Wednesday marked The Salvation Army of Albert Lea’s one-year anniversary of serving hot meals to the community of Freeborn County. With more than 5,000 meals and counting, this program has shown its commitment of bringing Freeborn County together.

This work has been done by collaborative effort of many dedicated volunteers who have stepped forward to bring food and joyful fellowship. Trudi Hang and Ken Delano have been pioneers in this effort and continue to be part of the growing army of volunteers.

The community meal began with the intention of serving meals one day a week with the potential of serving 40 meals. To the surprise of Capt. Lee Brickson, the meal site has served on the average more than 75 meals a day. The outcry prompted Zion Lutheran Church to step up and staff another opportunity for the community,

Our Daily Bread serves meals on Tuesday from 5 to 6 p.m. and Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. These meals are served at The Albert Lea Citadel Corps located at 302 Court St., Albert Lea. As the need increases and the volunteers abound there are plans on facilitating more hot meal opportunities.

The Salvation Army of Albert Lea has not started this lunch meal site specifically for homeless or the needy but for the community as a whole. Anyone wishing to come for friendship and a hot meal is welcome.

The mission statement of The Salvation Army is in part “to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs without discrimination.” The Salvation Army will continue to “Meet the Un-met Need.”

For more information, call The Salvation Army at 373-5710.