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Collaboration between The Salvation Army and Mason Smith brings new life to corps’ food pantry.
After months of reaching out, Captain Yohani Ortiz discovered the power of persistence—connecting with Mason Smith, the family-oriented creator known as “DadSocial,” who would soon lead a transformation of The Salvation Army’s food pantry in Grants Pass, Oregon.
When Ortiz and her husband, Captain Taurean Ortiz, moved to Grants Pass to lead The Salvation Army in July 2024, she was surprised to learn that Smith—whose projects she had followed on TikTok for years—lived in the same community. Hoping he might one day help with a local need, she began networking, determined to find a way to connect.
It came at a critical moment. In the months leading up to their meeting, The Salvation Army in Grants Pass experienced a sharp and sustained rise in demand for food assistance—an increase Ortiz said had pushed the corps’ pantry beyond its limits.
“We were seeing a 40 percent increase at the beginning of 2025 in service requests,” Ortiz said. “And just from January to the beginning of November, the numbers skyrocketed.”
She described families lining up outside the building and food running out faster than staff could restock it. What had long been a steady need became an urgent one—especially as food costs rose and benefits fluctuated across Josephine County.
Ortiz envisioned a pantry makeover and trusted Smith with the logistics.
“It was a God thing,” Ortiz said about finally connecting with Smith. “It just aligned perfectly: he answered the text, he called me, and within a week, we went back and forth on ideas, and within a day, he made all of this happen.”
For Smith, who was already familiar with The Salvation Army through years of participating in Angel Tree with his family, this was an opportunity to focus on a local need.
“I just wanted to use what I have—my time, my skills, my community—to make a difference close to home,” Smith said.
To bring that vision to life, Smith rallied his community. Lowe’s donated 18 shelves, sponsors including Tree Top, Olipop and Lesser Evil provided snacks and drinks, and friends helped assemble racks and paint walls. Smith also donated $3,000 to help stock the pantry.
“Seeing the transformation start to come together—it really hit me how much we could do when everyone pitched in,” he said.
For Ortiz, the need went beyond logistics. She wanted families to feel comfortable while picking up groceries.
“It was important for us to create a welcoming space—to make it feel more homey, more cozy,” she said, adding, “We wanted families to feel comfortable and valued.”
Sharing that philosophy, Smith said he wanted families—and individuals—to feel respected while picking up groceries. He recalled one moment that particularly stayed with him: helping an elderly man maneuver his walker to get groceries.
“It wasn’t anything dramatic, but it really reminded me why this matters. I wanted the pantry to [reflect] dignity. People should feel proud to be here,” he said.
“At the end of the day, I just want to be the best example for my family and community on how to care for others with what you have, and I think The Salvation Army does the same.”
Mason Smith, @DadSocial
By the end of the makeover, the once-plain warehouse had been transformed into a functional, inviting pantry, ready to meet the increasing demand in Josephine County.
Beyond the immediate makeover, Smith and Ortiz explored ways to keep the pantry connected to families. Smith suggested small touches that could make visits more enjoyable for children.
“I think it would be fun to put a few arcade games in the lobby,” Smith said. “Just something fun while parents shop—nothing fancy, but it could be a little extra joy for kids.”
The heart of their collaboration reflected a genuine connection and shared admiration. “Yohani is amazing. So is her husband,” Smith said. For Ortiz, the feeling was mutual: “We’re big fans, and even bigger now, just because I see your heart even through the camera…It’s very refreshing.”
A few days after the project’s completion, Smith returned with his wife and a truckload of toys, bikes and gift cards—just in time for Christmas.
“The giving didn’t end with the project—it continued, thanks to the awareness and spirit of generosity he inspired,” Ortiz said. “He made giving fun, and because of his influence, we saw a definite increase in toy donations.”
Ortiz highlighted the way Smith mobilized his community.
“Mason really embodies what it means to pour into your community,” she said. “It’s inspiring to see how one person can mobilize so many others to make a difference…You can always make an impact in somebody’s life. Get engaged. You never know the impact that you can make.”
For Smith, the experience with The Salvation Army reinforced a simple principle.
“At the end of the day, I just want to be the best example for my family and community on how to care for others with what you have,” he said, “and I think The Salvation Army does the same.”
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