By JEFFREY SMITH
Leader staff writer
The Jacksonville Salvation Army is having a spaghetti-lunch fundraiser Thursday.
The lunch is $7.50 per plate and consists of spaghetti, salad, bread and a dessert donated by local businesses.
Orders will be taken until Monday by calling 501-985-1331.
Lunches of five or more can be delivered to local businesses in Jacksonville, Cabot and Sherwood from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Salvation Army will deliver lunches to North Little Rock or Little Rock if a business orders more than 25 meals.
Lesser amounts can be picked up at the Salvation Army on 209 S. Oak St.
“This is the first spaghetti lunch. Depending on how successful it is, we may make it a regular thing. We are doing this now because we are financially strapped during the summer,” Maj. Diane Johnson said. Fewer donations are received for the food pantry during the summer because people are away on vacation.
The Jacksonville Salvation Army offers a food pantry to residents of Jacksonville, Lonoke and White counties. It is open 9 a.m. to noon Mondays through Fridays.
She said most of the 30 to 60 people visiting the pantry each month are first timers who are seeking help due to the economy.
The Jacksonville Salvation Army has a small selection of clothing. If someone is needing furniture or household items, the Jacksonville Salvation Army will give out vouchers for goods at the Salvation Army thrift store on 4027 E. Kiehl Ave., in Sherwood.
The Jacksonville Salvation Army does more than assist people in need. It has character-building programs for youngsters ranging from 4 to 18 years old held on Monday nights. During the summer, the Salvation Army holds a camp for boys and girls twice a week for a few hours during the day. The youths work on service projects, go swimming, visit museums and other fun things, Johnson said.
The Salvation Army also has a chorus and a bell choir. Johnson said it would be a dream to someday have a brass band, but musical instruments are needed.
Non-denominational church worship services are held 11 a.m. on Sundays with Sunday school at 10 a.m. Bible studies are held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
“Anyone is invited if they don’t have a church of their own,” Johnson said.
