This year, The Salvation Army Grants Pass experienced unprecedented growth, serving nearly 5,000 people, up from just 1,500 last year, a 230% increase.
With families lined up and 122,000 pounds of food distributed, the Corps urgently needed to expand and reorganize its food pantry to meet the demand.
After learning about the need, Mason Smith, whose global platform reaches millions and who has appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show and been honored with a Webby Award, used his influence to uplift the local effort.
What began as a simple introduction soon became an outpouring of nationwide support, with Lowe’s donating 18 industrial shelves. Mason repainted and refreshed the pantry, adding a new accent wall, while his national sponsors, including Tree Top, Olipop, and Lesser Evil, donated snacks and drinks for families
Monetary donations came in to help stock the pantry, and Mason returned days later with a truckload of toys to support four children through Angel Tree.
Captain Yohani, Corps Officer, said that because of what Mason and everyone he inspired did, the Salvation Army Grants Pass pantry is equipped to serve thousands more families.
