Salvation Army joins hands with others to help during pandemic
Salvation Army joins hands with others to help during pandemic
The Salvation Army in the Southern Territory mobilizes to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. As families face sudden joblessness and financial crises, and vulnerable homeless residents seek shelter from the disease, corps and commands come up with creative ways to serve people in need and welcome stepped-up support from their community partners.
Atlanta, Georgia: When the NCAA Final Four Tournament to be held in Atlanta was cancelled, The Coca-Cola Co. donated thousands of their clear bags to help aid The Salvation Army of Metro Atlanta's COVID-19 relief efforts. These bags were put to use right away by several locations and food pantries in the metro area. The Salvation Army of Gwinnett County made and distributed 120 bags of emergency food for the Korean community. The corps also partnered with Radio Korea and other local companies to help distribute additional items as a part of their food-sharing ministry. Nearly 400 families were served. The Salvation Army Bellwood Boys & Girls Club and Salvation Army Atlanta International Corps Church also made use of the gift. The Atlanta Metro Area Command posted to Facebook, “Thank you to The Coca-Cola Company for playing a huge role in helping us share hope and encouragement to our communities!”
San Antonio, Texas: Representatives of the Bexar County Sheriff's Office volunteered to distribute Salvation Army food boxes to veterans. The team was organized by Bexar County Deputy Ino Badillo, who was joined by state Sen. José Menéndez and state Rep. Ray Lopez, along with other local officials.
Baltimore, Maryland: Officials of the governor's offices of Community Initiatives and Service & Volunteerism joined The Salvation Army of Central Maryland, Maryland Department of Aging, Maryland National Guard and RMA Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation to deliver food to seniors. The Baltimore Department of Aging has delegated to The Salvation Army the task of providing two meals a day to 5,000 senior citizens Monday through Friday, with twice as much food delivered Thursday and Friday to ensure there’s enough to last through the weekend. The program stages from the parking lot of the Camden Yards Sports Complex, home of the Baltimore Ravens, which donated $100,000 to The Salvation Army for its feeding initiative.
Pickens County, South Carolina: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the things that were once simple and straightforward must be done with the utmost care. Processing financial help for rent and/or utility assistance is more complicated than it was a few months ago. A Salvation Army social service worker completes assessment and intake via telephone interviews, and processes signatures from the parking lot by appointment.
Clarksburg, West Virginia: The Salvation Army prepares for Sunday morning worship at the “Drive-In Church” in the parking lot of the Clarksburg Family Store. Visitors are welcome to stay in their cars or bring their own chairs and sit outside, as long as they follow social distancing guidelines.
Kernersville, North Carolina: Salvation Army Lieutenant Linda Choi and her team at the Kernersville Corps distributed boxes and unload a truckload of food items from Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina. The Kernersville Corps food pantry is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from noon until 2 p.m.
Chattanooga, Tennessee: Southeastern Salvage Home Emporium, a building materials and home goods retailer, donated 81,546 packages of Healthy Times toddler food to The Salvation Army Chattanooga Metropolitan Area Command. “We will share this gift with other nonprofits, including churches, and Salvation Army Corps throughout the area to ensure families with small children receive this nutritious food,” according to a Army Facebook posting. “Thanks also to Ellis Trucking for donating these deliveries!”