Owensboro’s Salvation Army has helped create “A Light in the Dark Winter,” an initiative to fight the social isolation brought on by the pandemic. In addition to delivering a hot meal to local senior communities, volunteers are simply spending time with those who may be lonely.
Aaron Abram, captain of Owensboro’s branch, said they collaborated with other Salvation Army officers and employees in Kentucky and Tennessee. He said isolation is especially problematic in the winter months when people are already prone to being affected by seasonal changes.
“What experts are finding is that people are increasingly lonely and one of the best ways to fight loneliness is by having something to look forward to,” he said.
Abram said that seniors are the most vulnerable to COVID-19 and, as a result, many have been staying in their nursing homes, unable to accept visitors.
“For them, social isolation is greater,” he said.
Abram said more important than the meal they’ll be delivering is the recipients’ anticipation of this event — and the smile and listening ear of those who bring the food.
Their first outing was Thursday night at Sisson Manor and the first floor of One Park Place. The Army delivered chili, Fritos and a Bible.
“People were very excited to see us and appreciative for the meal,” he said. “Many were surprised we would do something like this — that was free — and that we would be coming back again.”
The local Salvation Army teams spent several minutes visiting with residents in each nursing home.
“Some lasted extra long as it was evident that some just needed someone to share it with,” Abram said.
Abram said they are seeking donors to help support this ministry as well as their overall feeding ministry, which has grown over the past few years and especially since the pandemic began. Their goal is to have 100 donors give $100 to raise $10,000 for their food ministry and pantry programs.
In the last week of the meal delivery, each nursing home recipient will receive a Salvation Army keepsake soup bowl, which Abram and his team hope will bring fond memories of visits during this 10-week period.
Donors and recipients will each receive a battery-operated window candle, and Abrams said he hopes that each donor will be reminded of the impact made to the program.
“For us, when we drive around town and see the lights, we know that it is either someone who gave light or received light in the midst of this dark winter,” Abram said.
Donations can be made at salvationarmyowensboro.org.
