AURORA, Ill., July 8, 2020 —Two grants totaling $15,000 are making a significant impact during a time of increased need at the Salvation Army Aurora Corps community center.

The grants are:

• A $10,000 Unmet Needs grant from the Northern Illinois Food Bank in Geneva purchased a pallet jack, carts and shelves for food distribution.
• A $5,000 grant from the COVID-19 Grantmaking Program from the Community Foundation of Fox River Valley will help bring more fruits, vegetables, proteins, and other fresh, nutritious food items to the pantry. Portions of the grant will also be distributed as emergency assistance, such as one-time rent or utility payments, to individuals and families facing financial hardship.

According to Salvation Army officials, the need for food and financial assistance has more than doubled at the Aurora Corps during the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff and volunteers are serving 580 individuals each week at the corps food pantry, compared to 280 individuals weekly prior to mid-March.

“We are so very grateful for these grants,” said Captain Rich Forney of the Salvation Army Aurora Corps. “These grant funds will help us purchase equipment and additional inventory for our food pantry, as we work to keep up with the growing needs and demand of the Aurora community.”

Donations are needed to meet the increase in requests for emergency assistance in the community amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Donations can help a neighbor access food, make rent or keep the lights on. Visit www.SalArmyAurora.org or call (630) 897-7265 to help.

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Al Benson

Freelance Photo-Journalist

Al Benson is an Aurora-based freelance photo-journalist. He is currently an archives research specialist at Aurora University. His work has appeared in The Voice, The Daily Herald, The Beacon-News, and the Chicago Tribune.