TAMPA, Fla. — When the pandemic brought tough times to so many, many looked for ways to help.
That includes Leslie Williams, who found a unique way to offer aid at the Salvation Army in Tampa.
“I was sitting in my office and I wanted to give back, particularly because COVID has decimated so many people, families, individuals, business owners, businesses, just life in general, and I wanted a way to give back in this season where so many people are hurting,” he said.
Williams, who says he's a board-certified Christian counselor, decided to offer his services. Now twice a week, he volunteers his time at the shelter.
“What I hope that I’m doing is giving people an opportunity for hope in recovering their lives no matter how they got here to the Salvation Army everybody’s not here because of choice. Some people are here because of force and because of how life has been particularly during this virus,” he said.
“When we have this type of connection from a counselor like Les who can come alongside somebody and encourage them to look at the whole perspective on their life we are in another category of well being,” said Captain Andy Miller, the area commander of the Salvation Army in Tampa.
Miller said since the start of the pandemic they’ve seen a 300 percent increase in calls and the shelter full most days, though there’s good turn around with people finding jobs.
In the meantime, Williams said he plans to keep giving his time.
“As long as they’ll have me I’ll be here,” he said.
If you'd like to help the Salvation Army you can contact them or learn more here.
