Thursday afternoon temperatures in Lubbock dropped below 30 degrees so volunteers at the Salvation Army loaded up the canteen and hit the streets.
Volunteers handed out blankets and warm clothing along with ravioli and hot chocolate to Lubbock’s needy.
“A lot of times people can’t really get help if they are hungry,” Captain Robert Parker said. “And so really that is a common denominator in all of our programs and services, is making sure that people are fed.”
The canteen served more than 25 people. Many people in line were elderly, disabled and one couple had a small child. Many commented they were hungry. Most said they needed gloves to keep warm.
“It’s just so dangerous when it gets down to this temperature,” Captain Parker said. “It’s really not just a matter of being uncomfortable but it’s a matter of life and death.”
Captain Parker said sometimes Lubbock’s needy are not always easy to find. He said they have some usual spots the canteen will check out and some nights they freelance, or roam the streets until they find someone that needs their help.
“We try to get a pulse from the community, from people that we serve on a regular basis,” Captain Parker said. “It changes so often where people congregate. Just try to find out where the most people are.”
The canteen is filled with goods purchased with money donated to the Salvation Army through the Red Kettle Campaign.
