Salvation Army Distributes Food Boxes for Easter
Hundreds of people waited in line April 17 at The Salvation Army in Benton Harbor to receive a free box of food to enjoy on Easter Sunday. Volunteers and staff helped pack 275 boxes. Each box contained a large ham, a bag of potatoes, side dishes, and a carton of milk. In addition, one hundred hams were also distributed separately along with various other essential items.
The line, which stretched several blocks, began to form about an hour before distribution began at 1:00 p.m. Meals were available on a first come first serve basis and were gone in a little over an hour.
One woman said she came after she called her neighbor who has eight children and told her about the distribution. “It is such a blessing that you do this. So many families can’t afford an Easter meal. Every little bit helps.”
Lt. Mario Bledsoe and his staff also grilled hamburgers for those in line.
“It’s heartwarming to see so many of us come together to ensure our friends enjoyed a wonderful Easter meal,” Bledsoe said. “The opportunity to connect and engage was truly special. Praise God! We are able to serve because of the incredible people who stand with us.”
Partners that helped make the day possible included Four Winds Casino, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, Sisters From Another Mother, 2nd Chance True Gospel Ministries, the Benton Harbor-Fairplain Lions Club, Spectrum Human Services, Inc. & Affiliated Companies, United Federal Credit Union, Salvation Army staff and Advisory Board members and a group of dedicated volunteers.
