SOUTH LEBANON — Marjorie Israel, a full-time volunteer at the Salvation Army's South Lebanon Thrift Store and pantry, stands ready to brighten what could otherwise be bleak holidays for hundreds of families in southern Warren County.

        At age 79, Mrs. Israel goes home bone-tired five days each week — particularly during the holiday season — from a job she's done for free the past seven years.

        The retired teacher of learning-disabled children explains: “The work is important. It's rewarding to help those not so fortunate as I. And without my 21 thrift store volunteers, none of our work would be possible.”

        Her office serves South Lebanon, Lebanon, Harveysburg, Oregonia, Waynesville and Mason.

        “Last year, we filled 171 food baskets in addition to distributing 1,182 pounds of meat and produce to 821 families,” Mrs. Israel says. “And we know there is greater need this year. More folks are out of work. We know that because more and more people are coming to the thrift for clothing and household needs.”

        Mrs. Israel has placed 10 Salvation Army red kettles at locations in Deerfield Township and Lebanon. Volunteers will man those kettles through the holiday season.

        Also, through the Our League of Mercy project, boxed gifts of personal care items go to residents of local nursing homes — more than 250 last year.

        “So many of those older men and woman have no one who cares about them. Those small gifts are meaningful,” Mrs. Israel says.

        For needy children, there are Angel Trees.

        “We collect names of children who need a happy holiday. Without this program, there wouldn't be a Christmas for them. Last year we distributed names of nearly 300 needy kids to generous individuals, businesses and corporations who help with all kinds of gifts,” she said.

        The agency also provides gifts to children of inmates at the two state prisons in Warren County.

        “We appreciate all kinds of gifts whether it be money, food or warm cloth ing,” she says.

        Those projects add up to monumental work for Mrs. Israel and her volunteers.

        Joe Grau, field representative for service units at Salvation Army Divisional Headquarters in Cincinnati, describes Mrs. Israel as a “combination of glue and oil. She keeps things tightly together while letting them move along. She has a big heart and is a great mother.

        “If Marge Israel is your friend, it's for life,” he adds.

        For information about volunteering or to help during this holiday season, call 513-494-1911 or visit the Salvation Army Thrift Store at 33 Broadway in South Lebanon. A second Salvation Army unit in Franklin serves northwest Warren county. Information: Terry Coyle at (937) 746-7791.

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