WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Salvation Army Enlists Capt. Phillips
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Burlington, Vermont - November 24, 2009
The holiday sound so enduring it can cut through the din of crowded shopping centers is more than just bell ringing to Richard Phillips. It's a reminder of how many people need help. He says that need is "24/7, 52 weeks a year!"
The cargo ship captain was rescued on Easter Sunday following a standoff with Somali pirates who seized the Maersk Alabama. The saga forced this shy guy from little Underhill into the national spotlight, reluctantly.
He's now helping the greater Burlington Salvation Army kick off its red kettle campaign as its "Honorary Christmas Chairman." Phillips explains, "It's a chance for me to do something with this ill-gotten notoriety to use it for a good sense. It's truly something I believe in, a community-based organization. What we raise stays here in our community to help people."
The captain's help comes at a critical time for the Salvation Army. It's seeing about 90 people a month coming for help with their bills and other services. That's triple what they saw a year ago, attributing that jump to the economy.
Area development director Chuck Bongiorno explains, "We're seeing a lot of people coming in, their spouse is laid off or they've had their hours reduced. 40% of the people who we've seen this year have never come in for services anywhere before."
"No amount is too small, no amount is too big!" chuckles Richard Phillips.
For the second time this year, the ship captain is saying "don't call me a hero:" first deflecting that title to his military rescuers, now to the volunteers who ring these bells around the country at Christmastime. They are unsung heroes to their communities and to the people who need help.
Jack Thurston - WCAX News
Related Stories:
Capt. Richard Phillips Comes Home
Capt. Phillips Rescued from Pirates
Pirates Holding Phillips Fire on U.S. Navy
Pirates Demand Ransom for Phillips
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