Salvation Army food pantry better stocked than usual after holidays

Typically, at this time of year, The Salvation Army food pantry, the only regular food pantry in Wrangell, is running low on items coming out of the holiday crush.

Last year, the food pantry gave out 130 baskets for Thanksgiving and 200 for Christmas. Often, that leaves the pantry with fewer offerings for people in need immediately after the holidays. This year is different.

Capt. Chase Tomberlin-Green explained The Salvation Army received loads of donations following November’s landslide — and they are still well stocked.

Donations came from neighbors and members of the Wrangell community. In addition, The Salvation Army received a large donation from the Southeast Alaska Food Bank in Juneau, according to Tomberlin-Green.

Thanks to this large donation from out of town, the pantry is well equipped at a time of year when it is typically running low.

Tomberlin-Green is grateful for that donation, even though he understands the circumstances behind it.

“It’s a little scary, without that donation we wouldn’t be so plentiful now,” he said.

Even though the pantry is currently well stocked, he strongly emphasized the continued need for donations.

Tomberlin-Green said he’s noticing the need for nutritious food and hygiene products perhaps more than ever in Wrangell due to the rising cost of living.

People have come to the food pantry saying they’ve cut back on their eating because they simply cannot afford groceries or that their baby has run out of diapers and they don’t have money to buy more, the captain said.

That’s where the church comes in.

“The mission of The Salvation Army is to meet human needs without discrimination. We’re here to love others with everything we’ve got,” Tomberlin-Green said.

Specifically, the pantry needs razors, diapers, wipes, women’s hygiene products and shampoo, as well as foods like rice, cereals, oatmeal, pancake mixes, canned goods and soy sauce.

Anyone can drop off donations from Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. at 611 Zimovia Highway.

The Salvation Army has open-distribution hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday, when anyone can come pick up items from the pantry.

Tomberlin-Green said people in need who cannot come by during the open hours can call 907-874-3753 and they’ll find a way to help.