Community

One organization we’ve worked closely with over the years is Water For People, a global nonprofit working in nine countries in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Their mission is focused on addressing the global water crisis and equipping communities with lasting access to clean water and sanitation services, as they say, for “Everyone, Forever.”

We’ve assisted them in the past both with “boots on the ground,” efforts developing water supplies in far off countries like Rwanda, Uganda, and India, and with fundraising for the organization through a variety of events held here in the U.S.

If you too would like to consider making a difference in the lives of people without access to safe drinking water, you can learn more here:

waterforpeople.org

On December 12, Peerless Midwest brought a group of employees to serve at The Salvation Army in Elkhart, Indiana. During their visit, the team distributed laundry baskets filled with essential household and personal care items to members of the community, while also assisting with organizing the location’s food pantry.

Peerless Midwest’s involvement with The Salvation Army was inspired by one of our outstanding employees, Adam Gerstbauer, whose long-standing commitment to the Salvation Army of Elkhart reflects his dedication to service, generosity, and making a meaningful impact in the community.

For nearly nine years, Adam Gerstbauer has been making a meaningful difference in the Elkhart community through The Salvation Army (TSA). Serving primarily as an Advisory Board Member—and in roles including President, Vice President, and Secretary—Gerstbauer has helped guide programs, fundraising efforts, and community outreach initiatives that directly meet local needs.

His involvement began with a desire to make a real, visible impact. Unlike previous charitable work, The Salvation Army of Elkhart provided the opportunity to see change firsthand and respond directly to community challenges. One early effort included commissioning a local needs assessment, which revealed service gaps and areas of duplication. As a result, TSA partnered with other charities and launched new initiatives, including the highly successful Prime Timers program, which supports older adults who previously had limited resources and social interaction.

In addition to board leadership, Gerstbauer has served on fundraising, needs assessment, and gala committees, supported disaster response through the Emergency Response Canteen Truck, and helped with food bank operations. Recent efforts include helping raise funds for a walk-in freezer, allowing TSA to distribute donated meat from local farmers to families in need.

Among all programs, Prime Timers stands out as a source of pride—providing seniors with meals, activities, health checkups, haircuts, and, most importantly, human connection.

The Salvation Army of Elkhart continues to serve the community through food assistance, utility and rent support, disaster relief, Christmas programs, and more. With more than 80 cents of every donated dollar going directly to services, TSA remains committed to its founding mission of meeting immediate needs first—Soup, Soap, and Salvation—while welcoming all who seek help, hope, or faith.

We are proud of Adam and thankful for the opportunity to join him in supporting this important cause, serving our community in small but impactful ways this past Christmas.