THE SALVATION ARMY QUINCY AREA COMMAND TO BEGIN CANTEEN MINISTRY
On Wednesday, February 24, during the hours of 4-6pm, The Salvation Army will begin its new Canteen Ministry. This new, ‘boots-on-the-ground’ or in this case, ‘tires-on-the-pavement’ ministry, will focus on serving food and personal care items to those who are homeless, at-risk of becoming homeless, and community members who have food insecurities. In addition, the four-person team of Salvation Army employees and volunteers, will also hand out blankets and information regarding Salvation Army services. The first outing for the Canteen Ministry will focus on The Salvation Army Social Services’ neighbors in the area of 5th street and the adjacent blocks. The Salvation Army Canteen Ministry will navigate throughout Quincy neighborhoods that show the greatest need for the assistance and will be available 4-6pm on Wednesdays.
Having served on other ministries similar to this, Quincy Area Command Coordinator Captain Michael Sjogren is looking forward to bringing this much-needed service to the area. “We feel this expanded outreach will allow us to connect with residents who may not be aware of our services or don’t have available means to find transportation to our facilities.”
The Canteen Ministry will be a weekly program that will rotate throughout Quincy neighborhoods. Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) volunteers will lead ministry team members, two of whom will be in a separate vehicle, since space on the canteen is limited. “Responding to disasters comes in many forms, stated Volunteer & Emergency Disaster Services Coordinator Jeremy Koren. “Keeping our volunteers active and engaged will help us to be prepared to serve our community regardless of the obstacles we are facing.”
The number of homeless and food insecure people in our area has grown. “I am excited to be out in the community and meeting people where they are at and providing homeless outreach services, stated Regional Social Services Director Heidi Welty. “I am looking forward to this new way of serving and hoping the program will create interest for both those we serve and our volunteers.”
{Stats from 2020 regarding food pantry and any other stats that would show a need for this ministry.}
The Salvation Army Family Services
501 Broadway, Quincy, 9:00am-Noon and 1:00-4:00pm
217-222-2087
The Salvation Army's food pantries provide shelf-stable pantry items, bread, cereal, meat, and other household necessities. In addition to the food pantry, a bread program is available. The Bread Basket program offers a variety of breads and treats that have been donated by local bakeries and businesses.
QUINCY FOOD PANTRY/BREADLINE
Bread Basket 9:00am – 10:00am, Monday – Friday Food Pantry 10:00 – 11:00am, Monday – Friday
Interested in becoming a Salvation Army volunteer or EDS volunteer? Contact Jeremy Koren at 217-231-5633 or via email at Jeremy.Koren@USC.SalvationArmy.org