BELLAIRE — The Belmont County Salvation Army is working on a number of projects that help fill some of the needs of the community, including the installation of a “She-Shed.”

Maj. Lewis Patrick said they are currently collecting donations for the shed that will offer femine hygiene products, deodorants, sprays, socks, underwear and other items for women in need.

“We thought it would be a great way to help people in need. These items aren’t provided on the EBT cards or through any financial help, so our goal is to help where it is needed. … We’re just trying to do things to help out the community the best way that we can,” he said.

He said they have seen a big need for femine products, especially among young girls whose parents may be unable to afford the items.

“We want to make sure we are making it available to everyone, the full age bracket,” he said, adding that he anticipates the shed being a successful addition.

Patrick said they will also be providing “Christian doctor” pamplets as a “biblical response” to the Roe v. Wade decision — a Supreme Court ruling that was overturned in late June, ending constitutional protections for abortion.

“We want to make sure we are being professional and responsive to Roe v. Wade and try to make sure we’re helping out the best we possibly can for people that are going through that and also providing for, in a biblical manner, reproductive options for them,” he said.

The she-shed, which is currently being constructed by a company out of St. Clairsville, will be installed in the new parking lot area of the Salvation Army in Bellaire.

The shed is slated to be delivered in the coming weeks. Once it is, a few final touches will be added to make it look nice for those who utilize it.

“We’re going to make it look pretty inside,” he said, adding that they plan to install drywall, flooring and paint the interior.

Patrick said they are hoping to have it open to the public sometime in September. Times for availability will be listed in the future, letting people know when they are able to stop by and pick up needed items from the shed.

Patrick said they have been working hard to gather the supplies for the shed. Anyone interested in donating can drop off products at the Salvation Army, or monetary donations can be mailed to 315 37th St. with “she shed” written in the memo line.

Patrick said there are other projects in the works. In the coming weeks, he said they plan to install new sidewalks and a generator. The installation of a generator is in response to the ice storm earlier this year that left thousands of residents without power, including the shelter.

“We didn’t have any power for around four to five days. When you run an emergency shelter, it’s very difficult. It was a real struggle and there were people that needed lodging and we couldn’t give it to them at our location. And we’re considered one of Belmont County’s warming centers, that’s not a good thing to say — that we didn’t have any power,” he said.

Also, the Salvation Army installed a Blessings Box outside the faiclty in May. Items are always available for those in need, and there is space for residents to leave items as well.

“It’s being used by the public. We’re pretty excited about that. The Girl Scouts had it built and put on our property,” he said.

In the winter, donated coats, gloves and hats are made available to residents in need. The clothing items are put into plastic bags and hung along the fence for people to take as needed.

“There’s an immediate response to a need where people don’t have to fill out an application; they can just get what they need and leave,” he said.

Patrick noted that the programs are available to any resident in the county.