Prince George’s Salvation Army affected by the pandemic

Wilkinson says the whole process of how they engaged with the Prince George community has changed as well.

“We’ve had to go to pre-packing all of the food hampers that are going out the door now, and that’s kind of changed the dignity piece that we engage with our guests through.”

This change has resulted in Prince George citizens not being able to choose what goes inside of their food hampers.

“I’m grateful that we’ve been able to continue to meet the needs, even though the way we meet needs has changed,” says Wilkinson.

Before the pandemic, citizens were able to give the Salvation Army a checklist of things they needed in their household.

But despite the change, the service is seeing a surge in individuals, as many who were displaced by Covid did seek help from it. Though it did not become a regulatory thing for them.

“We are not picking up any long-term guests anymore, but we are still seeing people coming into the food bank for the very first time, and that’s ongoing as the pandemic response continues,” says Wilkinson

Wilkinson adds that the Salvation army is prepared and equipped if more individuals are needing to seek help for food or clothes.

But cash donations for the food bank are encouraged from donors, as the quarantine period makes food donations a challenge.

“A dollar that is donated to the Salvation Army gives us the buying power to buy from local businesses, in bulk . . so that gives us a higher purchasing power,” says Wilkinson

Despite the pandemic causing many worries, the Salvation Army is still set to celebrate their 100th anniversary this year.

by Prina Atwal

Prince George’s Salvation Army affected by the pandemic

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