The Salvation Army in Long Branch says it has been hit hard
by COVID-19 and is seeking donations of cash and food to
help area residents in need.
It warns that the demands are high for those using the food
bank, and only five people can be inside the building at one
time. Users are asked to call ahead.
“Many people have been laid off or had their hours cut due to the virus,” says Youth Pastor Jennifer Hibbs. “We also
have many people working at home and their families are not
at school.”
The more than 150-year old organization had its largest fundraising event, the Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign, cancelled after three days due to the pandemic.
Hibbs says the Salvation Army is resuming its Community
Lunch that takes place every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1
p.m. at the Thirthieth Street facility.
The Salvation Army was founded in London, England in
1865 by Rev. William Booth and his wife, Catherine. The organization started in
Canada in 1882. The Lakeshore Community Church is an amalgamation of the
Long Branch Corps and the Mimico Corps, formerly on Mimico Ave. More than
300 families receives their services monthly and 800 plus families receive Christmas assistance each year from the Long Branch chapter, located at 5 Thirtieth
Street, and can be reached at 416-251-8372. Donations can be left at the church.