YOUTH ASSEMBLE 300+ CARE PACKAGES FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS


YOUTH ASSEMBLE 300+ CARE PACKAGES FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS

After-School Program Creates Winter Warmth Kits to Help Neighbors in Need

 Students in The Salvation Army Freedom Center's after-school program assembled more than 300 care packages for homeless individuals on December 3, demonstrating that compassion and community service know no age limit.

The youth-led service project resulted in hundreds of winter warmth kits filled with essential cold-weather items including hats, gloves, scarves, hand warmers, socks, and lip balm. The packages will be distributed to homeless individuals throughout the Chicago area as temperatures continue to drop.

"Our young people understand that helping others is a responsibility we all share," said Captain Nikki Hughes, Salvation Army Freedom Center Corps Officer. "They worked together with incredible focus and enthusiasm to make sure their neighbors staying outside this winter have some protection from the cold."

The service project is part of the Freedom Center's commitment to teaching youth the importance of civic engagement and community care. By participating in hands-on service activities, students learn valuable lessons about empathy, teamwork, and social responsibility while making a tangible difference in their community.

As Chicago faces another harsh winter, the need for basic cold-weather supplies remains critical for the city's homeless population. The 300+ packages assembled by the Freedom Center youth represent hours of warmth and comfort for some of the community's most vulnerable members.

About The Salvation Army Freedom Center
The Salvation Army Freedom Center serves nearly 25,000 people annually from its West Humboldt Park location in Chicago. The center provides comprehensive support to individuals and families facing challenges including addiction, homelessness, unemployment, and reentry after incarceration. For more information, visit The Salvation Army Freedom Center (Harbor Light Corps)

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food, shelter, eviction prevention assistance, emergency disaster relief, rehabilitation, after-school and summer youth programs, spiritual enrichment, and more, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at over 7,000 centers of operation around the country. For more information, visit SalArmyChicago.org.

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

Secretary of State Giannoulias