Salvation Army planning bake sale

The Van Wert Salvation Army Corps and its Advisory Board are holding a bake sale on Friday, March 11, from 8 a.m. until sold out, at the Van Wert County Courthouse. The fundraising event is crucial to continuing the many programs provided for Van Wert County.

The Salvation Army is first and foremost a church that has a Sunday service and Sunday School, Sunday morning breakfast for children, a Bible Study for all ages, an after-school supper club for children, a women’s Home League and Men’s Club, and other programs. These are not covered by United Way funding.

United Way, however, does provide much-appreciated funding for the social services aspect of The Salvation Army. For example, in December, The Salvation Army distributed food baskets to 312 households, a total of 1,039 people. Along with the baskets, food vouchers were provided to 305 households. In addition, the organization also donated 282 coats and a total of 1,228 clothing items. Four toys were given to each of 614 children.

Activities for January of this year included 131 households receiving food, 27 households receiving financial assistance for housing, utilities, gas or medical bills and 48 people receiving clothing. Although United Way does support these services it cannot do everything. as it funds many other Van Wert agencies. Additional food donations and monies are necessary to continue with this assistance.

Purchases during the bake sale are by donation.