The Salvation Army Scranton Citadel Corps. Brought Christmas to Nearly 700 Children

140 Years of Hope in Scranton: A Community Rallies to Feed Families and Carry the Mission Forward

For nearly a century and a half, The Salvation Army Scranton Citadel Corps has stood alongside neighbors in need—responding to hardship with compassion, dignity, and unwavering service. As the organization approaches 140 years of ministry in Scranton, that mission was powerfully on display on December 18, 2025, when 300 local families received Christmas Dinner boxes, ensuring that hope—and a warm holiday meal—were on the table.

Families experiencing food insecurity registered both online and by phone, and on distribution day the event unfolded as a smooth, welcoming drive-through. Each box—filled with the essentials for a Christmas dinner—was made possible by a generous donation that allowed turkeys to be purchased specifically for this outreach.

Behind the scenes, the operation was a true community effort. More than two dozen volunteers came together from Walmart, Lakeland High School, and the wider community to assemble and pack boxes donated by local partners, unload turkeys, greet families with warmth, and carefully load meals into vehicles. The entire effort was coordinated by Steve Oaten, Property Manager, who also faithfully serves as Food Pantry Coordinator—ensuring that no detail was overlooked and every family was treated with care.

“The Salvation Army was founded on the principle of ‘soup, soap, and salvation,’” Oaten shared. “We are blessed to continue that mission by providing Christmas dinner boxes for our neighbors in need.”

The impact of the day drew the attention of WNEP News 16, who joined the distribution and spoke with Captain Neil Childs, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army Scranton Citadel Corps. Captain Childs highlighted a growing and concerning reality: families seeking help for the first time, and seniors on fixed incomes whose resources no longer stretch far enough to meet basic needs.

“These are our neighbors,” Childs said. “And the need is increasing.”

That growing need is felt well beyond the holidays. The Salvation Army Scranton operates a ChoiceFood Pantry every Tuesday by appointment for food-insecure households within its current service area. Families are able to schedule appointments every two months as needed, allowing them to select food that best meets their household’s needs while preserving dignity and choice.

As demand continues to rise, The Salvation Army Scranton is facing a critical challenge. The Choice Food Pantry is currently housed in the Corps’ gymnasium, a space that has reached its limits. The Corps is now seeking to relocate the pantry to a larger, fully accessible space near its current location at 500 S. Washington Avenue, Scranton. Making this move possible will require funding support from the community.

Relocating the pantry would not only improve access and efficiency for families seeking food assistance—it would also free the gymnasium for additional community programming, expanding opportunities for youth activities, support groups, and neighborhood engagement.

Since 1885, The Salvation Army Scranton Citadel Corps has served the community without discrimination, meeting human need wherever it exists. As Scranton looks toward the next chapter of this 140-year legacy, the mission remains steadfast—but the path forward depends on collective support.

Now is the time for the community to rally.

Through financial support, partnerships, advocacy, and volunteerism, individuals and organizations can help ensure The Salvation Army Scranton continues to meet rising needs with compassion and dignity.

Together, we can honor 140 years of service—and invest in the future—so that hope, help, and healing remain available to every neighbor who walks through The Salvation Army’s doors.