Fill the Pantry, Feed the Community: The Salvation Army of Syracuse Launches Urgent Campaign Amid Rising Need
The Salvation Army of Syracuse is launching an urgent community campaign to help fill the shelves of its Food Pantry as demand for assistance has reached unprecedented levels in recent weeks.
The pantry has seen a significant increase in first-time visitors—a clear sign that more families are struggling to put food on the table. Over the last 4 weeks, we have served 67 new families (178 new individuals). We anticipate this number will continue to increase.
“Our mission has always been to meet human needs without discrimination,” said Allison Brooks, Director of Emergency Services of The Salvation Army, Syracuse Food Pantry. “Right now, that means ensuring no one in our community goes hungry. With the surge in food insecurity and the uncertainty of SNAP benefits, which so many of our neighbors rely on, our shelves are emptying faster than we can restock them. We need the community’s help.”
The Fill the Pantry initiative invites individuals, businesses, schools, and community organizations to contribute by:
· Donating non-perishable food items such as canned meats, soups, vegetables, rice, peanut butter, and pasta.
· Making financial donations to help purchase fresh produce and essential supplies.
Donations can be dropped off at 100 Linden Street. Monetary gifts can be made online here: Donate to Fill the Pantry, Feed the Community
Volunteers Needed to Remember, Honor, Teach about our community’s heroes.
Local Wreaths Across America Event Planned for December 13, 2025, at 9 a.m. Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery 4069 Howlett Hill Road, Syracuse, NY 13215
Syracuse, NY. 11/01/2025 — Local Wreaths Across America volunteers are working hard to ensure that the thousands of veterans laid to rest at the Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery are honored this December as part of National Wreaths Across America Day.
“Every $17 sponsorship made is a meaningful gift from a grateful American who knows what it means to serve and sacrifice for the freedoms we all enjoy,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. “We are so grateful to the good people of this wonderful community for participating in our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach.” The deadline to sponsor a wreath is December 1, 2025.
Last year, ceremonies were held across the country at 4,909 participating locations, placing more than 3 million sponsored veterans’ wreaths for servicemembers laid to rest. This year Wreaths Across America Day will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 9 am at the Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 4069 Howlett Hill Road, Syracuse, NY 13215. Wreath removal is scheduled for 1/31/2026 at 9:00 am.
The goal: place a live, balsam veteran’s wreath at the headstone of every service member to Remember their sacrifice, Honor their service, and Teach the next generation about the value of freedom. For more information, to donate or to sign up to volunteer, please visit https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/28472/overview or contact:
Local Coordinator: Ellen M. McCauley, NYSFFH – Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery Wreaths Across America 315-447-4676 elmccauley625@gmail.com
Volunteer at the Council Service Center
As we continue to serve more youth and families across Central and Northern New York, we are seeking volunteers to help staff the front desk at the Longhouse Council Service Center. This important role supports our mission by providing a warm welcome, answering basic questions, assisting with program needs, and helping create a positive first impression for everyone who visits or calls.
We Are Looking For Volunteers Who Can:
- Greet visitors and families with a Scout-like spirit
- Answer phone calls and direct inquiries
- Assist with simple administrative or customer service tasks
- Support council office staff as needed
Shifts Available:
- Weekdays between 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturdays between 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- (We can accommodate half-day shifts or even a few hours — whatever fits your schedule!)
This is a wonderful opportunity for Scouters, alumni, retirees, and anyone who loves helping and wants to give back in a visible, meaningful way. Training and support will be provided — you bring the friendly smile and Scout spirit!
If you’re interested or would like more information, please reply to this email or contact us at:
edwin.theetge@scouting.org
315-463-0201
