Moab residents are encouraged to enjoy a hot bowl of soup and bread on Saturday, Feb. 20, to help others in the community. Volunteers will be making an array of homemade soups, breads and desserts for a lunchtime meal that costs $5 per person, or $20 per family.
All proceeds from The Salvation Army fundraiser will stay in Moab, said Sara Melnicoff, who runs Moab’s Salvation Army service extension unit with Lenore Beeson.
The Salvation Army funds have been used to help local residents with rent payments, utilities, food, gasoline and medical expenses. They’ve also helped stranded travelers with lodging, gasoline, bus and train tickets, Melnicoff said.
The Salvation Army works in conjunction with local agencies and nonprofits, as well as churches and individuals.
“We have also helped 14 or 15 people get into rehab in Denver or elsewhere,” Melnicoff said.
The Seekhaven Family Crisis and Resource Center also sees many struggling families trying to make ends meet.
“Seekhaven refers many clients to The Salvation Army for help,” Seekhaven Director of Outreach and Education Kristin Johnson said. “I see people who fear they will lose an apartment, or not have money to pay the gas bill, express great relief knowing that The Salvation Army is there to help them. “
Last year, The Salvation Army raised $12,400 at the red kettle in front of City Market between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Individuals donated an additional $12,120.
Melnicoff said she is grateful for the donations, but has found that those needing assistance have increased. She took 35 calls for help in December and 30 in January.
“We spent over $8,000 in those two months alone,” she said. “That is above normal. Things do slow down to 10 to 15 calls a month, but if December and January were any indication, we may be in for a record-breaking year.”
To make the money last, Melnicoff said she would have to put a limit on how much she can help each month from now until November, unless things slow down to normal levels, or more funds are available.
“That is why we are having this fundraiser,” Johnson said. “We want to make sure that there are funds available to help people.”
If you would like to provide soups, bread or desserts, or assist with serving food or washing dishes, call Kristin Johnson at Seekhaven at 435-259-2229.
All proceeds from Feb. 20 meal will stay in community
What: Soup and Bread Fundraiser
When: Saturday, Feb. 20, from noon to 2 p.m.
Where: Community Church of Moab, 544 MiVida Drive
Cost: $5 per person, or $20 per family
