“If You Do Good You Get Good!”
Margaret is a single mother with a fifteen-year-old daughter. The two have lived in Norwich for the last 14 years after relocating from Boston. Margaret is a cheerful, engaging woman. You would never guess she has lived through the pain of homelessness. Three years ago, Margaret was living at a homeless shelter - Covenant House in New London. When she found an apartment and left the shelter, she needed help with food. Not knowing what to do, she turned to The Salvation Army of Norwich. Little did she know, her life would change for good.
Margaret started out the first year attending The Salvation Army’s worship services and later applied to be a bell ringer at Christmastime. She enjoyed the interaction with people, and knew she was giving back to her community by helping The Salvation Army. “Between me and Jesus I needed to give back,” Margaret said. “I was able to do it through The Salvation Army.”
Actively seeking employment, Margaret was able to get a job as a housekeeper through a local hospitality staffing company working with Foxwoods. Although very busy with this position, she continued to help in the food pantry. Then the pandemic hit, and she was furloughed.
The next few months were challenging, but Margaret’s faith carried her through. She knew everything would work out. Having this time gave her the opportunity to spend more time volunteering at The Salvation Army’s food pantry. Eventually, everything did work out. She received a call to come back to work and continues to volunteer three days a week. She packs and distributes food to clients who come to The Salvation Army looking for food, like she did. She also helps Captain Cheryl McCollum make home deliveries to the elderly and disabled.
“There were times I would be working alone,” Captain McCollum shared. “But Margaret came and helped me.” Margaret has even helped with science projects during The Salvation Army’s Vacation Bible School. “My favorite memory of Margaret was last spring when she built a volcano and had it explode for the kids. They loved it! Margaret has had a tough few years, but she persisted and never gave up. I have been blessed to see her gain employment and see the confidence rebuilt in her faith.”
Three years have come and gone, and Margaret has since become an integral part of The Salvation Army in Norwich. She plans to stay on as a volunteer, to help in the food pantry and do the most good however she can. She wants to be sure the community of Norwich continues to be cared for, just like she was. Margaret concluded, “I am a better and stronger person for coming to The Salvation Army.”