With the 2015 new year beginning, it’s great opportunity to reflect on what we’re thankful for and consider helping those less fortunate who are battling with issues such as homelessness and food insecurity.
Feeding America recently released a study revealing that one in 7 Americans, more than 46 million people rely on food pantries and meal service programs to feed themselves and their families.
The Salvation Army has long been dedicated to helping families meet the most basic needs. In 2013, the organization served over 60 million meals to those less fortunate and provided over 10 million nights of shelter.
The Salvation Army East Chicago Corps and Community Center serves meals to people in need in the community of East Chicago. Every day, from Monday through Friday, food is served for an average of 80 to 150 people. The focus is on providing meals that are both healthy and nutritious to those in need and on the first Friday of each month, fresh vegetables from the organization’s Community Garden are offered.
In 2014, the Foundations of East Chicago has awarded $15,000.00 to the Salvation Army. In August, demolition began on the kitchen at the East Chicago Soup Kitchen, located at 513 W. Chicago Ave. As part the program “Kitchen Renovation,” new kitchen equipment was provided to replace old, worn kitchen equipment.
Hunger and homelessness are issues that The Salvation Army of East Chicago will continue to combat but the help of supporters is always needed.
Here are ways you can help:
Help Fill our Food Bank
Donate a bag of nonperishable foods to the Salvation Army of East Chicago Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry. The Salvation Army EC serves approximately 800 local residents monthly, with the soup kitchen serving approximately 200 households monthly.
Become a “Feeding Program” Volunteer
Share the spirit of the season with others by serving a meal at a Salvation Army location in East Chicago. Every day, from Monday through Friday, food is served for an average of 80 to 150 people. Meals are served from noon to 1:00 pm. For more information about becoming a volunteer at one of East Chicago’s soup kitchens, call The Salvation Army of EC Soup Kitchen at 219.398.2939 or the St. Luke Soup Kitchen, located at 3543 Block Ave at 219.397.1626.
Give Monetary Gifts:
Can’t get to the store? There are several ways you can make a financial donation to The Salvation Army East Chicago Corps. For monetary donations by web, telephone, mail or mobile and other ways to give, visit: http://salarmychicago.org/eastchicago/donate/make-donation/.
For more information about becoming involved with the local Salvation Army in East Chicago, visit: http://salarmychicago.org/eastchicago/volunteer.
To receive regular updates about other programs supported by the Foundations of East Chicago, find us on Facebook (facebook.com/foundationsec) or follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/foundationsec).
