Salvation Army sees greater need as costs rise for families

Community foundation distributes donation to agency on behalf of donors

LOCK HAVEN -- With rising housing, utility and food prices impacting every household budget, the Lock Haven Area Salvation Army finds itself playing an even more important role in the lives of hundreds of Clinton Countians.

On certain days, you'll find dozens of people gathering at the Salvation Army building at 119 East Church St. in downtown Lock Haven.

The late Lee and Madeleine Phillips knew that and wanted to help those who need a little hand. That's why they left the Clinton County Community Foundation with a legacy donation to administer and from which to distribute funds to those agencies and organizations who give a boost to people in need.

Recently, the foundation distributed $23,855 from the Phillips Memorial Trust to the local Salvation Army, which also applied for and was awarded a $10,000 grant for its Food Bank.

Salvation Army Capt. Kendall Stout says she and the Salvation Army are grateful to the Phillips' and to the CCCF.

"The Salvation Army will use these funds to continue serving this community," she said.

And, she added, there is a growing need.

"With housing utilities rising, food insecurity is a real problem facing our community. Our pantry and food program numbers have increased substantially. These funds will help ensure that food and resources will always be available to all in need in our community. They will help ensure that our kids have a warm, safe place after school. Along with any other ways we can assist. We would not be able to serve this community without your support."

From its building in downtown, the Salvation Army serves 350 families a month.

And that figure includes between 80 and 100 children.

"We serve approximately 700 meals a month through our feeding programs," Capt. Stout says.

The agency also runs an after-school program to help parents who work late or just need a hand.

The program has 17 kids enrolled after school.

It's not just food and education, the Salvation Army also runs a summer day camp and provides rental assistance to eligible residents.

To learn more about the Foundation and about how to help others, visit www.clintoncountyfoundation.org.