• Christopher Priest

The Salvation Army Stands in the Gap During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Atlanta, GA: As the worldwide response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues, The Salvation Army stands in the gap with the aim to meet human need in His name without discrimination. That extends to work specifically in the Southern Territory, with services to communities in a variety of ways.

In the Charlotte, North Carolina area, The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs are springing into action, even as the clubs are closed for standard operations. New digital learning strategies are launching to engage members and keep them on track, with club staff members shifting their roles to meet the increasing need. The Salvation Army is taking an active role with the local emergency operations center in the area, and the staff is at work delivering much needed meals to children of first responders.

The Salvation Army of the Virginia Peninsula has served approximately 5,000 meals to the community in response to the COVID-19 crisis, with hundreds of food boxes also distributed. In addition to providing shelter for nearly 150 individuals on a daily basis, The Salvation Army is also putting boots on the ground in the cities of Newport News and Hampton, with meals and emotional support provided to those in need during this challenging time.

A three-pronged approach to service is being implemented in Lawton, Shawnee and Oklahoma City, with Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs striving to meet the need by thinking outside the box. The clubs are meeting physical needs by providing grab-and-go meals at dinner time, using a drive-thru service that also includes pre-packaged activity bags for youth. The clubs are also offering virtual programming to provide activities and education enhancement, with club staff members also implementing programming for school-aged children currently residing in The Salvation Army’s local family shelter.

Continuing a regular Blog Post by Brad Rowland, Staff Writer, Southern Spirit Newspaper