The Salvation Army of Northwest Ohio Providing Food During COVID-19 Crisis
Toledo, Ohio – (April 4, 2020): The Salvation Army of Northwest Ohio is hard at work to ensure neighbors in need receive food during the coronavirus pandemic. “Our service to the community has remained uninterrupted. We are distributing food boxes, each containing four days of meals for every member of the household. Starting on Tuesday, April 7th, we will transition to a “drive thru” food pantry. This will allow us to assist more individuals safely while minimizing socialization,” said Major Tom Duperree, Administrator for The Salvation Army of Northwest Ohio. The operating hours for the “drive thru” will be Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 1pm – 3pm. “Each day, we continue to see a steady increase in the number of households needing assistance,” continued Duperree.
The Salvation Army, located in downtown Toledo at 620 N. Erie Street, Toledo, OH 43604 is open for appointment from 8:30AM – 12:00 and 1:00 – 4:00 Monday through Friday for food assistance, mortgage assistance, utility assistance, and counseling. Please call (419) 241-1138 to schedule an appointment. “Beyond providing food, we have continued the steady distribution of diapers to area caseworkers and are providing spiritual counsel and prayer over the phone,” said Duperree. “We will also be mobilizing some of our feeding efforts through the use of our mobile canteen in the coming weeks. This will provide meals to those who are unable to access our facility on North Erie Street,” Duperree continued.
While The Salvation Army’s Thrift Stores recently announced that they have temporarily closed theirs stores and suspended their home pick-up services as a result of this crisis, this does not hold true for the Corps Community Center. “We are following all guidelines established by Governor DeWine to ensure that all health & safety measures are met. With this sizable increase in the need for emergency food services, we are working to protect the safety and security of all those who are coming to us for assistance,” continued Duperree. The Salvation Army expects that as the “Shelter in Place” order continues, and unemployment continues to rise, that the demand for their food services will continue to increase.
The Salvation Army is known as one of the top agencies in the world in helping communities through disasters and in times of crisis. “Operating during times of disaster, concern and tragedy, is something each of our Salvation Army officers are prepared and trained to do.” said Duperree.
For the most up to date information on services being offered, contact The Salvation Army at 419-241-1138.
About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 33 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through a broad array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter for the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children.