June 04, 2020

Substantial gift will provide relief and support for hundreds in need

JOLIET, ILLINOIS – The Salvation Army of Joliet has received a donation of nearly $27,000 from Bolingbrook-based G&W Electric through a mix of employee donations and a company match. The donation will be used to provide food and financial assistance for rent and utilities to those seeking support at the Joliet Corps Community Center.

"At G&W Electric, we have a strong passion to support our local communities throughout Will County and continue to find news way to show our support," said Kellie DePooter, Manager of Global Marketing for G&W Electric. "This opportunity with the Joliet Salvation Army allowed our employees to show their big hearts and eagerness to help in these trying times of Covid-19."

G&W Electric has also supported the Army's Angel Tree program which provides gifts and toys for children whose families are not able to afford them.

"It is important for our company, employees, and family members to be a part of an organization that supports our local communities. It means so much to all of us at G&W Electric to see the positive impact our efforts bring to so many throughout the Will County area," DePooter said.

"We are so grateful to G&W Electric, and its Chairman and CEO, John Mueller, for this amazing donation," said Captain Wendy Faundez. She and her husband, Captain Dan, are officers at the Joliet Corps Community Center. "This donation means we can provide rent or utility assistance to at least an additional 20 households or food assistance to more than 50 households."

The Salvation Army has seen a dramatic increase in requests for assistance in the Joliet area. They serve an average of 300 households every week – an increase of 500%. Part of the reason for the increase, Captain Wendy said, is many of the other food pantries in the area have closed. The Salvation Army pantry also provides meat, dairy, and fresh produce on a regular basis.

"People start lining up 90 minutes early," said Captain Dan. "By the time we open the pantry, the line is at least three blocks long." Captain Dan and Salvation Army volunteers visit each car to get basic information and spend time getting to know those who are looking for assistance. "We're able to have great conversations with people – people who never had to ask for help before. They know we are here, and they won't forget the help they received."

Since the start of pandemic, The Salvation Army of Joliet has provided:

• Groceries to 1,689 families (nearly 6,300 people)
• Emergency financial assistance to more than 30 families
• Household goods and cleaning products for nearly 300 families

For information on emergency services during the COVID-19 crisis, or partnering  with The Salvation Army to help neighbors in need, visit www.jolietsalvationarmy.org or call 815.726.4834.

About The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division:

As one of the largest direct providers of social services, The Salvation Army operates 29 corps community centers, as well as other facilities in neighborhoods across the Chicago Metropolitan Division, spanning from Rockford to Northwest Indiana. The organization offers shelter referral, homelessness prevention, food pantry and meals, alcohol and drug rehabilitation services, disaster relief services, after-school programs, recreational activities, music education and more. For more information, visit: www.SalArmyChicago.org.