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Nose for News by Sarah Stultz

My last year in college when I was living in Utah, I wrote an in-depth article on homelessness in Salt Lake City, visiting and interviewing not only the leaders of various shelters and soup kitchens in the city but also the people who used them.

It was a leap out of my comfort zone and a big wakeup call from the life I was blessed to have growing up.

Ever since then, I’ve had a place in my heart to help those without homes or who may be struggling. At one point I even had a goal of someday opening a homeless shelter.

Not too long after I moved to Albert Lea, I was invited to serve on the Albert Lea Salvation Army Advisory Board, which has allowed me to indirectly serve those in our own community who may be struggling, some similar to those people I met that summer and some with different stories.

As the years have gone on, I’ve seen that homelessness and financial struggles are not the same as what they appeared to be at that time in that city with that initial article.

Many individuals are just one or two paychecks away from feeling financial pressure — some through no fault of their own are in situations beyond their control and some are in these experiences for a season and then find their way to improved circumstances.

In my involvement with the Salvation Army, one of my favorite activities to be a part of is the Christmas Toy Shop, which happens every December. All the toys, clothes and other items that are donated by people in the community are organized by age and set out on tables, and people in need who sign up are able to shop for their children for Christmas.

It is a humbling opportunity to be a part of as a volunteer. A volunteer pairs up with each shopper and walks with them through the toy shop, guiding them as they pick out gifts for their children ahead of the Christmas holiday.

Most are extremely thankful, and some have even had tears as they tell me what these presents mean to their family.

It’s on my list to do every Christmas season.

Whether it’s ringing the bells, donating toys or volunteering at the toy shop, I hope you all may consider a way to give back to those in need in the community this season.

In addition to the Salvation Army, there are many other opportunities with other organizations that are also worthwhile.

“Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.” — Janice Maeditere

Sarah Stultz is the managing editor of the Tribune. Her column appears every Wednesday.