NEWBURYPORT — With the holiday season in the rearview mirror and thousands of toys cleared from Salvation Army headquarters, Major Jessica Berkhoudt discussed what the nonprofit organization accomplished in the past year.
“The year 2025 for The Salvation Army was an amazing year of community collaboration and community support,” Berkhoudt said last week.
She explained that one of The Salvation Army’s missions is to meet needs, whatever they may be, even as they are constantly changing.
“Because of that, the programs and services we provide have to change as well. When programs change to meet needs, there’s an increase in what’s required to support them,” Berkhoudt said.
Offering a number of programs throughout the year, she said none of them would have been possible without the support of 927 volunteers.
“Volunteers helped in the food pantry, meal programs, senior programs, kids programs and summer camp programs. We had people packing boxes, volunteering for Thanksgiving, high school students helping in the café, and partnerships with organizations and companies,” Berkhoudt said.
She said they were also grateful to sponsors Newburyport Bank, Institution for Savings, the Rotary Club and Matter Communications.
“We’ve had so much support and community collaboration, which has been such a highlight,” Berkhoudt said.
Working with other agencies and local organizations such as Community Service Newburyport and the Custom House Maritime Museum were other factors she said in helping people facing hardship and offering new programs for youths.
She also praised local residents, especially for their contributions in recent months.
“When the government shutdown happened, the community really came together. We collected more food than we ever have before. Over 300 families were served, and they were able to access food within 24 to 72 hours. That kind of collaboration was incredible,” Berkhoudt said.
Pointing to more community collaboration built throughout the year, she said that restaurant Port Vida, Fireside Church and the Lions Club committed to providing meals one Thursday each month.
“We’re always looking for more partnerships like that,” Berkhoudt said.
All the positives were necessary as The Salvation Army saw need rise throughout the year, with a 30% increase during the holiday season.
The group served more than 1,200 people this holiday season, distributing 2,976 gifts, 104 Christmas trees and over 4,000 pounds of food, including 213 turkeys and hams for holiday meals.
“We weren’t expecting the level of need we saw,” Berkhoudt said. “We were still receiving referrals up to Christmas Eve. Because of the toy drives and donations, we were able to help families right up to the end. We didn’t have many toys left, but we didn’t turn anyone away.”
Heading into 2026, Berkhoudt said she feels hopeful thanks to the community.
“We’ll continue our existing programs, but one of the big new initiatives begins Jan. 5. The Salvation Army, along with local churches and organizations, will be opening an emergency weather shelter,” Berkhoudt said.
The shelter at The Salvation Army (40 Water St.) is set to serve Greater Newburyport only. This means residents from Newburyport, Amesbury, Salisbury, Newbury, West Newbury, Rowley and Byfield.
It will be activated either when temperatures drop below 20 degrees or by request from Mayor Sean Reardon during storms or severe weather. The hours will be 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Referring organizations will be informed by The Salvation Army by email and the mayor’s office when it is open. The city website will display a banner.
It is referral based, with people told to email jessica.berkhoudt@use.salvationarmy.org to be registered for an evening.
Valid IDs and sobriety are mandatory. If an individual does not have an ID, an agency may provide a letter on official letterhead verifying the person’s identity. A breathalyzer test will be administered prior to entry.
The team at the shelter will include 15 trained and certified staff members meeting all state and federal emergency sheltering requirements and holding certification in national mental health first aid and first aid.
Additionally, they have partnered with Emmaus House Inc.
“That collaboration allows us not only to provide individuals with immediate reprieve from the cold, but also to connect them with long-term and more sustainable resources for emergency sheltering,” Berkhoudt said.
Marielis Batista, manager of rental assistance and permanent housing programs and the North Shore regional navigator for coordinated entry, will work alongside the team to assist unhoused individuals. Batista will also be available at The Salvation Army every second and fourth Friday in the cafe for community referrals from all agencies.
Support for these programs can be made by going to salvationarmyma.org/newburyport and making a donation there. Donations can also be sent directly to The Salvation Army in Newburyport.
If done by check, it should be written to “The Salvation Army,” and donors can note in the memo which program they would like their contribution to support.
Matt Petry covers Amesbury and Salisbury for The Daily News of Newburyport. Email him at: mpetry@northofboston.com.