It was about three months ago when a fire ripped through the Salvation Army in Huntingdon. Hundreds of donated Christmas gifts for children were destroyed.
“We’ve come a long way,” Auxiliary Captain Charity Bender said.
Today the community gathered to celebrate a step forward in restorations.
“It’s a teamwork,” Bender said. “That’s how the kitchen got done. You know, it started with the women’s auxiliary raising money way back when because they knew they wanted a new kitchen.”
But it’s more than just a kitchen.
“Using old equipment can be very hard in being able to provide the meals that need to be provided,” said Huntingdon County United Way Executive Director Kathy Armillei.
The old kitchen fed at least 5,000 families last year. They hope the new one will help feed even more.
“I’m just so appreciative of the leadership the Salvation Army continues to demonstrate here in Huntingdon County serving people in need,” Representative Glenn Thompson, (R) 5th District, said.
They serve the community four days each week. Then, they break it all down and set up for Sunday School and other events.
“They have done a fabulous job of taking this hiccup – as I will call it – and utilizing it and continuing what they do here in the community, not allowing it to hinder what they continue to do,” Armillei said.
Bender said it does take some work, but it’s well worth it.
“We don’t mind doing it. It’s for the Lord and for the kids and the adults that come here,” she said. “It’s just… It’s a blessing, you know, knowing that they still wanna come and worship with us.”
“Today’s just true evidence of their ability to rise above,” Thompson said. “Rise above crisis, rise above hardship, and to continue to serve this great community.”
While the kitchen is new and ready to serve people, there are still some renovations that need to be done, like the chapel. It has been gutted and is ready for renovations. The auxiliary captain tells me they’re just waiting on the insurance money to get the ball rolling.
