S
oldiers and volunteers connected to The Salvation
Army in Colorado Springs, CO are taking their worship
to the streets while utilizing the local canteen at the
"America the Beautiful Park" near downtown.
Homeless individuals and families await the canteen's
arrival every weeknight at five o'clock, laden with hot meals,
drinks (both cold and hot), and a number of items that
many who are not homeless could easily take for granted.
The canteen remains at the site for two hours. Salvation
Army personnel move through the park for one�on�one
interaction. Serving 60�120 people each night, the pur-
pose of the "Soup Run" is to fill the stomachs of those in
need and meet other basic necessities.
On nights of inclement or extremely cold weather,
they encourage clients to seek shelter.
Many volunteers sign up through their church or civic
group. Occasionally volunteers are so touched by the
service given that they become regular members of
the team.
"It was a transition of the heart," says Laurie, one such
volunteer who is now a regular. "I found myself looking
forward to serving this very special group of people. They
repeatedly bring a smile to my face or a swell in my heart!"
Besides the hot meals, volunteers provide inspiration to
those in need. While on site, the workers are encouraged to
meet, mingle and provide basic toiletries, clothing items,
shoes, blankets and winter items loaded onto the canteen
for distribution.
"As I serve those who have very little in the way of
worldly possessions and comforts, it never fails to amaze
me how generously they give to me in return. Generally,
it seems I receive more than I give," Laurie says.
5
The War Cry | NOVEMBER 2014
N O V E M B E R
Frontlines
ARMY FEEDING PROGRAMS
People served, volunteers
involved yearly in the USA:
*
Meals Provided
44,649,196
Volunteers
327,414
Mobile canteen
612,886
Volunteers
15,819
Mass Feeding
939,094
Volunteers
32,360
Total Snacks Served
7,869,396
Volunteers
47,949
Groceries Provided
6,311,581
Volunteers
119,780
Home Delivered Meals
698,609
Volunteers
15,271
*Annual stats for 2012-2013
Nightly `Soup Run'
in Colorado Springs
Satisfies Homeless
by
MAJOR FRANK DURACHER