The Salvation Army adjusts to increase in demand

Economic changes causes spike in need for services

By The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is changing the way it serves people in need. Unemployment in New York state has skyrocketed in just a few weeks. The state labor department reported that parts of the state are seeing a 1,000% increase in jobless claims, and Salvation Army officers and staff members are continuing to meet human needs without discrimination across New York.

Maj. Ivan Rock, Empire State divisional commander, said he is proud to serve alongside people who are rising to these new challenges.

“For 155 years, The Salvation Army has found ways to help those who are hurting,” Rock said. “Our passion to serve people leads to creativity in the way we meet human need.”

The need for Salvation Army services has increased exponentially across the state. The soup kitchens are giving out bagged or boxed meals to avoid having large groups gather inside buildings. The food pantries are giving out more food per visit to reduce the trips a family has to make and limit potential exposure to the virus. In Saratoga Springs and Syracuse, a month’s worth of food was given out in a single week. Some Salvation Army food pantries, like the one in Cortland, are delivering food while some others are using a “drive-thru” system, where possible. In Rochester, Salvation Army staff are bringing food, toiletries and socks to homeless encampments.

Rock said The Salvation Army will face this challenge and prepare for what is still ahead.

“We are committed to serving people, not just during this crisis, but during the recovery,” he said. “The Salvation Army is always ready to help.”

Rock said The Salvation Army has an abundance of commitment to serve those in need, but he said they need donations of canned goods, nonperishable food items, cleaning supplies, diapers, baby wipes, formula, and financial contributions. Contact your local Salvation Army center to find out what specific items they need. You can go to www.empire.salvationarmy.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY to make a donation.

The Empire State Division of The Salvation Army covers 48 counties in upstate New York and one city in Pennsylvania (Sayre). Its annual Red Kettle Campaign in November and December helps 45 community centers and 166 volunteer-driven service units raise funds that remain in each community to help those in need.

• For more information go to: empire.salvationarmy.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salvationarmyempirestate
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SalArmyEmpire
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/salarmyempire