ARNOLD, Mo. – There is an urgent call for donations ahead of the holidays after a fire damaged a Salvation Army location in Jefferson County.
Investigators said the blaze originated in a refrigerator around 7 a.m. Wednesday, causing the food pantry to catch fire, resulting in heavy smoke and water damage throughout the building. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Larry Hostetler, director of the Salvation Army in Jefferson County, said the fire will have a tremendous impact on those in need in the area, as an organization known for helping others is now calling on the community for assistance.
“Every time the phone rings, somebody needs help, and we are not answering,” he said. “Where are they going to go? They are coming to us because we are the help!”
Dozens of families had to be turned away Wednesday, including James Shipley’s family.
“It’s going to have a huge impact,” he said. “Sixty families that got turned away today. That’s 60 families who don’t have no food for their next meal.”
Due to smoke exposure, all food in the pantry will have to be disposed of, and hundreds of donated toys stored in the building for the organization’s Angel Tree Toy Town were also damaged.
“It’s the worst time. We are ramping up to help hundreds of people and thousands of individuals with food and toys and other things, while we help with bills and other needs, and all that comes to a halt,” Hostetler said.
Volunteers with the James II Project, which serves meals each week at the Salvation Army location, are trying to figure things out as well.
“It’s unfortunate. We have a huge Thanksgiving meal planned for next Thursday,” Karin Kostich said. “We are hoping to be back in here next week. If not, we will make sure that we relocate. We will do it. It does impact people who are expecting this.”
The Salvation Army is asking for monetary donations to replenish its pantry and provide other critical services to the community.