More demands less funding: Salvation Army of Onslow/Jones struggling to meet community needs

With the cost of living increasing and federal funding decreasing, the Salvation Army of Onslow/Jones County is struggling to meet all the needs that come through its door.

The Salvation Army has served Onslow County since 1984, "meeting the basic needs of people in the community in the name of Jesus Christ without discrimination," according to Salvation Army Corps Officer of Onslow and Jones County Captain Christine Towne. She said the Salvation Army of Jacksonville serves an average of 40 households each day, but things haven't been easy as of late.

"The Salvation Army’s Assistance Center has seen an uptick in food pantry patrons since the onset of COVID back in 2020," Towne said in an email. "Since then, we have juggled to procure enough food to withstand the high demands for assistance with basic human needs. Our food pantry serves nearly 40 households each day, if not more. With increased prices in the daily cost of living nationwide, it is hard for many households to stay afloat."

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Towne said that according to Foodbank NC, more than 28,000 people in Onslow County are food insecure. That's 16% of the population and almost 10,000 of them are children.

During the Salvation Army's fiscal year running from Oct. 1, 2021 to Sept. 31, 2022, Towne said they helped 55,912 clients with food valued at $1,129,612.80. The Salvation Army also assists with vouchers for clothing and household items from the thrift store, when needed. She added that during the last fiscal year, 372 clients received clothing and household items from those vouchers.

Towne said that when financial funding is available, the Salvation Army also assists with utilities or rent/mortgage assistance. During the last fiscal year, 185 clients received $26,846.88 in financial assistance from the Salvation Army.

"We receive dozens and dozens of calls each day from our neighbors in need seeking assistance with not only for food, but also for assistance with utility bills and rental payments," Towne said. "With limited funding, it is heartbreaking not having nearly enough funds to help everyone who calls upon us. When we are unable to meet a need directly, we try to help by informing clients of other resources in the community that may be available to act as a safety net of support. We serve the whole body, striving to meet the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of people who come to us for help."

For those in Onslow who would like to help, Towne said they accept donations of unexpired food products Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Assistance Center is located at 461 Center Street in Jacksonville.

Food assistance is given out Monday through Friday from 1-3 p.m., Towne said. Families may come to the food pantry once every two weeks. They are closed on the second Tuesday and third Monday of each month for offsite food distributions.

More families in need with holidays approaching

As the holidays near, the Salvation Army will be in need more than ever. Towne said The Salvation Army's Angel Tree program is coming up and helps provide Christmas gifts for hundreds of children in Jones and Onslow County each year.

"Every child deserves to experience the joy of Christmas morning," Towne said. "Once a child has been registered and accepted as an Angel, their Christmas wish list is shared with donors in our community who purchase gifts of new clothing and toys. The gifts are distributed to the family to place under their family Christmas tree."

Last year, the Angel Tree program helped over 580 children, according to The Salvation Army of Jacksonville's Facebook page. This year, though, the need is stronger. Towne said they are expecting to serve 650 families.

Families in need of registering their children, who live in Onslow County, need to be referred to Angel Tree through a Department of Health and Human Resources case worker or an Onslow County Schools counselor or teacher, Towne said.

Once referred in, an invitation code will be issued and the registration process can begin. Towne said if families have questions during the registration process, they can call the Angel Tree Coordinator Sandy Middlebrooks at 910-376-1567 or Laura Hagerman at 910-346-8800.

Also on the horizon are the Red Kettles. Beginning Nov. 11, Towne said The Salvation Army's Red Kettles will be seen around the community and are a way residents can immediately help people in the most need.

"The Red Kettles are our largest fundraiser of the year – every dollar goes to helping the community year-round," Towne said. "Your donations put food on the table of working families and individuals, help keep the lights on and will warm homes this winter. We want this community to know we are here – here to help or give you a place where you can help others."

Anyone interested in volunteering at the Red Kettle sites can contact Towne at 910-378-7840.

Each Sunday, The Salvation Army also provides worship services at 11 a.m. at 535 Bell Fork Road. They also provide weekly family nights on Wednesdays at 6 p.m.

For more information on anything Salvation Army-related, visit the website, Facebook page or call 910-346-8800.

Reporter Morgan Starling can be reached at mstarling@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily News: As holidays near, Onslow County Salvation Army tries to keep up with needs