Bellringer: Salvation Army a place to regain self-confidence

Editor's note: This story is the second in a series about the Salvation Army's impact in Ventura County for The Star's annual Julius Gius Bellringer campaign.

Life started off pretty good for Veronica Garcia, growing up in a home that, although not perfect, had some type of order and structure.

That all started to crumble, and Garcia found herself making choices that led her down a path of chaos and destruction.

Remembering all the things she was taught in church, she returned home hoping to get back on the right path. Unfortunately, when her mom died, Veronica felt lost and without hope.

She went back to the things that made her forget the hurt she was going through.

One day, she woke up tired of feeling lost. She was determined to start again, once again.

Not having a job, she didn’t know how she was going to pay for all the infractions she had on her record. The court gave her the option of paying off her debt by doing community service.

She went to The Salvation Army, Ventura Corps, at the beginning of 2024 to see if they could help her. She had over 500 hours of service hours to complete and wasn’t sure if she could finish in time for her November deadline.

At The Salvation Army, she found a place where she could regain her self-confidence. She learned office procedures and computer programs. She was even given important responsibilities.

Garcia not only completed her 500 community service hours, but has also continued at The Salvation Army to help during the Christmas season.

"There’s a lot of work during Christmastime, and they need my help. I want to help,” said Garcia, as she entered data for the Food Pantry Program.Garcia is becoming the person she was meant to be. She is looking forward to going back to school and getting a job doing what she loves to do: help people.“The Salvation Army helped me get back on my feet. I look forward to coming into the office and doing something productive. I have a reason to get up in the morning.”

To donate, visit the online campaign at https://tinyurl.com/ynndb6as or make checks out to The Salvation Army, Bellringer Campaign and mail them to The Salvation Army Ventura Corps, c/o Capt. Juan Torres, 650 S. Petit Ave., Ventura, CA 93004.

This week's donors

Beverly and Bob Millhouse, $1,500, In memory of Michael Obradovich, loving son, veteran U.S. Air Force, Fresno fireman. Always in our thoughts, miss you, blue skies always! Mom and dad.

Angela Barosso, $50

Chuck Samonsky, $150, In memory of Susan Samonsky

Joe Wigert, $100

Todd Wright, $30: In loving memory of my sister Tracy Wilson and my brother Jerry Wright. Always in my heart. I miss you.

$50, In honor of those members that past before us. Los Borrachos Motorcycle Club

Victoria and Elizabeth Ammons, $100, In loving memory of David and Robert Ammons

Michele Holloway, $15, To Wallis Annenberg and the many others for their contributions to the Wildlife Crossing in the Ventura County area.  We are grateful our cougars and deer have a chance to thrive in our beloved community.

Richard and Linda Watt, $65, In loving memory of our angels in heaven: My parents Raymond and Neva Erwin and my brother and wife Don and Christina Erwin; my husband’s brother Donnie Watt and Donald and Peggy Watt; our latest angels are Dennis and Maree LaChaine, we were like family for 60 years. We still miss Kathlyn, Carol, Sue and many more. We miss and love them every day. God bless The Salvation Army for the help you give.

Anonymous, $1,500, In memory of Mirko Basich.

Randy Kreck, $100, In memory of Psychiatric Technicians Ferris Grub, Eric Thompson, Mark Chamberlain, Kevin Loss.

Anonymous, $200, In memory of Roxanne and Wauneta.

Sharon S. Pember, $500, In memory of my sister who rang the bells for many years in Delaware.

John and Karin Grennan, $100, In fond memory of our journalist friends John Cressy, Jim McLain, Mark Pickering, Chuck Thomas, and John Willson.

Ken and Renate Jones, $400, In appreciation to the people who put solar panels on their roof and/or buy electric or part electric cars, which reduce green house gasses (inhaled carbon dioxide & helps contain global warming.

From Ritch and Joan Eich, $100: In honor of our devoted and loving parents, Wilton and Joanne Eich of Marysville, CA and Edward and Verla Cummings of Ventura

Vinson and Karen Gilliam, $400

IBEW Local 952, $250

Thomas and Karyne Roweton, $25

Charles and Susan Hanley, $50

Allen and Lynn Merriam, $100

Anonymous, $500

Sam and Barbara Marsh, $200

Walter and Paula Dunlop, $100

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Bellringer: Salvation Army a place to regain self-confidence