Salvation Army of Watertown Serves 444 New Clients in 2025
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Salvation Army of Watertown Serves 444 New Clients in 2025

Donate Goods flyer with icons of a bike, toys, couch, shoes, and shirt. Address: 621 4th St. SE, Watertown, SD. Family Thrift logo.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Salvation Army of Watertown served 444 new clients in 2025, driven by the support of 879 volunteers who contributed more than 11,236 hours. Led locally by Corps Officers Captains Dennis and Kelly Jolly, the organization provides holistic emergency assistance and social services to Codington and surrounding counties, including Clark, Deuel, Grant, and Hamlin.


Food Assistance Programs

In 2025, the Watertown branch provided critical nutritional support through multiple ministries:


·        Sandwich Ministry: Served 37,693 meals at a total cost of over $101,455.

·        Meal Programs: Served 15,981 standard meals at an average cost of $3.57 per meal.

·        Food Boxes: Provided 2,309 food boxes, reaching 4,632 people.

·        Specific Schedules: * Community Meals: Served 11:30 am – 12:30 pm every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.


o   Food Pantry: Open Mondays (1:00 pm – 3:00 pm) and Fridays (9:00 am – 11:30 am, except the 4th Friday).

o   Senior Boxes: Minimum age 60; distributed on the 4th Friday of every month from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.


Financial and Social Services

The Salvation Army aids households in managing unexpected life changes and financial burdens:


·        Rental & Lodging Assistance: Provided $12,500 in rental aid for 78 households and $5,607 in lodging assistance for 55 households.

·        Utility Assistance: Helped 89 households with over $15,850 in overdue utility costs.

·        Vouchers: Issued 2,149 items (clothing and household goods) to 140 families for use at their thrift store.

·        Transportation Aid: Assisted 39 households with $824 for essentials like bus tickets or gas for medical appointments.


Seasonal and Holiday Programs

Targeted initiatives provide essentials during specific times of the year:


·        Christmas Assistance: Distributed 5,818 toys and clothing to 599 children across 235 families.

·        Thanksgiving: Provided 424 boxes to over 1,200 individuals.

·        Back 2 School: Served 217 children and 86 families with 3,844 school items.

·        Pathway of Hope: An intensive case management program designed to assist families with children under 18 in breaking the cycle of poverty.

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