Let us not pass judgement

So many worthy nonprofits within our community would appreciate you checking them out and seeing what they do and who/what they do it for. But now, I am talking about the Salvation Army of Dyer County. We are the only nonprofit organization in Northwest Tennessee that provides hot, nutritious, well-thought-out meals, is 100% volunteer-run, and mainly comprises U.S. military Veterans.

Join us for a day, starting at 5 am or 9 am, Monday through Thursday, until 1:00 pm. Come with an open heart and mind. Despite any negative perceptions you may have heard, I encourage you to spend some time with us and form your own perspective. Volunteering with us can be a life-changing experience, offering personal growth and a profound sense of fulfillment.

We are not just meals but we offer utility assistance, food boxes, clothing, and we are a referral agency. If we can't assist you we will do our best to refer you to another agency who may be able to.

Today, I received a call from a person who needed volunteer hours. Great! Yes! We can find a place with us for you to serve!! Whew, I had a moment there! People do not just ask to help us by volunteering, so this was huge! The happiness I felt was short-lived; there was a but, "But, I do not want to be around "those people who come to eat "… There it was….. I wanted to scream! Being hungry, poor and hungry, homeless and hungry, regardless of the reason, is not contagious!

I ask you to spend time with us. It is unpaid, challenging, tiring, and so, SO frustrating but also very rewarding. Each day, I interact with some of the most incredible people! A grandfather who took in 6 grandchildren when it was needed, what a beautiful person! An almost pro baller had it not been for an injury, would have just been SOMETHING for Tennessee. Many who work hard at local factories receive lunch and can now afford gas to go back and forth to work; yay! The woman whose husband passed away can't make ends meet, but she is trying. I love her! A person who had a horrible injury years ago and is still addicted to pain medications, I hug and pray for them daily without judgement; I do. This is what we are here for!

Our mission at the Salvation Army of Dyer County is to be a sanctuary of acceptance. We believe that everyone we serve, regardless of their circumstances, deserves a meal, a kind word, and a hug or prayer.

Please spend the day with us!

Peace and love,

Lisa Chesney, Director

Salvation Army of Dyer County

Dyercountysa@yahoo.com

731-286-5117