Salvation Army ministry leader Wayne Gillespie said many volunteers signed up during the open house of the Guma Yo’ase’ or House of Mercy, a two-story facility located across from Hopwood Junior High School, but they could still use more volunteers.
Gillespie said some clients also dropped in, and were served light refreshments.
On Saturday, they will start serving hot meals.
“We welcome anyone who is hungry and who thinks he or she is not getting adequate food to drop in,” Gillespie said.
The soup kitchen can accommodate about 50 individuals at a time. Gillespie said they will see how the community will respond and move on from there.
“If we find it necessary to open the soup kitchen more than one day a week, then we will do it,” he said.
Gillespie said a few clients have also checked out some of the items they displayed in the rummage sale area on the first floor of the building.
The Salvation Army is urging members of the community to donate usable items such as furniture, appliances, clothing, and other items which they can resell at lower prices to support its various programs.
The Salvation Army relies mainly on donations. Gillespie said they will continue to accept canned goods and other non-perishable food items for the soup kitchen.
To donate or to get more information, email wayne.gillespie@usw.salvationarmy.org or call 483-0885.
