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
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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
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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
The Salvation Army of Syracuse Encourages Community Support This Holiday Season Through Local Giving
As the holiday season approaches, The Salvation Army of Syracuse is calling on the community to help spread joy to families in need. With more families facing both food insecurity and financial strain this year, local support is more important than ever. The organization is launching its annual holiday initiatives, including the Angel Tree program, toy drives, and seasonal volunteer opportunities, to ensure everyone can experience the magic of the holiday season.
Participate in the Angel Tree Program
Community members can select an “angel” from an Angel Tree located at participating retailers and organizations, then shop for the suggested items listed on the tag. Each gift purchased will be distributed at Christmas Bureau on December 17 at the Oncenter. Angel Trees can be found at all 5 Planet Fitness locations in Onondaga County, as well as Walmart locations in Liverpool, East Syracuse, Camillus, and Cicero beginning Monday, November 20.
Organize a Toy Drive
Local businesses, civic groups, churches, and neighborhoods are encouraged to organize toy drives to collect new, unwrapped toys and gifts. Every contribution makes a significant impact. Toy drives are a powerful way to bring people together and extend kindness to families who need extra support this holiday season. All collections can be brought to Community Drop-Off day on Friday, December 12, at the Oncenter. Volunteers will be available from 9am-3pm to receive donations.
Shop the Walmart Angel Tree Gift Registry
For those who prefer to give online, The Salvation Army’s Walmart Gift Registry offers a convenient way to purchase toys and essential items that will be delivered directly to The Salvation Army and then distributed to local families through the Christmas Bureau on December 17. Registry can be found at Angel Tree of Syracuse, NY 2025 | Walmart.com
Making Christmas Brighter for All
All donations from the Angel Tree program, toy drives, and the Walmart registry will be distributed at the annual Christmas Bureau event on December 17, ensuring families receive their gifts in time for the holidays. The Salvation Army relies on community generosity to meet the needs of thousands each Christmas—and every act of kindness matters.
How to Get Involved
For more information on participating in the Angel Tree program, organizing a toy drive, or shopping through the Walmart Gift Registry, please visit sasyr.org
