T-R PHOT0 BY SARA JORDAN-HEINTZ Because of damage sustained at the Salvation ArmyÕs 107 W. State Street headquarters, all services are now being conducted out of its thrift store, 232 N. 13th Street. Pictured are volunteers Jacque Follmer and Danielle Platt helping to sort clothing donations.

Serving folks impacted by the recent tornado is a daunting enough task, but when your offices are also damaged, it can make the mission all the more challenging. But the staff at the Marshalltown Salvation Army hasn’t missed a beat.

Its headquarters, 107 W. State Street, sustained enough damage that it was deemed unsafe in which to offer operate. Last Friday, it moved all its services to its thrift store location, 232 N. 13th Street. Social work services, as well as free food and thrift store supplies, are being offered there for clients. Anyone who needs assistance, whether or not they were affected by the tornado, are encouraged to visit the thrift store, now through Tuesday at 5 p.m.

“We are awaiting clearance from our structural engineer that we can be in our building,” Captain Pam Kasten, corps officer at the Marshalltown Salvation Army said. “Our regular services are being done at the thrift store at least through Tuesday. The Salvation Army will be helping long-term.”

Last week, the Salvation Army sent mobile kitchen units throughout the city, handing out free breakfast and lunch. It also gave out vouchers at the multiple agency resource center (MARC) at the Roundhouse. Now, the food is only being served at the thrift store.

Kasten assumed duties on June 27. Spearheading crisis services just one month on the job has been a complex and rewarding task.

“It’s been a little overwhelming, but I’ve also been pleasantly surprised at the amount of people who want to help their community, and those that are coming from outside,” she said. “I have a good team and there are lots of volunteers. People are just wanting to help their neighbors.”

Volunteer work at the thrift store involves pouring through mounds of donations, sorting them and getting them ready to be offered in the store.

“I just knew that moving trees and all the debris would have been too much for me to do, but I knew I could sort and hang up clothes, and find what people want (in the inventory room),” volunteer Danielle Platt said.

Platt has been volunteering at the Salvation Army the last several days. In addition, she gifted the agency over 100 pounds of zucchini from her home garden.

“With the whole community helping, you know (the recovery process) will go a lot faster,” she said.

The thrift store will be open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for food and casework assistance. Shopping at the thrift store is offered Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, the thrift store may be reached at: 641-752-3084.

——

Contact Sara Jordan-Heintz at 641-753-6611 or sjordan@timesrepublican.com