Pilgrim’s Donates 60 Pallets of Chicken to Lufkin Salvation Army

Pilgrim's in Lufkin has stepped forward to donate 60 pallets of chicken to the Salvation Army which will be distributed to those in need on Friday afternoon, August 21. This contribution will immediately help support families and individuals in the community during this challenging time.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in heightened need as schools and businesses have closed and social distancing recommendations are in place. Those in our community, some who have never before needed assistance, are coming to The Salvation Army for help having being furloughed, hours cut, or suffering lay offs. Receiving donations and financial support from individuals, businesses, and community foundations is essential to the success of responding to this growing need.

“We are humbled to partner with The Salvation Army of Lufkin to provide quality chicken to those in our community who need it,” said Arturo Fernandez, Pilgrim’s Lufkin Human Resources Manager. “This has been a difficult few months for us all, but we are committed to doing all we can to support our neighbors.”

The distribution will take place Friday afternoon from 4-7 PM at the Pitser Garrison Civic Center located on the North Loop 287 in Lufkin.  The drive through giveaway will start on the east side parking lot (closest to Holmes Smokehouse), then vehicles will be directed behind the Expo Center to exit out by Ellen Trout Zoo.  All activities will be conducted while conforming to social distancing and masked standards.

The Salvation Army has seen a monumental increase of those in need since the beginning of the Spring. The organization's Community Feeding Program has been busy trying to keep up with that demand.

“We are so grateful for the generous donation from Pilgrim’s,” said Captain Cavon Phillips, Commanding Officer of The Salvation Army in Lufkin. “Their support means that The Salvation Army can continue to provide assistance and support to those who come to us for help. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with many challenges, like nothing we have experienced before. I am confident that The Salvation Army, with the help of our giving and compassionate community, will rise to the challenge and meet the growing need of the individuals and families we serve.”

The rapid increase in requests received for assistance is daunting, particularly due to the extremely contagious nature of the virus, which has caused the postponement or cancellation of numerous Salvation Army fundraising events. Public support is essential, maybe more so now than anytime in recent history.

Lufkin's Salvation Army is currently hosting an online auction and banquet.  Please take a look at some of the items that you can bid on while at the same time supporting them.