The Salvation Army continues to see an uptick in people seeking assistance during the holiday season

Today in Newton, hundreds of cars lined up at the Newton Chamber of Commerce. The Salvation Army distributed food bags to families for the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Salvation Army passed out bags packed with stuffing, canned vegetables, and canned chicken, hoping to supplement for a thanksgiving meal for newton county residents.

Lieutenant Robb, shared that the Salvation Army had already seen a steady increase in the number of people receiving food bags, and evening meals served at the Salvation Army shelter in Meridian, with more than 12,000 meals served since the pandemic began, but with Thanksgiving this week they have seen another uptick in the number of people being served.

“We’re still seeing an increase in what we’re doing. Normally we’ll serve 35 meals before COVID, we’re serving 60, but we’ve been seeing 65 and 70 lately. We let Newton know that we were going to be out here today to help them with their thanksgiving meal, and so we know there’s going to be an increase in numbers of people needing help,” said Lt. Tamara Robb, with the Salvation Army.

She also shared, that to continue their efforts and food services as more people seek their assistance, the Salvation Army depends heavily on community donations.

“We just want to ask that you give and that you donate, so that we can continue feeding Newton, and our other surrounding communities. Whatever money is donated in the kettles stays in that community, and we honor that. So, any donations you can make will help us continue to do that service,” said Tamara Robb.

The Salvation Army will still be serving an evening meal at its shelter in Meridian on Thanksgiving Day from 5:30pm to 6:30 pm.