City extends help to those struggling with utility bills

The contribution threshold for initiation of the city’s utility assistance payment program was reached within days of the Hot Springs Board of Directors adopting the enabling resolution, the head of the charity administering the relief effort said.

Lynn Blankenship, executive director of Cooperative Christian Ministries and Clinic, said the $1,000 trigger was met earlier this week, allowing CCMC to begin assessing applicants for eligibility next month. District 5 Director Karen Garcia made the first contribution, presenting Utility Billing Services Director Randy Outler with a donation at the board’s business meeting Tuesday night.

H20 Hot Springs, or Help to Others Hot Springs, will allow CCMC to direct donations to people whose water service has been discontinued or is about to be discontinued as a result of nonpayment. Donations will be collected and held by the city in a dedicated account, and CCMC will have sole discretion on determining applicant eligibility.

easily prepared food items sit at the top of The Salvation Army’s grocery list — anything with a long shelf life that does not require refrigeration or freezing. It will also accept donations of canned vegetables, canned and dried fruit, 1-pound bags of beans, bags of rice, and baby formula.

Social Services Director Jeanie Saunders previously told The Sentinel-Record many of the people who utilize the food pantry do not have consistent access to a kitchen and, even then, electricity is never promised. They also prefer to hand out canned goods equipped with easy-open pull tabs instead of ones that require a can opener.

Saunders puts together most of the packages given out herself. In each package, she tries to include the components of a full, nutritious meal rather than an assortment of random food items. Without protein-rich foods in stock, she has a difficult time doing this.

“The Salvation Army of Hot Springs provides emergency food to the needy on a regular, if not daily basis. It helps so much if the community is aware and if they are able to assist us,” Hargis said.

In addition to handing out food packages each month, The Salvation Army also serves daily meals from its Red Shield Cafe. The organization spends roughly $4,000 each month just on food, and donations for the food pantry help supplement the cost.

Donations of nonperishable food items can be dropped off at The Salvation Army’s main office, 115 Crescent Ave., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“It is a good thing to bless those in need because you never know when you might need help,” Hargis said.

“Last fiscal year, we assisted

34,000 families with food assistance, this year, we have assisted

39,000 with much-needed food and commodities.”