Sarnia's Salvation Army is opening its doors to the public to offer a first-hand look at the programs and services it provides throughout the community.
Lieutenant Brad Webster said the Salvation Army has been in the community for 139 years, since June 22, 1884.
Although it started as a Christian Church, the Salvation Army now also includes a food bank, thrift store, and several programs and initiatives.
Webster said they're often asked the same question -- especially during the Christmas season during their red kettle campaign -- what do they do for the community?
"So we actually wanted to open our doors and just invite the community in … just to see what programs we run, how we go about helping the community, just a very open and transparent open house for whosoever," said Webster. "We're going to have our outreach vehicle on-site and we will be serving from that outreach vehicle at no cost so if anybody wants to come in and see how that outreach vehicle works... it goes out on Tuesday and Thursday nights down at Veterans Park."
The gymnasium will also be set up in a way that displays the various programs provided through the Salvation Army, such as rental and utility assistance, medical, and hearing aid programs.
"We all know somebody who may need help sometimes and the Salvation Army is there for that," he said.
Based on past data, the local Salvation Army assisted about 800 families per month. Webster said in April alone, 933 meals were served out of their outreach vehicle.
"We have definitely seen a major increase in our numbers and food bank usage, and [for] our programs," Webster said.
Guided tours will be available during the open house.
The event will be held on Wednesday, May 17, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Salvation Army's office on Confederation Street, between Indian Road and Murphy Road.