CLINTON —
The Salvation Army freezers that were left empty last week after an $800 meat theft have been replenished due to an overwhelming outpour of community support.
As a result, the organization hasn’t turned anyone away seeking emergency food.
“The community has really stepped up. Food wise, donating money, they’ve stepped up in a big way,” Salvation Army Lt. Shane Jensen said. “The community has made up for what we lost.”
Police reported $600 worth of New York strip steaks and $210 of ground beef were stolen from the facility, 219 First Ave., either Sunday or early Monday of last week. The shed housing the freezer sustained $100 worth of damage, while the freezer suffered $300 of damage. The stolen goods were earmarked for the emergency food pantry and the upcoming youth program.
The Salvation Army has received a large amount of ground beef, chicken nuggets, canned foods, and other donations that have brought their ability to serve community members in need almost back to normal. Beyond the food or money, the care Jensen and his wife, Lt. Jeanette, have felt has been heartwarming.
“Even to get a call of someone saying ‘we’re praying for you’ helped us. We consider those donations,” Jensen said.
Jensen said the he’s only received negative feedback from people wondering why the Salvation Army had $600 of New York strip steak.
“It was donated. We don’t turn anyone away at the door. Someone showed up at the door and said, ‘I have a large amount of steaks.’ We’re not going to say ‘no,” he said.
Many of the steaks they received had already been donated. Jensen said the remainder was being saved to throw a community block party, which has been put on hold in light of the theft.
The youth program the stolen food was allotted for, however, was not delayed. The first was held Wednesday night complete with donated hot dogs for the 13 to 15 children who participated.
“Everything went on as planned,” Jensen said. “I’d say in large part due to how the community stepped up really quickly.”
The Salvation Army’s pantry covers residents north of Fifth Avenue South in Clinton County, while the Associate Benevolent Society covers residents south of Fifth Avenue South in Clinton County.
Benevolent Society Executive Director Paula Mallory said she has seen an increase in demand, but not as a result of the theft.
“Still, our numbers are way up and we need help,” Mallory said.
The Benevolent Society used to serve 35 families per month, but that number increased to 91 last month.
“We accept any donations, any time of year,” Jensen said. “We want people to give what they can and not hurt themselves, or put themselves short.”
A volunteer also repaired the shed door that was damaged during the theft so it is safe until it can be completely repaired. Jensen said the security around the shed will be updated to prevent future thefts and until then they will not be using it for food storage.
Jensen also feels blessed by the support from local businesses.
“A couple of the businesses in town have given a large amount. Knowing that other companies in town care for the Salvation Army to give that donation... I know everyone is struggling. They’re probably hurting, themselves,” he said.
Although Jensen said his initial inclination was to be upset over what happened, the couple sees the theft as a blessing in disguise. Because of it people are aware of the Salvation Army and food pantries in the community.
He also said while he hopes the culprit(s) will be found, it’s not for the sake of punishment.
“If they really needed it, we hope their stomach is full, but that they understand they took away from other families who might have really needed it at the time,” Jensen said. “We want the person to be found, I just want the person to know they hurt the community, but hoping they know that God still loves them, that we still love them,” Jensen said.
“All they needed to do was come in and asked and we would have helped.”
To make a donation to the Salvation Army, call 242-4502. To contribute to the Benevolent Society, call 243-4148.
Local News
Related Photos
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Salvation Army Lt. Shane Jensen looks at the food pantry that has been replenished by community members who came forward after the facility at 219 First Ave. was the victim of a theft. Katie Dahlstrom/Clinton Herald
Discussion
September 7, 2012
Community steps in to stock food pantry
Push comes in wake of theft from Salvation Army
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