Salvation Army distributing food to families in Beaufort
By Bob Sofaly
Brian Atwood carried 50-pound bags of fresh carrots from pallets of fresh fruit and vegetables and other dry goods to about 20 other volunteers who sorted them out into plastic bags to be given away free of of charge to anyone who asked on a hot and muggy Wednesday afternoon, July 13, in the middle of the parking lot of the Salvation Army of the Lowcountry on North Street in Beaufort.
Social Service Director Jennifer Bustamante of the Salvation Army said they had nine pallets of fresh food and assorted dry goods to give away to anyone who needed it regardless of social status, family size or income. She said this was the second of three events the Salvation Army will hold this month.
The food, courtesy of the Lowcountry Food Bank, was given to anyone who showed up with a picture I.D. To date, about 900 people have been served in just two events.
“All walks of life and income levels were served,” Bustamante said.
Some were regular clients. Others just drove up.
“Some rode up on bicycles,” she said. We even had a few homeless people (who) wandered up and picked up a watermelon, then stayed to volunteer.”
Bustamante said traffic on North Street was beginning to back up to Ribaut Road before they had even opened Wednesday. “We had to start early to be safe. It’s been a steady flow of up to four cars at a time all day. We’re trying to do the most good by delivering hope, serving one (person) at a time.”
For more information or to register for the next event scheduled for Wednesday, July 27, call 843-524-3727, Ext. 1.
