Warming the Hearts and Homes of the Community
When we think about the Pacific Northwest, the beautiful forests, coastlines and natural lands are typically the first things that to come to mind.
But there’s another side to the beauty – the cold, sometimes harsh winters that come with the landscape. For many of us, a chilly night simply means we crank up the heat, or toss more wood into the furnace.
Unfortunately, many people do not have these options and struggle to find the means to heat their homes. The elderly woman away from the center of town, the man in a wheelchair who is unable to cut his own wood – each is faced with the difficult question, “how will I keep warm tonight?”
The Salvation Army in Coos Bay, Oregon, and its community have found a way to help – they’ve established a firewood delivery service.
“God was saying, ‘you just were shown the need, and here’s a way to fill it,’” Lieutenant Kevin Pope of the Coos Bay Salvation Army Corps explained.
The delivery program started about four years ago to bring firewood to low-income seniors and disabled individuals in the community. In a town of just 16,000 people, Lieutenant Pope said it’s eye-opening visiting these homes and seeing firsthand the dire need for these services.
“There were times I had people come in for firewood that would say they were about ready to burn their kitchen table, because it was wood, and they needed heat,” Pope said.
For the recipients, this firewood means another night of warmth – something that they may not receive otherwise. One recipient – a petite elderly woman sporting a teal winter coat, white woolen cap and a beaded necklace tied neatly in a knot – said she was especially grateful for the materials she received.
Today, the firewood delivery is an “all hands on deck” program for Coos Bay. The Salvation Army works with the city, the Fire Department, Kiwanis and the Boy Scouts to make this all possible. It starts with a stockpile of wooden logs from the city. Then, Lieutenant Pope contacts the Fire Department, who sends volunteers over to cut the wood. After, the Kiwanis group sends their members out to help with the delivery.
“At the end of the day we’re all doing something great for the community,” Dan Crutchfield, Battalion Chief for the Coos Bay Fire Development, said.
Meeting all of the needs is not always easy, but Lieutenant Pope said he has faith that the program will remain strong in the community.
“Even though it might get tough, God has called the work of the Salvation Army to continue here in Coos Bay,” Pope said.
To help fill the need in your community, click the button below.