It Takes a Community
Steve Hawkins, the resource development director for The Salvation Army St. Charles (Tri-City) Corps, recently shared how valuable community involvement is in meeting the many needs brought on by COVID-19.
There’s no denying that it’s nice when a large foundation or corporation donates an impressive sum to our corps. But what really warms our hearts is when a connection is made with the community – especially an unexpected, out-of-the-blue connection. It’s one of the things that uplifts us and keeps us going in these tough times.
One of those connections recently for the Tri-City Corps was when a couple from St. Charles showed up and donated $2,400 in cash (using safety protocols, of course). They had just received their stimulus checks and wanted to give back and help the community. They knew of The Salvation Army Tri-City Corps and its reputation for helping those in need – through its food pantry and emergency assistance for those struggling to pay their rent and utilities – and felt their checks would be best used aiding others.
Another connection is a representative from our local Moose Chapter showing up with several cases of toilet paper and paper towels that they had just purchased at Costco. The St. Charles Moose decided Tri-City Corps and its food pantry was the best way of distributing them to those in need in the community. They also expressed a desire to do a food drive to benefit the Tri-City Corps food pantry.
Then there is a gentleman from the community who refers to himself as "Dan the Soup Man" (prior to COVID-19, he donated ramen noodles pretty consistently), who now has gone above and beyond and donates almost weekly whatever we need. He has bought multiple packs of diapers, canned goods, etc., now totaling into the thousands. He has also stepped up and provided money for rent and utility assistance.
Several of our regular, faithful volunteers have provided food or money since they are unable to come in and provide their time. Besides the help it provides to those in need, those of us on the frontlines are encouraged to see our neighbors so willing to give of themselves to better their community. Quite frankly, this giving spirit helps us make it through this crisis as well.
The Salvation Army has been proudly serving our area since 1951. Since then it has become an area leader in helping others and an integral part of the St. Charles, Geneva, and Batavia communities. But the key word in all of this is “community.” We can’t do what we do without the help from our community.
Learn about all the ways The Salvation Army is responding to the coronavirus – as well as how you can help – at salarmychicago.org/coronavirus.
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For tax purposes: The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division EIN is 36-2167910.