GREENFIELD – For the last century, one nonprofit has continuously served as a community meal sight for the people of Franklin County. 

When The Salvation Army first started in 1865, “two of its three foundational points were soup and soap — providing food and the ability for folks in London and England who didn’t have access to showers,” said Lt. Paul Leslie, who oversees operations at The Salvation Army’s Greenfield location. “… Those are two primary areas we’re still meeting the needs of in Greenfield. We’re able to help individuals build a stronger foundation for themselves and their families.”

The Salvation Army in Greenfield first opened its doors to the public on April 22, 1923 at 178 Conway St. Since then, it has occupied several locations across the community. Today, it operates out of 72 Chapman St., offering breakfast and lunch programs, shower and laundry services as well as social services, youth and music programs and a church. 

“I’m definitely really honored to be serving here during this time,” said Leslie, who took over the helm with his wife, Emily Leslie, in Aug. 2020. “I certainly recognize it wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the support of a number of businesses and individuals over the years to help meet the needs of the community.” 

To commemorate the nonprofit’s 100th anniversary, The Salvation Army will host a “Fill the Plate” Centennial Celebration Dinner on April 14 at 5:30 p.m. at its location at 73 Chapman St. 

As part of the celebration, longtime supporter Craig White will receive the inaugural Dick Kimball Award for fighting food insecurity in the community. The award was created in honor of Richard P. “Dick” Kimball, a former longtime chairman of The Salvation Army of Greenfield’s Advisory Board. Over the past decade, White has donated more than 21,000 meals through his local business Hillside Pizza. 

“We’re touched to be thought of in his way,” said Amy White, speaking on behalf of her husband, Craig. “We love our community; our hearts hurt for people in need.”

White commended The Salvation Army’s “legacy of helping folks.”

“A day at a time, into a week, into a year, into a century of service,” she said. “To be associated with that in any way— what an honor.”

Each month, The Salvation Army on Chapman Street serves approximately 800 meals, and the needs of local residents increased during the pandemic, according to Leslie.

“Obviously there were modifications to the way we were serving,” Leslie said. “We’re not back to a point where our operational model is back to what it looked like before the pandemic.”

Looking forward, Leslie said the organization is planning to review its Comprehensive Emergency Assistance Program. 

“Our goal is, by the fall, to be able to initiate this more robust plan to serve the community— (by) taking from best practices and making … things more accessible, and bringing in more resources and referrals to meet the additional needs of folks we don’t currently have under our umbrella,” Leslie said. “A big portion of that will be utilizing the referral system that’s existing in Franklin County with other agencies we collaborate with already.”

Proceeds from the centennial celebration in April will support the meal programs offered by the nonprofit. 

“Together we’ve made a lasting impact by transforming the lives of thousands of individuals, children and families,” Leslie said. “As a result, The Salvation Army has continued to be a steadfast sign of hope for our Franklin County neighbors.”

Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.

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