Patch Helps the Salvation Army & You Can, Too!

Written by Lindsay Toler

Nine Patch editors took the day off from reporting this week to volunteer their time at the Salvation Army's O'Fallon Corps food pantry and family center.

"A turbulent economy compounded by staggering unemployment rates are causing food insecurity in our friends and neighbors, too, causing people to take refuge in The Salvation Army and its food pantries in record numbers," said Major Lonneal Richardson, Divisional Commander. "Within the past two years, our O’Fallon Worship and Community Center went from serving 45 people each month to almost 750 at its food pantry."

Patch editors sorted and prepared foods in the food pantry so community members could "shop" for their next meals. They also heard heartwarming stories of people from other walks of life who were there to volunteer because the Salvation Army had come to their aid or the aid of a relative. If you'd like to donate to the O'Fallon Corps or another Salvation Army food pantry, look at the photo above for a list of needs.

How to help
The Salvation Army will also host "I Can, You Can, End Hunger," a telethon on KSDK Channel 5, on Wed. Aug. 14. Volunteers will be answering the phones and taking donations. The goal is to raise funds to help support our many food pantries throughout the region. People will also be able to donate online by visiting stlsalvationarmy.org or ksdk.com any time that day.