News

Mar 17, 2020

Open and Optimized for Safe Service

Akron, OH, March 16, 2020 –– The Salvation Army in Summit County will be serving daily hot meals and food pantry groceries Monday through Friday at its 190 S. Maple Street Akron and 560 Wooster Road West location in Barberton.

“We’re still serving lunch every day, only now it’s to-go,” says Major Steven Stoops, Area Coordinator and Corps Officer.  “We are prepackaging the prepared meal so families with children and individuals can carry it out and enjoy a hot meal in their own setting.”

During this precautionary period, meal delivery to Summit Lake and Patterson Park community centers is suspended, but prepackaged hot meals will be handed out Monday through Friday at the Maple Street location between the hours of noon to 1:00 pm and the Barberton location from 11:30 am through 12:30 pm.

“We are also expediting the distribution of groceries from our food pantries, minimizing paperwork and social contact time for everyone’s safety and to serve as many folks as possible,” said Stoops.  People who wish to receive a “box” of groceries should call Infoline Food Line 330-376-4850 first and if unable to get through call us at 330-762-8481 between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:00 pm.

With Akron Public Schools closed, The Army’s after-school program is closed, as is the Preschool.  According to Rebecca Baker, LSW, the Army’s Director of Social Service Ministries, supplemental food will continue to be distributed to students through The University of Akron’s Zip Assist program.  “And our shower program for the homeless is still in operation Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm as well,” she reports. “Anyone needing assistance should call us at 330-762-8481 for help or referral.  We’re here to help as always.”

Donations are requested to help cover the increased cost of packaging materials for the to-go meals.  To make a donation to assist The Salvation Army of Summit County serve families during this unprecedented time of pandemic, call 330-958-3751 or visit www.SalvationArmyAkron.org.

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In 2020, The Salvation Army celebrates 136 years in Akron serving the needs of Summit County.  Its goals are to interrupt and break the cycle of poverty in our community, enabling economic self-sufficiency and active contribution to the social, economic and spiritual well-being of the community; to serve as a unifying force that is welcomed by, respected by, and able to bring together all elements of our community from those in a position to give to those in a place of need, and to instill hope in all whom we touch, clients or donors.  People who come to us for assistance are served according to their need and our capacity to help regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation.  To donate, or to receive more information about the Salvation Army, please view www.salvationarmyakron.org or call 330-762-8481.