COLORADO SPRINGS — It is crunch time for The Salvation Army in Colorado Springs. It is two weeks out to Thanksgiving and they are in action because they feed thousands who otherwise may not get a thanksgiving meal. This year COVID-19 had to be considered.
"We still want to provide the service because it's for the homeless population and their need has not changed,” said Captain Doug Hanson who leads The Salvation Army locally.
The pandemic means extra planning and extra work.
“We're are having to modify a lot," Hanson said. There is a larger supply of carry-out boxes in reserve to accommodate more pick-up and delivery. "We do have in-person dining, but we're following it like all restaurants are doing with the social distance, about half as many people will be allowed in at a time.”
A temperature check and mask are required Care and Share Food Bank is providing 250 turkeys. Fort Carson troops are once again doing the cooking. Pie donations a day or two before Thanksgiving will be needed. Because of food service regulations, they have to come from a store.
"We still do need volunteers," Hanson says anyone interested can call or check for options on-line. Severs, clean-up crews, and delivery people are all needed. He says delivery is a good option for people who may want offer service while avoiding crowds because of the pandemic.
