The dining hall at the Salvation Army in Greenville was down to just one staffer in mid-June.
For a time, that meant just one person was in charge of getting the residents of its homeless shelter — some 50 men and 40 women and children — properly fed.
The staff shortage could be for any number of reasons, but Community Relations and Development Director Bea Walters Smith, said it highlights the Salvation Army’s need for volunteers, who keep the wheels turning on the organization’s feeding, housing and support efforts.
“We’ve put a plan in place, but having volunteers or a volunteer group to come in and to help make sandwiches or casseroles that could be frozen, that would be a huge help,” she said.
The Salvation Army serves about 40,000 people a year between Greenville, Pickens and Oconee counties, Walters Smith said. It provides more than 25,000 nights of shelter, supports 3,800 youth and provides more than 82,000 meals.
“Thousands and thousands of hours are put into this effort, and it’s the volunteers that make it work,” she said.
Currently, the Salvation Army has a critical need for volunteers.
Volunteers can assist in any number of tasks. One prolific volunteer, “Miss Sue,” helps the facilities department, and Walters Smith credits her for growing and tending to the fruit and vegetable garden on the shelter campus.
Volunteers are, of course, needed for the Salvation Army’s signature Red Kettle program, ringing the bell outside of stores from Nov. 13 to Dec. 24.
“The dollars that we raise during kettle season help sustain our programs throughout the year,” Walters Smith said. “And every dollar counts: 87 cents of every dollar goes to the programs that we provide. The money that we raise in Greenville stays in Greenville, and the money raised in Pickens and Oconee stays in those respective counties.”
Last year, 79 volunteer groups signed up to man the 40-plus kettle locations throughout the season. Walters Smith is hoping for more than 100 groups this year — but there are challenges.
“Be it for an hour or longer, we need you,” she said. “And in volunteering for the Salvation Army, you know that with whatever time and energy you put into this, you’re helping someone else.”
Those interested in volunteering can reach out to the organization’s volunteer coordinator, Justin Heisey, by calling him at 864-872-3837 or emailing [email protected].
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