You may be familiar with The Salvation Army in Greater Lynchburg for its iconic Christmas Red Kettle Campaign, where bell ringers stand outside major retailers. However, The Salvation Army in Greater Lynchburg is a beacon of hope that extends far beyond this annual tradition. The organization tirelessly runs a nightly community feeding program, supplies shelter for the homeless, serves more than 1,200 children through their Angel Tree Program, offers relief for disaster victims, sends kids to Camp Rappahannock every summer and engages in many other efforts throughout the year.
In 2022 alone, our local organization served over 27,000 meals to those in need within the Greater Lynchburg region and supplied 628 individuals with more than 14,000 nights of shelter within their Center of Hope.
"We're committed to serving our community 365 days a year," says Caleb Prieto, Major for The Salvation Army of Greater Lynchburg. "When people are in need, The Salvation Army is often their first source of help."
To sustain these critical programs, The Salvation Army relies heavily on donor contributions. An impressive eighty-seven cents of every dollar raised directly funds their charitable services, and all money donated in Lynchburg stays in the community to support these local programs.
"One of the most compelling stories of The Salvation Army is how we transform lives beyond the bells," affirms Major Rebeca Prieto. "Our goal is to assist more people and continue making a positive difference in their lives."
Unfortunately, the poverty level in Greater Lynchburg exceeds both the national and state averages, resulting in two significant challenges for local families—homelessness and food insecurity. Coupled with a demographic shift where families seeking The Salvation Army's help increasingly come from surrounding counties, these challenges have compounded. In addition to the city of Lynchburg, the Salvation Army now serves thousands of families from Bedford, Campbell, Appomattox, Nelson, and Amherst Counties.
"Our services have expanded across the region, pushing us to our maximum capacity," Caleb Prieto explains.
At the heart of their efforts lies the local Center of Hope, a facility that embodies The Salvation Army's commitment to transforming lives. Among the myriad of services offered, two stand out—the nightly community feeding program and Lynchburg's largest shelter.
Addressing hunger stays a top priority for The Salvation Army. Last month alone, they served an average of seventy dinners each night.
"Food insecurity continues to be a pressing issue we face daily," Rebeca Prieto emphasizes. "The increasing number of individuals seeking meals illustrates the continuing need."
The Salvation Army of Lynchburg's Center of Hope also hosts the region's largest shelter—an 80-bed facility. It encompasses separate floors for men, women, and children, with family units available. During August, an average of over fifty individuals found refuge in the shelter every night.
In today's challenging economic climate, where rising costs impact everyone, The Salvation Army of Greater Lynchburg is no exception. The organization deeply appreciates the unwavering support received from the community. "With your continued support, The Salvation Army will remain a devoted shelter, a comforting embrace, and a hopeful word to everyone who needs it," says Caleb Prieto.
To learn more about your local Greater Lynchburg Salvation Army or to donate, please click here.
