Mansfield’s Salvation Army handed out turkeys and other holiday food items last Friday to 656 families. People from all over the community lined Second Street to receive food for the holidays during the morning and early afternoon.
According to Captains Andrew and Melissa Betts, the number of families served this year went up 10 percent. This year alone, over 15,000 meals were served.
Where does the food come from?
“We have someone driving a route every day to eight to ten groceries to pick up the food. We also receive food from the Cleveland Food Bank,” said Captain Andrew Betts. Also, the food is sifted weekly to make sure they are not serving expired goods.
The Betts family is new to the community, moving in from New Jersey earlier this summer. Before that, they served in Pennsylvania, and before that, the coast of Maine. Captains are ordained as ministers and commonly move assignments.
According to the couple, the common misconception associated with the Salvation Army is that it is just a social service organization. Although many services are provided, Salvation Army is a church as well. The Betts are ordained pastors with three children ages 15, 13 and 11.
As “commanding officers,” their responsibilities include taking charge of all operations, administration, counseling, and various other social works. During the food drive Friday morning, they oversaw the operation, but also worked alongside volunteers.
“We’re new to the community, but we love it so far. We just feel compelled to serve the community in Christ’s name,” commented Betts.
Salvation Army’s organization is important. In an effort to limit the amount of free food distributed, the organization mandated a yellow slip be filled out by each community member receiving a free meal.
Melikia Sylvester is a Human Service Social Work intern from North Central State College. “This morning has been so busy and cold,” said Sylvester as she scanned through pictures on her cell phone that showed lines of cars and bushels of people waiting for their turkeys. “I tried my hardest to get these people food so they could get out of the cold and rain.”
The organization holds this event once a year. For more information, visit their website or call (419) 525-2912.
