Capt. Scott Peabody and Major Nancy Townsend say the Salvation Army in both Greenfield and Athol are trying to keep things as normal as possible in an unsure world.
Peabody, Greenfield Salvation commanding officer, said while its thrift store on Hope Street in Greenfield has closed, the facility on Chapman Street is still providing a hot or cold lunch to people Monday through Friday, but it is take-out.
“People line up outside and we hand a pre-made bag to them at the door,” Peabody said. “It’s provided daily at 11:30 a.m. They’re used to congregate meals, but that won’t be happening for a while.”
Peabody said he currently has one staff member and one volunteer helping.
“This is temporary, but we don’t know for how long,” he said.
“We’re trying to do our best to maintain as many services for people as possible,” Townsend, Athol Salvation Army commanding officer, said. “People can’t come in to the food pantry right now, but we’re putting pre-bagged groceries out for those who want/need them.”
She said the Salvation Army in Athol doesn’t provide daily meals but offers a congregate meal on Tuesday night’s that has been canceled until further notice.
“Typically, people would come into our food pantry, which was open Tuesday through Friday from 9 to noon, and we had all of the food so that they could choose what they wanted. Now, We’re open Tuesday and Friday from 9 to noon, and we give them pre-packaged bags of groceries.”
Like Peabody, Townsend said no one but staff and volunteers – she has one part-time staff and a half-dozen volunteers – are allowed into the building.
“We’re all following the CDC’s and DPH’s guidelines with social distancing and such,” she said. “Our work areas are spaced and we all wear gloves and masks.”
Townsend, who had actually retired and was called back to serve late last year, said everyone is being smart, careful and taking care of themselves, while taking care of others.
“We provided breakfast, lunch and dinner with the YMCA last week,” she said. “We are also working with other agencies to make sure we identify shut-ins and others who need our help. We’ll be delivering food to those people, leaving boxes outside their front doors.”
She said she is not accepting new volunteers at this point, because the crew she has now seems to be keeping up with the needs of the community.
“Everyone has a heart for this community,” Townsend said. “Everyone is stepping forward. The community is coming together. It’s great to see.”
Townsend said people can also pick up some groceries on Tuesday nights while picking up their hot meal. She said the Athol Salvation Army doesn’t have a thrift store.
“We just want to try and maintain some sort of normalcy,” she said.
Reach Anita Fritz at 413-772-0261, ext. 5269, or afritz@recorder.com.