National Salvation Army Week shines spotlight on services provided

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)-- The Salvation Army says more people in our community are reaching out for help.

This week is National Salvation Army week and the organization is using it to make sure people know how they can help them out.

The Salvation Army says one of the biggest issues right now is food insecurity because of inflation and food shortages.

They're seeing more of a demand for the food pantry and hot community meals. Right now, the Family and Social Services Department is distributing 350 food bags a week. This time last year, they were giving out 150 bags.

They're also serving more than 400 meals every day to people who are homeless, in poverty, or facing food insecurity.

"What we’ve really learned is to pivot well. That’s been our mantra. That’s how The Salvation Army operates in every community, find the need and meet that need. It plays to our strength of pivoting but it's certainly challenged us post-pandemic," said Capt. Doug Hanson with The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army says they're also seeing a big demand for rental and utility assistance, as well as an increase in the number of kids in their after-school childcare center.

The Salvation Army is hoping to raise 50,000 dollars to help offset the costs of rising food prices and make renovations to their kitchen.

They're hosting a free community luncheon on Thursday starting at 11:30 am. These luncheons happen every second Thursday of the month.

Anyone that needs food assistance can visit the pantry every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information on National Salvation Army Week, click here.