Salvation Army Serves 4,432 people in six months

The Greater Glens Falls Salvation Army served 4432 individuals during the first 6 months fiscal 2009/2010. That number totaled 1,310 families that were served in the Army’s various community programs.

The soup kitchen that the Army operates on Tuesday nights served 723 people during the 6 month period. 2,117 total meals were served, an average of 81 meals per night. Individuals can eat every Tuesday, but are still only recorded once. Every person can also eat a meal, and take one more meal out for a friend, family member or even for themselves.

986 people used the clothing room during the period, and 4,601 articles of clothing were given out through the social service program. Clothing is donated by the community, and given out by Salvation Army staff and volunteers. On average, every person who visits the clothing ministry receives 5-6 pieces of clothing. The Salvation Army received new and gently used clothing and distributes them free of charge to those in need.

The Emergency lodging program has had a very busy 6 months, with displaced and homeless people seeking shelter. 62 people were sheltered for a total of 465 nights. Through a partnership with local businesses, people in need of shelter are placed in local motels, until they can get in the system of getting permanent housing.

The Army also served another 39 families comprised of 108 people with their rental assistance and utility programs. A total of 1,245 days of bills were paid allowing people to obtain heating fuel or to avoid from having their utilities turned off.

The Army also operates a food pantry 20 days per month. In the last six months 261 families were served totaling 699 people. 14,144 meals were served through the food pantry program. The pantry offers food to families for a week’s time, allowing them to get back on their feet after a crisis.

Other services offered during the past 6 months included emergency prescription refills
( 172 scripts ) and the Army’s Household and furniture ministry ( 67 people ). The gleaning program ( free food giveaways ) served another 3206 families and provided food for 9,129 individuals.

The Greater Glens Falls Salvation Army also offered Holiday Assistance to another 2,363 unduplicated people during the months of November and December. Thanksgiving saw 416 families receive a holiday food basket, totaling 1692 people. Christmas assistance was given to another 477 families, totaling 1,816 people. 390 local kids received 3,752 toys, gifts, games and articles of clothing through the Army’s seasonal Toy Shop and Clothing room.

The Greater Glens Falls Salvation Army, a United Way Tri-Country agency serves in Warren, Washington and upper Saratoga counties 12 months a year. For additional information on these programs, or to volunteer in any capacity, please call Major David Dean @ 792-1960.