Community Corner
Salvation Army Sees Increased Need for Assistance
Request for food pantry support jumps by 500%
Since the first week of March, when the dangers of the COVID-19 pandemic were first being realized, The Salvation Army has seen the numbers of individuals and households seeking assistance multiply due to illness or lost wages.
“It breaks my heart when I hear how people have lost their jobs and don’t know how they’re going to pay their bills or put food on their tables” said Captain Wendy Faundez, corps officer for The Salvation Army Joliet Corps Community Center. “Many of them are people who never imagined they would need to ask for help from the Army, and now they’re relying on us for food or home goods.”
Captain Faundez said she is seeing a 500% increase in need, providing more than 200 food and homegood boxes a week and serving 115 families from the mobile food pantry. Her team is also delivering food boxes to seniors and individuals who have a disability, and providing food to those who are homeless or living in their cars. She and her staff are also seeing an increase in requests for financial assistance such as rent or utility payments.
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“These are trying times indeed,” said Captain Faundez. “But through our mobile food pantry I’ve had conversations and prayed with people, and shared hope in Christ. We make sure they know there is hope, and that The Salvation Army cares.”
The Salvation Army is in need of public support to continue its efforts serving the community. Here’s how you can help:
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- Make a financial gift: Monetary gifts allow The Salvation Army to purchase items in bulk and help local businesses keep staff employed, and provide emergency assistance to individuals and families in need. Donate at www.JolietSalvationArmy.org
- Make in-kind donations to the Joliet Salvation Army food pantry. Items needed: canned goods, pasta, rice, cereal, meat, cleaning products, diapers, toiletries.
- For corporate partnerships, please email connie.hetzler@usc.salvationarmy.org.
Learn the full scope of The Salvation Army's work and vital ways you can help at www.JolietSalvationArmy.org.
