WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Salvation Army in Wausau will serve as a distribution point on Tuesday for a food giveaway courtesy of the USDA and United Way of Marathon County.
Development Director Ann Brigham says the donations come at just the right time for the Salvation Army, as they have seen the need for their services increase greatly this year.
“Last year we gave away around 150 food boxes for Thanksgiving. This year I think it was close to 400,” she said.
Because of that increase, they wanted to do something else to help in between the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. That’s when the United Way and USDA stepped in with another round of food boxes. They contacted the Salvation Army to serve as the distribution arm.
Brigham says Tuesday’s distribution is separate from the distribution they’ll do before Christmas. Information about that giveaway will be released at a later date.
The boxes will come with some protein such as hot dogs and shredded pork. Fresh vegetables and dairy products are also included. Brigham says they’ve also received donations of local cheese to include with this distribution as well.
The food boxes will be distributed in drive-thru fashion from 1 to 3 PM. Brigham says those who would like to receive the boxes should enter the Salvation Army parking lot from 2nd Avenue and drive behind the building when directed. Someone will then place the food box in either the trunk or backseat of the car at the first station. A second station will be used for the distribution of dairy products. Cars will then exit onto Callon Street.
Those driving through are asked to remain courteous to other traffic while waiting in line and not block any driveways or intersections should the line back up.
All boxes will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis with no questions asked or income requirements to be met. Residents can also pick up a box for a neighbor or friend by bringing a signed note from that household at the time of pickup.
Brigham says with the Salvation Army seeing greater demand for all of their services during the pandemic they are also getting creative with their fundraising.
“The need is there,” she said. “We are looking for other avenues to be able to provide for people who need help. It’s not going away.”
Any group that would like to help by making donations of either money or food can also contact the Salvation Army Wausau office at 715-845-4272 to be connected with an officer that can help arrange for the donation.
Brigham adds that you can also help by volunteering to ring a bell at one of their Red Kettles this December. The group is seeing fewer bell-ringers this year for the Red Kettle Campaign, which has traditionally accounted for a large piece of their annual budget.
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