While preparing to hold a 20th anniversary celebration, the Salvation Army of Jefferson City's Center of Hope organizers were surprised to learn how much assistance the facility had already given to the community - including making beds available for more than 250,000 overnight stays or provision of about 680,000 meals.
The public is invited to attend the celebration, which is 1:30-2:30 p.m. May 14. RSVPs are not required, but requested by calling 573-213-9392.
The event will include educational tours, refreshments and conversations about the facility, which serves as a shelter, kitchen and pantry, and provides for the Salvation Army's social service and housing programs, said Brian Vogeler, the center's director.
"It's an amazing thing, to think the community can do this," Vogeler said. "We went back and searched 20 years of records to get (data about the shelter)."
During its lifetime, the shelter has provided 256,000 "bed nights" (when a person is sheltered in the center overnight), and 680,000 meals, Vogeler said.
"We were really surprised by the numbers. This is Jefferson City - it's not a huge city by any means," Vogeler said. "You look at that and say, 'My goodness.' It is humbling."
Despite the building only being at the site for 20 years, the Salvation Army has had a presence in Jefferson City since The Great Depression.
Salvation Army organizers tried to establish a site in Jefferson City in 1899, but it didn't work out. They returned and constructed a building in 1922.
The celebration will coincide with National Salvation Army Week the second full week of May. President Dwight D. Eisenhower first proclaimed the national event in 1954, according to Vogeler.
Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin is expected to read a proclamation during the event, which is to be held at the center, 927 Jefferson St.