The Salvation Army at 3013 E. 9th St. provides hot meals from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and sacked lunches on Fridays. Photos by Bryan Stalder.

By Paul Thompson
Northeast News

Salvation Army locations in Kansas City are staying vigilant in the war against the summer heat wave.

On the morning of Thursday, June 28, the non-profit organization set up at 18th and The Paseo to distribute 607 electric fans to needy Kansas Citians. Though the event was scheduled to last three hours, the supply of fans were distributed to eager recipients in two and a half.

Those who missed the June 28 giveaway can inquire within their local Salvation Army locations, which have all received additional fans to pass out to clients. For Northeast residents, the closest location is at 9th and Bellefontaine, which (as of June 28) still has dozens of box fans left to distribute.

Stacks of box fans at the Salvation Army location at 3013 E. 9th St.

Residents interested in the fans must be able to provide proof of residency within the Salvation Army’s social services zip code boundaries: 64101, 64102, 64105, 64106, 64108, 64120, 64123, 64124, 64127, and 64128. Additionally, recipients must provide two valid forms of identification, and must not have received a fan from any Salvation Army location in the past three years.

“You can always count on the Salvation Army during these heat advisories,” said Major David Harvey, Divisional Commander for Kansas and Western Missouri.

The fan distribution is just one facet of the Salvation Army’s plan to combat this summer’s soaring temperatures. All Salvation Army locations are open as cooling centers from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. during heat advisories, during which the general public is invited to spend time indoors to hydrate and take advantage of the air conditioning.

“They are welcome to come in and just sit and enjoy the cool air,” said Melva Boulais, Assistant Director at the 9th and Bellefontaine location.

At the Salvation Army’s 9th and Bellefontaine location, a meal is served daily between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. From Monday through Thursday, attendees are served a hot meal on site; on Friday, a sacked lunch is provided.

Salvation Army also provides programming opportunities for its clients. A computer room is open from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, and is available for those who want help seeking employment opportunities. Community Service Director Jonathan Salomon has also kick-started youth programming since he arrived at the location in March of 2018. That includes an open gym on Tuesday’s from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for children 16 and under.

In addition, the 9th and Bellefontaine location will host a free youth summer camp for ages 6-11, beginning on Monday, July 16. The camp will run from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. between July 16-19, and then return at the same times from July 23-26. Anyone interested in registering their child is encourage to call (816) 215-7944 or visit the organization’s website at salvationarmykc.com.