Suffolk Salvation Army Corps

Bennie Covington loaded canned goods, fruit, vegetables and even fresh fried chicken into his bag at the Senior Christmas food distribution. He’s one of about 17,000 area residents who rely on the Suffolk Salvation Army for help with food, shelter, clothing and more.

The center gives away food every day – an average of 10 tons a month according to Captain Calvin Clatterbuck who said the need is greater than ever with no sign of improvement soon.

“You’re seeing middle class people, plumbers, carpenters, electricians, struggling to keep a roof over their heads,” he says. “We depend on the contributions of the Suffolk Foundation and our partners to meet the needs of this community where everyone is affected.”

The Salvation Army’s toy, food and Angel Tree distributions draw more clients each year while the agency’s lesser-known programs, such as its computer training classes, continue to benefit the community.