Salvation Army Santas and bell ringers, long-time symbols of Christmas and the season of giving, will deliver much needed food and winter gear to Detroit’s needy in style throughout the remainder of 2014 and for many years to come. In a festive unveiling at the Salvation Army’s Bed and Bread Club on Humboldt St. in Detroit, Ford Motor Company donated a brand new custom built E-350 Service Truck to assist the organization with delivering sandwiches, fruits, beverages, soups and snacks to city residents in need.
“We’re proud to help the salvation Army’s Bed and Bread Club travel to those in need, because hunger never takes holiday,” said Jim Vella, president of the Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services.
Marathon Petroleum Corporation joined the charitable mission and cheerfully volunteered to provide a year of free fuel for the Bed and Bread Club truck. “Last year we were fortunate enough to participate in the Coats for Kids event with the Salvation Army and we collected over 500 coats at the refinery. … We embraced the opportunity to participate in something like this, especially with it being a homegrown effort with Ford and the Salvation Army. Knowing their stakes in the community we were eager to participate,” explains Clenetta Frazier, a human resources consultant and community relations representative with Marathon Petroleum. Frazier recalled. 
“The truck is actually going to go out on the road and feed people in need. Years ago, I happened to be downtown in a restaurant when I saw a Salvation Army truck pull up, and people came out of nowhere to get half sandwiches and soup. So when we were contacted about this opportunity, that visual stood out in my mind, and I knew that the salvation Army was committed to doing what they say they’re going to do … feed people.”
“Since we knew this event was coming up and the truck would be on the road [Marathon] held a hats, scarves and gloves drive at its refinery at Fort Street and Schaeffer in Detroit, said Frazier, adding “We collected over 1,300 items, including sock and scarves as well. One of the things we’ve learned from the Salvation Army is while they are driving around and passing out food to individuals, coats are actually too bulky to keep on the truck. They can keep gloves and hats on the truck for those that need them,” concluded Frazier.
