WHEELING - The Salvation Army's national motto, "Doing the Most Good," couldn't be more appropriate when it comes to the agency's monthly food give away at its 16th Street location.
A few families were already waiting near the front door Wednesday morning when Maj. John Blevins unlocked it at 9 a.m.. Among them was a young woman proudly carrying her 3-month old son.
"This is in times when they need it. ... Everybody is trying to make that dollar stretch, and when it comes to food there is never enough - especially with families who have a lot of children," said Blevins.
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Photo by Scott McCloskey
Salvation Army Maj. John Blevins hands a bag of groceries to a woman during the agency’s monthly food giveaway Wednesday morning in Wheeling.
He said the agency typically sees more than 30 families or individuals throughout the morning to pick up a bag of groceries. The bag includes a wide variety of items, such as bread, milk, canned food, produce and other items.
"You knew I would be here, I'm laid off you know," one man told Blevins while walking into the dining hall to get a bag of groceries.
Blevins said the agency is just glad to be able to help people in a time of need.
Once a month the agency will receive a shipment of boxed and crated food from the Mountaineer Food Bank, located in Gasaway, W.Va. The food bank distributes food to nonprofit agencies throughout the state.
Blevins said the agency also receives food donations from several local businesses. He noted the Salvation Army receives items like bread, daily-use products and produce from the Kroger store in Benwood.
"They are really great to us," he added.
The Salvation Army will continue to schedule a monthly food giveaway for Ohio County residents at 140 16th St. Blevins said the organization will advertise the dates in local newspapers, as the date changes from month to month. Identification and proof of address are required.