For the first time in a centenary, the Salvation Army has shut down services.

Monday night was the first time the organization did not have church services.

Captain Ed Dean explains that during this unprecedented time, the organization is changing as things happened and that they want to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 to keep the well-being of the members and the community safe.

Although the organization has temporarily closed, some of the services will continue but have been altered. For example, the food bank is still open; however, instead of shoppers coming into the store, the organization will make food hampers instead and deliver them.

How donations will be accepted, will also change. Items can be dropped off and volunteers can pick them up after the person has left. Again, it is a situation that is continually adapting as things change day-by-day.

The important message Dean wants the community to know is,

“Stay strong. Help one another but stay home and stay healthy. I want the community to realize that, yes we are an army marching forward; yes, we are an army that is here to help, but if we are not well enough ourselves then it's kind of hard to help others. So, we do want to encourage our congregation and our community of people to think wisely and not panic.”

Like many institutions, businesses and organizations, the Salvation Army feels that it is doing its part to help slow down the spread of Covid-19.