Salvation Army supports first responders during Papal visit
Roseville, Minn.- Hundreds of thousands are expected to gather to see Pope Francis during his historic visit to Philadelphia Sept. 26 and 27. The Salvation Army will be there to help support the first responders charged with keeping the event safe and orderly.
Six mobile kitchens will be stationed throughout the city, providing food and beverages to police officers, firefighters and EMTs who will be on-call all weekend.
Minnesota-based Polaris donated four off-road vehicles to The Salvation Army which will also be used to deliver meals and drinks throughout the city. More than 100 volunteers are expected to serve nearly 100,000 meals at 50 different sites over the weekend.
“The Polaris donation has expanded our capabilities to serve communities across the nation,” said Colonel Robert Thomson, Salvation Army leader in Minnesota and North Dakota. “Providing support to the city of Philadelphia for this event is just one example of how Polaris innovation and technology is changing the way we serve.”
Since 2011 Polaris has donated a total of 54 vehicles to The Salvation Army throughout the country, including 20 recreational ATVs for the Northwoods Camp in Minnesota. Those donations are worth more than $550,000.
About The Twin Cities Salvation Army
The Twin Cities Salvation Army serves more than 218,000 people a year through its local centers of operation, including 15 housing and shelter facilities and eight food shelves. Daily it serves nearly 1,400 hot meals and shelters more than 1,000 people. More than 26,600 local volunteers help The Salvation Army provide these and other services, from child daycare to senior housing. Learn more about Salvation Army volunteer opportunities or make an online donation.