Ness Joins Local Salvation Army to Celebrate New Canteen

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – State Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Carpentersville, met with local leaders and elected officials Monday to unveil a new Salvation Army Canteen, a critical addition to the organization’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) unit at The Salvation Army Crystal Lake Corps Community Center.

“I’m excited for our local Salvation Army center and their renewed ability to aid and assist hundreds of people facing emergency situations like natural disasters with this new and improved canteen,” said Ness. “This simply couldn’t be possible without the help of some amazing EDS Canteen volunteers, many of whom are retired firefighters from right here in our community.”

State Rep. Suzanne Ness attends the local Salvation Army ribbon cutting Monday.

Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) units, established around the state, rely on a team of local volunteers to support first responders and survivors during Illinois disasters, which frequently include tornadoes, floods and house fires. The new canteen, to be stationed at The Salvation Army Crystal Lake Corps Community Center, will replace a retired 1998 model and act as a mobile "food truck," equipped with ovens, refrigerators, power and water to prepare and provide hundreds to thousands of meals to distressed communities.

“This new canteen is so important to not only help local families, but also to travel miles beyond our immediate borders to assist other communities hit by disaster. Clean water, hot food and a neighbor’s helping hand is truly irreplaceable in these times of need. As a community, we are beyond thankful for these wonderful volunteers,” said Ness.

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