Aiken Shelter Sees Meal Demand Double Over 90 Days, Calls for Donations

Demand at the Salvation Army of Aiken has skyrocketed. Twice as many people need meals now compared to three months ago. Supplies have dwindled to critical lows, pushing staff to get creative.

Elana Williams directs development at the Salvation Army of Aiken. She stressed the urgency. "We definitely need things like our to-go plates, cutlery," Williams said, per WRDW. "They're donating hope. They're donating a chance. They're donating love, and that's what this community needs right now."

Stephanie Luck cooks at the shelter. She explained how workers improvised when shortages hit. "We don't have as much, and there are more things like, for instance, the trays, that's a big one," Luck said. "Like, serve it out of a cup might be a little, a little weird, but we made it work."

Last year, the organization helped 200 homeless individuals find housing. This year's numbers will be higher. Community support makes all of this possible.

Williams explained why meals matter so much. "People are leaving here changed. And part of that has to do with the meals that we feed here," Williams said. "We want to make sure that they're walking, they have the energy to go make the changes in their lives that they need to make."

Luck sees meals as the first step toward rebuilding lives. Full stomachs lead to clear thinking. The shelter accepts donations of trays, utensils, and cooking supplies like seasonings. Drop them off at either the shelter or the main office.