The COVID-19 pandemic is taking its toll on a number of organizations, including those that are working to protect London's most vulnerable.
The Salvation Army in London is asking for the public’s help in the form of donations due to an exponential increase in demand for services and programs. With many businesses forced to close their doors as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, The Salvation Army is being stretched thin trying to accommodate more people seeking help.
“What we’re seeing right now is unprecedented,” said Lieutenant Gina Haggett. “To date, we’ve been able to meet the demands because of the ongoing generosity of our donors and the community over the years, but we will not be able to keep this pace for much longer, without increased support… supplies are reaching dangerously low levels.”
Haggett said The Salvation Army is currently looking for donations of food, water bottles, face masks, protective gloves, soap/hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes.
Salvation Army Thrift Store locations have also been forced to closed to lessen the impact of COVID-19, which means the organization is unable to collect the usual household donations. As a result, the organization is asking Londoners to set donations aside and bring them to the local Salvation Army Thrift Store once they have safely reopened.
"There will definitely be a need when we reopen. Donations will be needed more than ever at that time to support the needs of our community," said Haggett.
The Salvation Army offers a number of programs for vulnerable individuals such as food assistance, community meal services, along with spiritual and emotional help.
Anyone who wishes to make a donation to aid Salvation Army workers during the COVID-19 pandemic can do so online by clicking here and selecting “London Centre of Hope”. Donations can be dropped off at the London location as well.