Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!

Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!

2026

April

Salvation Army unveils disaster services canteen in Jackson County

By Oscar Rodriguez

Apr 1, 2026 Updated Apr 1, 2026

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore -- The Salvation Army of Jackson County has unveiled a new Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) canteen, a fully equipped mobile kitchen designed to provide food, drinks and support during emergencies, disasters, and community crises.

The vehicle, received within the past month, was fully funded by the Lilly Endowment, according to local Salvation Army officials.

“This is about helping people with presence to say we’re here, we support you, and we care,” said Major Randy Gulch. “Whether it’s a cup of cold water, a plate of food, or just pointing someone in the right direction, we want to help.”

The canteen is self-contained and built for rapid deployment. It includes its own generator for power, a full kitchen setup with pots and pans, a stove, a flat top grill, a two-door refrigerator for food storage and a dedicated drink station. Gulch described it as “a fully functional kitchen like you would have in a food truck.”

The Salvation Army plans to deploy the vehicle into the community at least once a month, both for outreach. Officials are also organizing volunteers to support the effort, with a focus on building a team trained in food service and disaster response.

“We’re working on a schedule and building a stronger volunteer base to support this,” Gulch said. “There are a lot of pieces that go into being ready.”

Gulch said the goal is to assemble a team of about 20 volunteers who can operate in small groups of three during emergency situations.

While expressing hope that large-scale disasters remain rare, Gulch emphasized the importance of preparation.

“On one side, I pray we don’t have disasters,” he said. “But I know they happen. We’re grateful to have this equipment, to bring people together, and to be ready if and when those moments come.”

The community will be able to see the EDS canteen in the Pearl Blossom Parade on April 11th.

Oscar Rodriguez is a multimedia journalist at NewsWatch 12. You can reach Oscar at orodriguez@kdrv.com.

2025

August

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2025

The Salvation Army Hosts TODAY Backpack & School Supply Distribution for Local Kids

Medford, OR – Today only, The Salvation Army has transformed its Community Hall into a vibrant “school shopping center” to help hundreds of local children prepare for the new school year. From 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., children will receive brand-new backpacks and essential school supplies—carefully matched to their school’s required supply list—with the help of a personal volunteer “shopper.”

“This is one of our favorite days of the year,” said Major Jonnette Mulch of The Salvation Army. “We believe every child deserves to start school with confidence and the tools they need to succeed. Seeing their faces light up as they pick out their own supplies is pure joy—and a reminder of how much our community cares.”

The event ensures that each child leaves with exactly what they need for the upcoming school year, easing the financial burden on families and giving students the best possible start. Media are welcome to attend, capture the excitement, and help share the story of community generosity in action.

WHAT: Backpack & School Supply Distribution Day
WHEN: TODAY, August 14, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Salvation Army Community Hall, 304 Beatty Street Medford, OR
WHO: Hundreds of local children and families, volunteers, and community supporters

If your child is still need of school supplies and you have not signed up, please call The Salvation Army today to be scheduled for a make-up appointment.