Alanzo Green carefully put fruit cups in bags earmarked for the needy in the pantry at the Salvation Army.

Green, who is working through a senior citizen job service project, has long been associated with the Salvation Army.

“I started as a volunteer ringing the bell,” Green said referring to the Red Kettle Campaign. “I’ve always enjoyed it.”

The pantry isn’t all the way bare, but there are needs to be met; a new fiscal year recently began after ending in the red, donations are down and the holidays are fast approaching.

To help, a fish fry benefit is scheduled for noon to 2 p.m. Friday at the Salvation Army, 3145 25^th St.

Dinners are $10 each and include fried catfish prepared by a crew from Texas Gas Service, hush puppies, green beans, cole slaw, dessert and a drink. Tickets are available at the Salvation Army or call 983-2229. Tickets will be available on the day of the sale. All proceeds go directly into the Salvation Army’s operating funds.

“We’re having hard times,” Salvation Army Maj. Nancy Fuller said. “The new fiscal year began in October. The old fiscal year 2014-2015 ended in the hole. Donations are down.”

One possible reason for the decrease in donations is linked to a Salvation Army lock box in Kountze that serves various areas including Port Arthur.

But there are ways for the public to help. They can go by and visit the two day a week rummage sale, which is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the facility.

“Christmas is coming and we will need volunteers for the Red Kettles, the toy shop and to adopt an angel from the Angel Tree,” she said.

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