HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) — Many people rely on faith-based organizations like the Salvation Army to see them through tough times, but with inflation affecting their donations, they might not be able to help as many people in the future.
The Salvation Army is keeping busy, with trucks in six states affected by Hurricane Helene.
“There are 60 of our mobile canteen units that are deployed, and as of last night, there are a little over 70,000 meals that have been served,” said Salvation Army Virginia Peninsula Captain Antiono Willis.
In fact, the Salvation Army does more than you might think.
“Utilities assistance, rent, social service, all aspects of that, even down to summer camp to senior programs,” Willis said.
They don’t stop moving, but they might have to slow down soon. Willis said donations are down — he cites inflation as the cause.
“At some points this summer, we saw, in a sense, as high as 32% decline in donations,” Willis said. “Inflation was at an all-time high and things were a little more expensive in the grocery stores.”
With a long-storied history, the Salvation Army has served Hampton Roads for 126 years, helping 63,000 people last year alone. Now they’re having to get creative, trying to reach a new generation of donors.
“Getting a bit more on the social media, as well as, in a sense, our marketing technique, embrace some of the new AI technology, as well as some of the new graphics,” Willis said.
On top of already declining donations, they just got word that a major sponsor that has supported them over 25 years is pulling out.
“So we’re going into our new fiscal year about $250,000 less in operation as we’ve done in previous years,” Willis said.
Between now and then, they’re stepping up their efforts at events like Thursday’s Red Kettle Classic in Newport News, so hopefully nothing has to be cut.
“But we feel confident with our community support,” Willis said. “We feel confident.”
To donate to the Salvation Army, or to sign up to volunteer, visit https://virginiapeninsula.salvationarmypotomac.org/.
