The Salvation Army trucks roll through Lake Harmony Monday with loads of furniture donated by Split Rock Hotel by Bel Air, as the Poconos destination continues resortwide renovations. From sleeper sofas, tables and chairs, to stoves, even office items like desks, resort officials agree contributing to the community outweighs any thoughts of resale.

“(The) Salvation Army’s contributions to the community across the region gave good reason for Split Rock to propose putting the items toward a cause with real purpose - helping our neighbors in need,” Split Rock spokesperson Jeanine Hofbauer said.

COVID-19 caused disruption of in-home pickups and resulted in a shortage in furnishing shelters in addition to understocking stores that sell goods to fund the nonprofit’s programs, so the contribution’s timing couldn’t be better. Since starting transports from Split Rock Resort March 4, sales in stores have increased.

The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center Scranton Administrator Maj. Mark Unruh reports, “Furniture buys plus voucher redemption to acquire items at no cost by families in need continue clearing furniture almost as fast as trucks transfer the donated items in.”

“We’re very thankful to Split Rock,” said Maj. Gilbert Parkhurst, Corps Officer at The Salvation Army East Stroudsburg Citadel.

“Need has gone up (due to the economic impact of COVID-19) so this donation helps alleviate the challenge of providing furnishings as families transition into housing from the shelter, as well as providing furniture for the shelter.”

Days of donated goods pickups go on at the Galleria Town Center and Split Rock Lodge, as more than 274 rooms receive rejuvenation. Everything, (even) the kitchen sink, has been removed in suites, making room for new appliances, flooring, painting and décor.

Hofbauer smiles, “We’re delighted to know the furniture goes toward a worthy cause as we prepare to introduce newly rejuvenated suites to our guests following the completion of this phase of Split Rock’s resortwide room renovation.”