Donations provide food to Salvation Army

Salvation Army information

Major Art Barter of the local Salvation Army unit expresses thanks to the community of Van Wert for its assistance with the Salvation Army Food Pantry’s food shortage.

“The response to the news of our food pantry shortage a little better than a week ago was nothing short of amazing,” he said. “Food products and private cash donations started coming through our doors immediately.”

According to Barter, several local businesses stepped up to the plate with large donations. Leland Smith Insurance Services, StateWide Ford, and First Federal of Van Wert got together and gave a combined gift of $2,000. In addition, more than $10,000 in donations and in excess of $2,000 in canned and boxed foodstuffs was brought in to the food pantry.

“It is this kind of response to our call for help that allows us to serve in this community and throughout the county with distinction,” Major Barter added. “God bless you and thanks for your support.”

The Salvation Army’s next big project is the Day of Caring Food Drive on September 2.  Collection barrels will be set up at grocery stores and other locations. The Salvation Army hopes to collect over 30,000 food items on that day.