Salvation Army on Salvation Army day and changes due to COVID-19

Jim and Marcella Hughes joined Tiffin's Salvation Army around eight weeks ago as the new Corps Officers. They were thrilled when it was announced that Mayor Montz proclaimed Sept. 21st as Salvation Army day. The Salvation Army has been a pinnacle of the community, providing food, clothing, services and toys for Christmas. Their services have been even more critical this year with so many people being out of work due to COVID-19. COVID-19 has affected many of the services that the Salvation Army provides. The SA café was a three day a week soup kitchen program that provided hot meals and fellowship to those in need. Due to COVID, the program was shut down, leaving the Salvation Army in need of a new method of continuing their mission. They shifted to to-go meals instead of the in-house meals. However, not many people were showing up to get these meals. Their newest solution has been food boxes which have been successful with over 1,000 boxes being given out over six months. The boutique services of the Salvation Army have also been impacted due to the pandemic. However, they are still providing emergency assistance to those in need through making appointments to try on clothes and get what they need. To make an appointment, call (419) 447-2252. When asked about volunteering during the pandemic, Hughes stated that the volunteers have dwindled. However, the Salvation Army has a core group of dedicated women who put together food boxes and organize and catalog the boutique. For those who want to volunteer with the Salvation Army, although a couple weeks away), they can ring the bell for the red buckets. "Tiffin is the only place I have seen or heard of where ringing the bells is all volunteers. It's great because that means every dime is donated. Tiffin is a very giving community," Hughes said. As for the upcoming cold months, the Salvation Army will still provide coats for those in need. This service will also be by appointment so people can come in and try on coats. Their main goal is to provide for those in need but do so in a safe manner. The angel tree program wherein local stores have angels for children in need that provides a wish list for the child and shoppers can pick a child and shop for them, will continue this year. However, for the children who are not picked by shoppers, as not everyone can donate, the toy shop program will be set up differently. Instead of parents coming in to pick out toys, there will be a drive through program where prepackaged toys can be picked up to fill that need. Hughes stressed that the Salvation Army will still try to follow the wishes of the children. To make an appointment or to sign up to volunteer with the Salvation Army call (419) 447-2252.