CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — The Salvation Army of Champaign County unveiled a new emergency response canteen Friday, Feb. 20 at its Red Shield Center, 2212 N. Market St., Champaign.
The new vehicle, funded through a partnership between The Salvation Army and the Village of Rantoul, will support first responders and survivors during crises such as natural disasters, severe weather events and major accidents. The canteen is expected to be used to provide food, hydration, emergency communications and emotional and spiritual care during emergencies across Champaign County and surrounding communities.
Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall attended the unveiling alongside Rantoul Police Chief Tony Brown and state Sen. Paul Faraci. Leadership from The Salvation Army was also present, including Captains Kenyon Sivels and Melissa Sivels, as well as Aaron Bird and Sam Amick, Emergency Disaster Services director for the organization’s North and Central Illinois Division.
Emergency management leaders, including Brett Johnson and John Dwyer, joined Salvation Army board members and volunteers for the event.
Hall said supporting the new canteen aligned with the village’s commitment to public safety and community resilience.
“When emergencies happen, our first responders are focused on saving lives and protecting property,” Hall said. “Making sure they have the support, resources and care they need on scene is critical. Partnering on this canteen was one way we could invest directly in the safety and well-being of our residents and those who serve them.”
Faraci said state and local partnerships with service organizations like The Salvation Army play a key role in disaster preparedness.
“It’s incredibly important for our offices to support efforts like this because disaster response is not just about government agencies — it’s about community,” Faraci said. “The Salvation Army has a long history of stepping in during times of crisis to provide food, comfort and hope. Strengthening their capacity ultimately strengthens our entire region.”
For more than a century, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services has delivered critical resources such as meals, shelter, clothing and emergency communications during times of crisis. Officials said the addition of the new canteen enhanced the organization’s ability to respond quickly and effectively when disaster struck locally.