As the holidays draw near, the Salvation Army Guam is sounding the alarm — their food pantry shelves are nearly empty. The timing couldn’t be worse. With the federal government shutdown leaving many without paychecks and more families turning to them for help, the need for community support has reached a crisis point.

For decades, the Salvation Army has been a lifeline for those struggling to put food on the table. But now, that lifeline needs our help.

Major Eric Tumale, Guam Corps Officer and Micronesia Coordinator, said, "As we continue to serve our community we need help from our partners like other organizations, families, foundations, for us to continue serving as you can see our food pantry is almost empty- we need help from our friends out there and sponsors to fill our cupboards."

In recent weeks, the organization has seen a surge in families and individuals seeking food assistance — many for the first time. "We are looking for rice, some starch, canned food, instant noodles, those are things that can help a family in need," he said.

When KUAM stopped by, a group of teens from Okinawa Christian School International were volunteering — packaging food bags for distribution. Their teacher, Julie Woolery, once lived on Guam and even worked with the Salvation Army two decades ago. She says the experience was both meaningful and inspiring for her students.

"When I started explaining what they do on Guam, and we would have an opportunity to come volunteer, they applauded and cheered. They were excited to come and learn what the Salvation Army does here. And to come play  small part to help," she said.

She adds that the spirit of giving has only grown stronger over the years — a testament to the island’s generosity, adding, "All these donations that we see, the outreach that happens on Thanksgiving and Christmas, is so important to the island community."

Major Tumale says the Salvation Army’s mission remains the same: to meet human needs without discrimination — and right now, that need is greater than ever.

If you’d like to donate, or if you need help yourself, you can call (671) 477-9866 or visit the Salvation Army Guam on Facebook.