Salvation Army Expands Services,
Establishes Warehouse in Red Bank
24 OCTOBER 2020 | TheJournalNJ.com
BY SHANNA O’MARA
As the pandemic shuttered many small businesses, schools,
expanded its reach, opening three warehouses throughout
the state to facilitate helping those in need during an unprecedented
time. The Salvation Army consists of 29 locations in New Jersey,
including one in Red Bank. These are corps community centers that
feature church congregations, programs for kids and adults, food
pantries, and other services offered locally.
Major James Betts, divisional commander who oversees operations
in New Jersey, has been in his position for two years now
and said regulations imposed in response to the virus have altered
operations at the Salvation Army facilities.
“Our mission hasn’t changed,” he said. “We work to restore
hope, come alongside people who are struggling and help them
changed. Just like after 9/11 and Superstorm Sandy, we had to
adapt to the way things are during COVID-19. We’ve been serving
food in a controlled manner for safety. Of course, for months, we
couldn’t meet in person indoors, so we had to take resources and
redirect them toward feeding people.”
The Salvation Army has been operating food pantries across the
country for 150 years. Between March and August 2019, the army served
680,000 meals to those in New Jersey. During that same period this year,
the peak of the pandemic, more than 4.8 million meals were served, according
to Betts. In Red Bank, 9,600 meals were distributed last year during
that six-month period compared to 37,000 this year. This location has also
been serving as one of three warehouses in the state, storing food, toilet
paper and personal protection equipment to be allocated in nearby towns.
Betts, who is a fourth-generation member of the organization, said
he has been “heavily involved” in charitable work since he was young.
“When I pictured my future, I never saw anything different,” he said
of his decision to continue in the path of his family. “I love helping people.
I love giving people hope and helping to break the poverty cycle.”
To break that cycle, the Salvation Army not only offers meals to those
in need. The organization also assists people with mortgage, rent and
utility payments. There are three drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers
in the state as well. The army runs an emotional and spiritual help line,
which is open to all those needing support. To speak with someone, call
844-458-HOPE (4673) any day between 9 am and 9 pm.
“Nationally,
there have been
900,000 calls
in the past six
months,” Betts
said. “People are
really hurting.
Check on your
friends and your
neighbors.”
Volunteers
from the Salvation
Photos courtesy of Salvation Army of New Jersey/Jerome Green
Army recently made trips to nursing homes, connecting with
residents safely from outside their windows. Betts said he joined one
musician on a trip who played for the people inside the building. After
the music ended, one person threw a paper airplane out the window
with the words “Thank you” written on it.
Volunteering is a great way to get involved with the Salvation Army,
Betts said, especially when more programs begin to be held in person
again. With the current restrictions, access to the 29 locations in New
Jersey locations is limited, so the easiest way to help increase the reach
of the volunteers is to donate. Betts said he is grateful for corporate
partners such as IKEA for its donated linens, pillows and blankets. Those
wishing to get involved are encouraged to visit SalvationArmyNJ.com.
“The demand for food is still strong” he said. “The need is growing, but
New Jersey who have stepped up. Even if they’re in need, they help others.
“Now it’s odd to think about, but Christmas is around the corner.
The army is known for those red kettles. Those are going to be chal-
Be on the lookout for those because they can receive mobile gifts.”
Donations are also accepted on the Salvation Army’s website.
The Salvation Army Red Bank Corps is located at 180 Newman
Springs Rd. in Red Bank and services the following areas of Northern
Monmouth County.
For food pantry: Atlantic Highlands, Belford, Colts Neck, Eatontown,
Fair Haven, Fort Monmouth, Highlands, Keansburg, Leonardo, Lincroft,
Little Silver, Locust, Middletown, Monmouth Beach, Navesink, New
Monmouth, Oceanport, Port Monmouth, Red Bank, Rumson, Sea Bright,
Shrewsbury and Tinton Falls.
Fair Haven, Highlands, Little Silver, Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Red
Bank, Rumson, Sea Bright, Shrewsbury and Tinton Falls.
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