Salvation Army needs support

40s.

Many people in our communities rely on the salvation army for help.

But right now ?

"* the organization needs ?

"(your?

"( help.

Kimt news 3's maleeha kamal takes us to austin.

I'm at the salvation army in austin and typically these shelves are full with food but right now they are kind of empty the reason for this is because the need for food is so great right now.

Nat: we do see a lot of heavy use.

We've been seeing it through our food shelf."

Major jeff strickler has worked for a few salvations armys across the midwest.

After working for the non profit for 33 years he says 2020 has been the most demanding year by far.

The organization as a whole has seen a 150 percent increase in usage by the communities they serve.

" we seee folks that work in the food service industry restaurants, bars etc or even work at fintess centers things like that places that are either closed or there hours have been reduced.

" he says as new restrictions go into effect ?

*- the salvation army's lines could get longer this week.

The organization is struggling... although more people need their services ?

"* the organization has had to cut back their thrift store hours.

That means less revenue coming in.

But there is a way you can help.

"the greatest way i've found for giving to the salvation army especially if you're on a limited income is to ring bells for us for about two hours because a lot of those kettles will take in 75 an hour and if you do it for two hours that $150 dollars."

While volunteers are also down major strickler says there's always one volunteer they can count on "nats noel."

From bell singing to helping to distribute food boxes ?

"* travis young has been volunteering here in austin for the last seven years.

He says being a volunteer gives him purpose.

" personally i don't know how i would have gotten through the last 8 months if i wasn't doing this."

Young volunteers about 25 hours a week and says this is one way he can help his community.

Food distribution takes places major strickler says the salvation army is hoping to raise 80?

"* thousand dollars this year for