YUMA, Ariz. (April 2, 2019) – At the request of the City of Yuma, since Thursday of last week, The Salvation Army has been providing food and shelter to migrant families in need who have permission to travel in the United States and are awaiting transport to their final host destinations.
The Salvation Army currently has the means to feed and shelter up to 300 people per day. To date, nearly 250 people have come through the shelter and have continued on with the journey to their final destination.
“We were asked by the City to help problem solve, so we are feeding hungry people and providing needed shelter, two things at the core of The Salvation Army’s mission,” said Yuma Corps Officer Capt. Jeffrey Breazeale. “Love is kind, and The Salvation Army serves human need without discrimination.”
The Yuma Community Food Bank, located at 2404 E. 24th St., and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, at 505 S. Ave. B, are among the other community organizations that have banded together in this humanitarian response, and each are accepting in-kind donations of the following items of need:
- Non-perishable food
- Bottled water
- Snack items: fresh fruit, crackers, cookies, etc.
- Clothing of all kinds for all ages: socks, shoes, underwear, shirts, pants, jackets and hats
- Travel-sized hygiene items: toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, shampoo, etc.
- Feminine hygiene products
- Bath towels
- Baby formula, baby bottles and pacifiers
- Disposable diapers
- Sanitary wipes
- Craft items to pass the time in the shelter, such as colored pencils, crayons, paper, etc.
- Stuffed animals for kids
- Laundry detergent
There is also a great need for monetary donations, as well as volunteers age 18 and older (Spanish-speaking a plus).
Roles for volunteers could include preparing and serving food, sorting donations, preparing comfort kits and travel kits, doing laundry, and light security.
