Williston community responds in midst of COVID-19 crisis
At the beginning of April, we at the Williston Salvation Army took stock of our food pantry and discovered many of its shelves to be empty. The community’s increased need for food, coupled with the cancellation of several local food drives, had hit our food pantry hard.
After reaching out to the local newspaper to share the situation, the community responded in a big way to ensure that we could continue serving those impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
First, community organizations such as the Community Builders put together a drive-thru food collection at a local park, filling multiple vehicles.
Soon after that successful event, a number of local businesses joined forces to help fill our shelves. The businesses included Red Rock Ford, Williston Auto, Black Magic Harley Davidson, and Rugby Homes, all of which hosted a drive-thru car show (pictured right) and issued a challenge to the community to fill pickup trucks with food. People came out in droves. Once the event ended at around 2 p.m., the community provided a clear answer of what they would do about our empty food pantry shelves (pictured below).
In addition to the food drive, Drew Balogh, General Manager for Williston Auto, visited the Williston Salvation Army and took a tour of our facility. During the tour, he came to the conclusion that we needed a new refrigeration unit. He challenged his fellow managers to help raise funds to make it a reality. They came through in a big way on both occasions. Now our food pantry is well-stocked, and we are working through channels to acquire the new equipment.
Thanks to our partners and generous community, the Williston Salvation Army is well positioned to continue serving our community in His name, well into the future.
Please join The Salvation Army in serving those affected by the COVID-19 crisis by giving a donation or signing up to volunteer. Your help will provide emergency assistance and hope for people and families in desperate need.
If you are feeling lonely, fearful or hopeless due to the COVID-19 crisis, call our Emotional and Spiritual Care Hotline at 877-220-4195 anytime between 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Central Time. Trained Salvation Army officers, employees and volunteers will be available to talk, listen to you, and pray for you.