Local news

Salvation Army holds open house in new Renovo location

RENOVO -- The new Salvation Army Service Extension Center in Renovo recently held its open house. The organization welcomed all to see their new location at the United Methodist Church on 7th Street in Renovo.

In addition to Program Office Coordinator/Case Worker Robin Davenport welcoming visitors to the office and pantry, HOPE After School Program Director Donna Kshir provided tours of the program which is now in the basement of the church.

Along with the informative tour, Davenport announced the new plans for the monthly Fresh Express program that will resume on Monday, Oct. 2.

Fresh Express typically helps 367 families, with a monthly pick up of 160 vehicles able to get their food donations from the 20 volunteers. Thanksgiving and Christmas food boxes see those 160 pick-ups increase substantially.

On Monday, Oct. 2, people are asked to begin lining up on the wall side of Erie Avenue to allow thru-traffic to flow alongside the line. From there, they will be directed down 7th Street and then onto St. Claire Avenue, where they will receive their boxes from the alley entrance of the church.

Although Fresh Express was the hot topic of the new move, Davenport offered more details of what the extension center offers. From getting housing with the Clinton County Housing Authority, assistance with getting proper ID, assisting transient people passing through town and just a myriad of social services, Davenport can assist those in need with.

The service extension center is taking the parents of 13 area school children to Walmart in Mill Hall this week where they will oversee purchases of $100 gift cards so parents can buy their children school clothing.

Of course, the Salvation Army's Toys for Tots Program is perhaps its best-known program as the Renovo center has taken over those tasks for western Clinton County.

As for what Davenport has done with the new location, Regional Manager Michelle Cipilewski is quite appreciative of the efforts.

"I love it! Robin has really made it her own, she has made it so inviting, Donna has the after-school set-up looking great and this is just such a perfect partnership with the Methodist Church and its volunteers," Cipilewski said.

With the Renovo Salvation Army being a service extension center, it’s quite impressive that all of this is done through their Red Kettle Bell Program and donations through letter correspondence, which they refer to as white mail.

"It's certainly the local donations, or donations made specifically to us, that allow us to do all of the wonderful things that we try and do for people. Without donations, none of this would be possible," added Davenport.

Anyone with any questions or assistance needs are always more than welcome to stop in and visit Davenport, who by all accounts goes above and beyond trying to help.

Anyone wanting to donate can do so by mailing a check or money order to: The Salvation Army, PO Box 139, Renovo, PA 17764.