Two days after a fire broke out within The Salvation Army church on Shadyside Avenue in Huntingdon, PA, an investigation into the cause is still ongoing. The contents of the building are a total loss, and the status of the structure is unknown until the results of the final inspection.
Currently, the loss of the items contained within is what is most heartbreaking, as it held all of the toys and clothing for The Salvation Army’s Annual Christmas distribution for over 200 families in the community, which was to occur in just a few short days. Thanks to the generosity of caring individuals and businesses, this distribution has been rescheduled for December 22nd. “Many donations of toys, clothing and monetary contributions have already come in,” said Huntingdon Auxiliary Captain Phillip Bender, “We are extremely blessed by the generosity of the people of Huntingdon County.” However, whether The Salvation Army will be able to serve as many people as originally intended with the same amount of items remains to be seen.
In addition to the loss of the items for Christmas distribution, the staff will be extremely taxed in dealing with trying to reorganize its distribution events and make sure that those in the community who need it most are still being served. During times of need, The Salvation Army is always there for the communities it serves. Now, the organization that serves so many is in need of prayers and support during this difficult time of dealing with the aftermath of the destruction caused by this fire.
Monetary donations and toys can be dropped off or mailed to The Huntingdon Salvation Army – Memorial Hall at 2514 Shadyside Avenue, Huntingdon, PA 16652. The community is also urged to continue to give generously to The Red Kettle Christmas Campaign in Huntingdon County, which is currently running over $4,400 behind last year’s campaign. Volunteers are still needed as bell ringers and for distribution events. For suggestions of toys to purchase or to volunteer, please call 814.643.1430.
Distribution of food baskets on December 22nd will remain in its regularly scheduled location of Memorial Hall at 2514 Shadyside Avenue. The toy distribution which was originally scheduled for the church will now occur at 1200 Susquehanna Avenue inHuntingdon, the site of the old Fiberglas plant and will also take place on December 22nd.
Celebrating 150 years of global service as both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 127 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log on to www.wpa.salvationarmy.org The Salvation Army … doing the most good for the most people in the most need.
