(Above) Marilyn van Deursen, a family services worker for the Army, receives a call for a food hamper and prayer in Orillia, Ont.

The Salvation Army’s food bank ministry in Orillia, Ont. is offering people requesting a food hamper the chance to pray with a staff member. The operation has transitioned to a hamper model, which allows clients to call in to ask for special items, while ensuring physical distancing guidelines are kept during the COVID-19 outbreak. On average, the ministry is receiving about 15 calls a week, which start with a request and end in a prayer.

“We are so grateful that we can share the love of Jesus Christ with those who are looking for hope in the midst of this chaos,” says Lieutenant Lynnette Trottier, corps officer and community ministries officer, Orillia Citadel. “It is our privilege to walk alongside people and pray with them, so they know that there is someone who cares on the other end of phone.”

With growing demands from the pandemic, the ministry is now serving food hampers to more than 450 individuals per month, which is a significant increase. “We have been blessed to serve our community, and they are so thankful to know that we are here for them, especially during this time,” says Lieutenant Trottier.

The team running the food drive is determined to ensure the people of Orillia are taken care of both physically and spiritually, she notes.

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