PRESS RELEASE
Twin Cities Firefighters Face Off for Food
The Challenge: Collect the most pounds of food to restock
Salvation Army food shelves
ROSEVILLE, Minn. – February 25, 2011 – The gauntlet will be laid down between Minneapolis Fire Chief Alex Jackson and St Paul Fire Chief Tim Butler outside The Salvation Army Roseville headquarters, 2445 Prior Ave, on Monday, February 28, at 9 a.m. The challenge will be to see which city can collect the most pounds of food in the month of March to help restock Salvation Army food shelves.
“The Salvation Army has long partnered with Twin Cities firefighters as they respond to emergencies 24/7,” said Major Darryl Leedom, Twin Cities Salvation Army Commander. “We arrive with our mobile kitchens to support their response to need. Now, they are responding to our need to put groceries in cupboards of families without other resources.”
Fire rigs from both cities will be nose to nose in the Salvation Army parking lot on Monday to symbolize the good natured challenge between the cities. Two local law firms, each from opposite sides of the river, will be on hand to produce the first donations to the cause. Both law firms represent employers of Salvation Army board members.
“The Twin Cities Salvation Army Advisory Board is behind this effort to collect food and thought it would be fitting to mount the first city to city challenge,” said Leedom.
The challenge kicks off Minnesota FoodShare Month, which is a statewide initiative organized by the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches to encourage food and cash donations to 300 food shelves in Minnesota. The Twin Cities Salvation Army has seven food shelves which serve more than 6,000 people each month.
Community members are encouraged to drop off non-perishable food items at any Minneapolis or St. Paul fire station March 1–31 from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Those who donate food at any fire station can stay for a free blood-pressure reading.
In St. Paul they also can sign up for Project Safe Haven, which provides free fire safety inspections and – while supplies last – smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors for owner-occupied households in St. Paul.
The Salvation Army is one of the largest food providers in Minnesota. Last year the Twin Cities Salvation Army served nearly 761,000 meals and its seven food shelves provided groceries to 72,138 people.
In 2011 the Twin Cities Salvation Army celebrates 125 years of service, currently serving more than 214,000 people a year through its 25 local centers of operation. Daily it serves 2,100 hot meals and shelters 900 people. More than 33,000 local volunteers help The Salvation Army provide a multitude of services, from child daycare to senior housing. To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a donation, please call 651-746-3400 or toll free at 800-SAL-ARMY. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave. N, Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
