JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. – The Salvation Army in Arnold is asking for donations after a fire ignited in the location’s food pantry, causing significant smoke damage.
According to a release from the Salvation Army, the fire broke out around 7 a.m. Wednesday morning after a refrigerator in the food pantry caught fire at the organization’s location in Arnold, located at 3740 Telegraph Road. There were no injuries in the fire, according to the release.
Although the fire began in the food pantry, the entire building has sustained significant smoke damage, the release says. The full extent of damage to the building is currently unknown and the Health Department is set to conduct a full inspection of the fire, according to the release.
Due to the unknown state of the building, Jefferson County’s Salvation Army is asking for donations to help replenish assets lost in the fire. Due to smoke exposure, all food in the pantry will have to be disposed of, and it is yet to be determined whether donated toys stored in the building for the organization’s Angel Tree Toy Town program will be safe to distribute to children in need for the Christmas season.
The organization’s weekly food pantry will not be open Wednesday as it usually is, according to the release. On Thursday, the Salvation Army will move its usual feeding program across the street to the Rock Community Protection District House 5, located at 3749 Telegram Road. The organization’s scheduled food drive on Saturday, Nov. 23, will also be relocated to the firehouse if needed.
If your looking to help, donations can be made online at salarmymidland.org/Arnold.