Salvation Army Serves 3000 Meals to First Responders at Lollapalooza
For more than 100 years, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services has been on the frontlines providing food, hydration, and spiritual support to first responders no matter where they are called to duty. So when 400,000 people were set to arrive on August 1-3, 2023, for Chicago's Lollapalooza music festival, Emergency Disaster Services knew ensuring the well-being of festivalgoers would require the services of hundreds of safety workers. The Salvation Army quickly jumped into action to support their efforts.
Beyond the intensity and excitement of such large-scale gatherings, the demanding nature of first responders' work can lead to exhaustion, making consistent hydration, nutrition, and a source of spiritual comfort invaluable. During the four-day festival, Salvation Army Disaster Services staff and volunteers were on-site for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serving a total of 3000 meals. They also shared prayers, words of thanks, and encouragement.
"Lollapalooza is a fun celebration and significant event for our community that couldn't be possible without the dedication and tireless service of first responders," said Karen Hanton, Disaster Services Manager of The Salvation Army's Chicago Command. "The Salvation Army is blessed to share these meals and provide emotional support for our first responders' efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of our community and all who enjoy the festivities."
While the festivities have concluded, The Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services of Chicago will continue its long history of providing first responders and survivors with resources such as food service, emergency communications, clothing, shelter, and emotional and spiritual support in times of crisis. Last year, Emergency Disaster Services supported 197,657 people in the Chicagoland area.