Strack & Van Til is partnering with The Salvation Army of Lake County to make sure families can purchase groceries this holiday season. Recently, Jeff Strack and David Wilkinson, CEO and COO of Strack & Van Til Food Markets respectively, presented Captain Brian Clark, Coordinator for The Salvation Army Lake County, with 600 Strack & Van Til gift cards worth a total value of $15,000. The gift cards will be provided to families served through three Salvation Army Community Centers in Gary, East Chicago, and Munster to obtain nutritious and delicious food for their holiday meals.
Throughout its long history, The Salvation Army has received daily calls for emergency help to avoid homelessness, utility shut offs, and hunger. But when COVID-19 hit, the requests for all kinds of humanitarian and social services aid multiplied substantially.
“We are still working day-in and day-out not knowing what hardships the next day will bring. It is most difficult to prepare for the unknown,” said Captain Clark. “No one alive today has experienced a worldwide pandemic such as COVID-19. My prayer is that there won’t be another as devastating.”
Many of the families living in Lake County, Indiana, who are now seeking help have never had to ask for help before now. Food is by far the greatest need for families and individuals struggling through the pandemic.
“Lake County has seen more than a 500% increase in the requests for emergency food assistance,” said Captain Clark. “By providing help with obtaining food, many people can use money they’ve saved to pay their rent and utilities, preventing them from becoming homeless.”
Businesses, civic groups, or churches looking to help can donate to The Salvation Army Lake County at www.SalArmyLakeCounty.org, or by contacting Kevin Feldman, Director of Development, at 219.838.1328 or Kevin.Feldman@usc.SalvationArmy.org.
