The Salvation Army helps family of nine cope with COVID-19
The Salvation Army is here to help all people affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Donate now.
That includes people like Shakita (pictured) of North Minneapolis. Prior to COVID-19, Shakita had been working 60 hours per week to support her disabled husband and seven kids. She worked two jobs – one at a dollar store, the other as a personal care attendant (PCA).
Due to social distancing restrictions, Shakita temporarily lost her PCA job. She is still able to work at the dollar store, but losing her other job has been a difficult financial blow.
Thanks to your generosity, The Salvation Army has been able to help Shakita and her family. Staff from the North Minneapolis Salvation Army have stopped by Shakita’s home to deliver food, encouragement, and even a new bike for her son (pictured).
In addition, The Salvation Army has been providing Shakita’s family with spiritual support, including electronic and hard-copy Bible studies and activities.
Shakita is a strong woman who believes that The Salvation Army is an extension of her faith in God.
“If you trust God and you depend on him, He’s going to provide,” said Shakita, who attends church at the North Minneapolis Salvation Army. “God is the reason I’m standing, and He is the reason I work as hard as I do. He gives me all the strength I need.”
Shakita herself is a beautiful example of what it means to give selflessly. Prior to the COVID-19 quarantine, she regularly opened up her home to individuals and small families with no place to go, allowing them to stay for months at a time. One recent family was a single mother of three kids; she stayed with Shakita’s family long enough to save up money for a place of her own.
“If you want to help somebody, it has to be from the kindness of your own heart,” Shakita said. “It’s about doing the best you can for God’s people.”
Majors Robert and Paula Pyle (pictured), leaders of the North Minneapolis Salvation Army, are working tirelessly to support Shakita and countless other people like her. Their work is made possible by the loving generosity of Salvation Army donors and volunteers.
“We are thankful for the opportunity to serve our community, and we are grateful to the people who support our work,” Major Paula said.
Please join The Salvation Army in serving those affected by the COVID-19 crisis by giving a donation or signing up to volunteer. Your help will provide emergency assistance and hope for people and families in desperate need.
If you are feeling lonely, fearful or hopeless due to the COVID-19 crisis, call our Emotional and Spiritual Care Hotline at 877-220-4195 anytime between 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Central Time. Trained Salvation Army officers, employees and volunteers will be available to talk, listen to you, and pray for you.