Salvation Army seeks to complete project

VW independent/submitted information

The Van Wert Salvation Army is in the second phase of the capital campaign for its new location at 120 N. Cherry St. in Van Wert. The new location will provide more space, more classrooms, a downtown location that is more accessible to recipients, a larger storage area with walk-in freezer and refrigerator, handicapped restrooms, and more efficient meeting space with the potential for community use and fundraising events.

Last year, the Salvation Army served an unduplicated count of 4,132 individuals for food, financial assistance, clothing and school supplies. At Christmas time, 345 households received food baskets, 1,061 individuals received coats and other clothing items, and 597 children received toys.

The second building, which houses the social service programs, is incomplete and needs to be completed as soon as possible. The social service building will house the social worker and provide a choice food pantry, payment for rent for evicted individuals, utility payments for individuals with a shut-off notice or no utilities in their residence, overnight housing for a homeless person or family, clothing, prescriptions for those who cannot afford their medicine, and gas cards for medical appointments. People who receive these benefits are screened thoroughly by the social worker.

The divisional headquarters of the Salvation Army has committed to a match of $50,000 — and possibly $75,000 — on new money or pledges received from April 1 to May 31. The Capital Campaign Committee has received in money and pledges totaling $302,000 and committee is working to raise the remaining $198,000 to complete the project.

Lieutenant Joshua Morales invites area residents to tour the new facility and see the work that still needs to be done. Anyone willing to make a pledge or donation may contact the Salvation Army at 419.910.9332.