In these times of stress, Salvation Army tends to physical, spiritual needs
In these times of stress, Salvation Army tends to physical, spiritual needs
Communities are beginning to reopen across the nation, but the human toll of COVID-19 continues. The Salvation Army meets the physical and spiritual needs of individuals and families facing financial distress, hunger and homelessness as a result of the pandemic; first responders and medical personnel on the front lines of the virus fight, and others in need in these financially and emotionally stressed times.
Fairfax, Virginia: The Salvation Army Fairfax Corps has been teaming up with 29 Diner, a local comfort food emporium in operation since 1947, to provide meals to first responders. On one day on mid-May, some 450 meals were given to doctors and nurses at Inova Fairfax Hospital. The Salvation Army continues to provide food, shelter and emergency assistance throughout the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area to help families and people facing hardship.
Atlanta, Georgia: Lieutenant Jose Valentin of the Marietta, Georgia, Corps helps with the Metro Atlanta Area Command's May 28 distribution of free electric box fans to people in need. The Salvation Army gave away 1,541 fans to residents in nine metro counties. The distribution was made possible by a donor-advised fund through the Atlanta Jewish Foundation at the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. An anonymous donor has given The Salvation Army this generous gift for nearly 30 years. With this summer expected to the warmest in recent years, posing the threat of deadly high temperatures, barriers – many of them financial – prevent individuals from being able to stay cool. Financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic can magnify these barriers.
Princeton, West Virginia: The Salvation Army of Mercer County, West Virginia, assisted by volunteers with the Princeton Rotary, on May 30 gave away Salvation Army/Midwest Food Bank food boxes containing non-perishable products and paper supplies to 235 neighbors in need. “Hunger doesn’t know pandemics. Hunger doesn’t know seasons. Hunger doesn’t know timing. Hunger is just hunger. We just want to constantly be committed to helping feed our community and take care of those who need help and meet them at their needs,” Lieutenant Dennis Smith, Mercer County corps officer, told WVVA-TV.
Owensboro, Kentucky: The Salvation Army was present, handing out bottled water, masks and hand sanitizer to participants at the Standing Up for Racial Justice, Peace and Reconciliation rally June 5 at Smothers Park in Owensboro.
Broward County, Florida – Local residents Ryan and Trinity Ward started a food drive with neighbors at their condo community in Broward County. Together, they were able to collect and donate a bin full of nonperishable items for The Salvation Army’s food pantry in Fort Lauderdale.
San Antonio, Texas: The San Antonio Area Command teamed up with the San Antonio Food Bank for a public food distribution outside The Salvation Army Peacock Boys & Girls Club. Staff and more than 30 volunteers served 250 households. A similar food distribution took place a week later.
Chattanooga, Tennessee: On National Donut Day Friday, June 5, The Salvation Army in Chattanooga continued the more-than 100-year-old tradition, begun during World War I, of serving unsung heroes by delivering 700 Tasty Donuts to front-line workers and first responders. Assisted by volunteers from State Line Toyz and American Legion Post 214, supporters also decorated appreciation cards and prayed for service members.