GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – The Salvation Army of Greater Green Bay needs somewhere to go this Christmas and they’re now turning to the public for help.
For years, the organizations annual Christmas Distribution Event has typically been held at Shopko Hall.
“Recently Shopko Hall is no longer with us,” explains Major Matt O’Neil with the Greater Green Bay Salvation Army. “It’s no longer an option.”
He says the venue’s demolition has put them in a tough spot as they are now searching for another location that can host the event.
“The Salvation Army Christmas distribution is a major part of what we do locally to ensure that members of our community receive assistance when they need it,” says O’Neil. “We are looking for a community partner that is interested in helping us with the space needed to execute distribution so we can provide a brighter Christmas for those in need.”
The event takes place the week of December 16 and only lasts a few days.
“We’re looking just to partner with someone just for those few days,” says O’Neil. “We’d hate to get into a month of rent or anything like that.”
According to organization leaders, finding a new location without breaking the bank is a major priority for them.
“Free or donated versus maybe a light rent for those few days is a very big must,” says O’Neil.
The goal of the program is to make a number of resources available for those that are less fortunate around the holiday season.
“Food boxes and toys and some clothing, things like that,” he explains. “For those in need at Christmas.”
Each year the Salvation Army partners with the Marines’ Toys for Tots program and the Friends of the Brown County Library’s Give a Kid a Book Campaign to make the event possible.
With a number of different local agencies converging on one space, it makes their need for ample room paramount.
“Basically 20,000 to 40,000 square feet, that’s what Shopko [Hall] was,” he says. “It has to have electricity, bathrooms, heat, those types of things, parking.”
Additionally, they are hoping to find a venue that has loading dock access in order to make the process of getting materials inside and out all the more easier.
Please contact Salvation Army Property Director Steve Jandt at (920) 593-2373 if you have a space to offer.
