Salvation Army won't let pandemic stall mission to provide for Guam's needy

'Tis the season to give thanks for what we have and give back to those in need, but with the world rocked by the pandemic and the economy shot the need has grown more than ever. The Salvation Army is continuing their mission of caring for the island's less fortunate and how you can take part in the effort to bring joy to others this holiday season.

The holidays are typically a season of celebration and joy, but for some families, it can be a reminder of financial and emotional stress. Every year, the Salvation Army holds their annual Toy and Joy Drive to raise toy donations to children in need. Although they've already met their goal of serving 400 families, they're striving to go above and beyond to still be able to hold their walk-in toy shop.

Salvation Army Guam Chapter Captain Eric Rudd said, "Right now, we're a little bit a little bit spare but we had a really generous donation from Twinkles. We've had several people come by and drop off items, but we're going to rely on Toys for Tots and the generosity of our Guamanian friends here."

But they need your help in more than just the toy department. The Salvation Army receives anywhere from 65-100 calls a day for their food bank, but as volunteer Maricel Dizon showed, the demand seems to be coming up greater than the supply.

"Our food pantry shelves are really low," she said, hoping that condition will change.

If you're unable to make it to the Salvation Army office, the on Giving Tuesday, December 1, from 7am-2pm, the KUAM Careforce will be holding a Donation Drive Through at the KUAM Studios where donors can dropoff donations of canned goods and toys and gifts for the Salvation Army's food bank and toy drive.