Ninety-year celebration in International Falls
In February 1926, The Salvation Army opened in International Falls. Please join us on Saturday as we celebrate our 90th year. An open house is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and everybody is welcome. It will give you a chance to meet our employees as well as our volunteers who help to make possible everything we do. You’ll be able to tour our facility, enjoy crafts and even participate in the inaugural BBQ cook off. There is an entry fee and you must be registered for the BBQ competition. Additionally, a hot dog lunch will be available with a $3 donation.
Each dollar raised and every food item donated The Salvation Army stays here in the area of Koochiching County. This includes communities like International Falls, Northome, Little Fork, and Big Falls.
People in the community can take advantage of the number of food services we provide. They can attend the annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner thanks to the help of the Elks and Super One grocery. Last year, The Salvation Army served a total of 540 people. This year, the Evangelical Covenant Church hosted the Outdoor Expo and helped raise more than $1,200 and more than 1,100 pounds of food, all of which stayed here to help people in Koochiching County. Just last year we were able to give out 14,660 pounds of food to families who struggled to get by.
The Salvation Army is a place to come when all other avenues have been exhausted. The Salvation Army works closely with other social service providers in Koochiching County like Kootasca, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Falls Hunger Coalition, AEOA, and Ruby’s Pantry to ensure that those who come in for help are getting the best services possible in their time in need.
In 2015, The Salvation Army in International Falls helped with nearly $15,000 in rental assistance and another $11,500 in utility assistance. So far this year, 142 people have been helped, 41 who are new to us. We have given out nearly 3,300 pounds of food, nearly $1900 in rental assistance and more than $1,600 in utility assistance.