Posted on April 10, 2023
SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-TIMES
The Salvation Army of El Dorado provided sack lunches for school children in the area during the week of Spring Break, March 20 – March 24.
The effort was successful, according to local Salvation Army commander Major David Robinson.
“We are happy to announce we served 983 sack lunches per day to over 13 different locations in Union County and one location in Ouachita County to ensure hungry youth were fed. The grand total of meals served was 4,915,” Robinson said.
The program has provided thousands of meals since its inception over ten years ago.
“The Salvation Army cannot do this alone; we rely on faithful volunteers to help in this huge undertaking of making these lunches. We were blessed to have over 130 volunteers come and provide over 200 hours of service to this project,” Robinson said. “A portion of the funding for this program is provided by the Union County Community Foundation, Brookshires Grocery, Wyatt Baptist Church and United Way of Union County.”
He went on to give further thanks to local volunteers.
“We had an awesome group come every day to help make sandwiches and pack lunches. It went so smooth, and everyone was in such great spirits every day. It was a blessing to be with them each day as we prepared the meals,” said Robinson.
Groups that helped included Murphy USA; SRG; Camp Fire groups; youth groups from College Avenue Church of Christ and Parkers Chapel First Baptist Church; Service League; the El Dorado City Council; and other groups from around the county.
“We didn’t get all groups name. There were many individuals that came and served, and we are so thankful for each and every one of them. We want to thank those that allowed us to deliver meals to you so you could pass them out. We live in a great giving community that care[s] for others,” Robinson said.
He added that the Salvation Army was able to serve “over 1,500 meals” in Camden with the help of The Plant A Seed Foundation.
“Mr. Charles Moore and company prepared the meals there and delivered them each day. We thank them for partnership,” Robinson said.
“Meeting human needs in Jesus’ name is what we do and with the help of all volunteers we made it a good Spring Break for those children looking for a meal. We are looking forward to next year and hope we can serve more children with the help of this community,” he concluded.
The Salvation Army is interested in hearing from the public if they know of a location where children are needing a meal.
Robinson asked that those who have information, would like further information or wish to donate call The Salvation Army at 870-863-4830.