AUGUSTA, Ga. () – The Salvation Army of Augusta and Southbound Smokehouse in North Augusta are partnering together to support Center of Hope soup kitchen.

They are asking for shelf stable items to give to the people and community at the Center of Hope.

The Salvation Army of Augusta is averaging around 150 meals everyday which is over 45,000 home cooked meals this year.

I spoke with an official at the Salvation Army who says they would not be able to help people in this way without the community around them.

“We’re really grateful to folks who do donate not only their goods but also their money and their time, it’s a great way to give back to people who are struggling and in need,” said Janelys Villalta, Marketing and Public Relations Manager for the Salvation Army of Augusta.

The monthly drives are a way for the community to see what the needs are at the Center of Hope as well as helping them stock the shelter.

Villalta says you never know who you’re helping when you donate food, time or your own money.

“Right now is a difficult time for a lot of families who are maybe just one paycheck away from homelessness and I’d really like to encourage people who have extra food in their pantries to just clean them out or if you’re on Amazon, we make it really simple, we have a wish list there and just check out a couple food items and it ships directly to the shelter,” said Villalta.

I spoke with a manager at Southbound Smokehouse in North Augusta who says when the Salvation Army asked to partner with them, they were happy to help another organization in our community.

“We’re really happy when small businesses come together, it’s really nice to have that community pride, we love when people ask us to help out and we’re right there for it,” said Tiffany White, Front of House Manager at Southbound Smokehouse North Augusta.

If you wish to learn more about the September food drive you can find the link here.