ADRIAN — Recent renovations at the Salvation Army, located at 217 W. Church St. in Adrian, have improved the organization’s ability to serve people in need in the community.

The renovations, which were completed this summer, were largely paid for using $374,000 in federal funds through the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act. They include:

• An ADA-accessible entrance in front of the building, where previously the only ramp was located in the back. In addition, the front entrance has been widened and the doors can now open with a button.
• Renovations to the food pantry, including replacing the old carpet with vinyl flooring, replacing the old work tables with sturdier ones, and replacing the old shelves, which couldn’t hold very much, with steel shelves that can hold thousands of pounds of food.
• Replacing the windows in the front of the building, which were old and drafty, with energy-efficient, double-insulated windows.

In addition to renovating the building, the Salvation Army was able to replace its old box truck, which was barely in working order, with a new one that includes a working lift. This is used for food pickup to keep the pantry stocked.

The changes have significantly improved the Salvation Army’s ability to help people in need of food assistance and meet a growing need in the area.

The organization provides to-go meals every Monday and Wednesday evening, and has recently been serving about 150 people every time. Bags of food from the pantry go out twice a week, to about 20 families every time. And the Salvation Army’s fresh food distribution program, which provides produce and other fresh foods, serves about 175 people twice a month.

Operations at the food pantry are funded by the Salvation Army thrift store next door at 247 W. Church St., noted Laura Lunnam, who serves as captain along with her husband, Curtis.

The Lenawee County corps of the Salvation Army has been operating since 1896.

The Salvation Army is currently getting ready for its annual red kettle campaign, which will offer a “Tap to Give” option where people can donate by tapping their debit card or their phone at the kettle stand if they aren’t carrying cash. Anyone interested in being a bell ringer can go to RegisterToRing.com.