holiday season as they pass the red kettles that will be set up in from of local retailers.

“We’re coming into Christmas. Instead of putting $1 in kettles, maybe they could put $2. Every little bit helps us to get ahead,” Feeser said.

The Red Kettle Drive kicks off Nov. 3.

In addition to cash donations, the Salvation Army could use donations of food, diapers and hygiene items for the shelter.

“People can also donate clothing. We use that to give out to people or sell in the thrift store. Those funds come back to the shelter so making a purchase there would help out,” Fesser said.

Donations can be dropped off at 404 E. Fourth St., Texarkana, Ark. For more information, call 870-774-2701.