The staff at Family Haven felt
“blessed” to have eighth graders from St. Joseph’s Day School in Imperial, Mo. provide hours of service for the shelter on April 12th.
The group of students cleaned the Family Haven Child Center, a high-traffic playroom in the family shelter which serves up to 50 kids daily. Additionally, the students dug in and assisted the shelter with picking up the grounds, and deep-cleaning the dining area and administrative floor.
“Our group realized that what we accomplished in two hours would have taken the single groundsman days,” says 8th grade teacher Debbie Thomas.
After taking a tour of the facility, Mrs. Thomas challenged the students to imagine their family living in a small space without their daily pleasure such as iPhones or televisions.
“This experience has allowed my students to realize just how fortunate they are,” says Mrs. Thomas.
The experience at the shelter inspired Thomas and her group to take on the shelter as an ongoing project. During their tour, they learned more about the needs of the shelter, and Mrs. Thomas is hoping to work with her class next year to host a drive to meet those needs, collecting items such as stuffed animals, blow dryers, toiletries and books to provide comfort to the residents at Family Haven.
The group has spent much of the year doing extensive work and study on the issue of homelessness, and their volunteer service with The Salvation Army’s Family Haven shelter rounded out a year of exploring the important topic. Thomas says the trip to Family Haven reinforced an appreciation among the students for what they have, and a desire to help those who are less fortunate.
Family Haven’s staff warmly expressed their gratitude for the service provided by the students of St. Joseph Imperial,“The students are dedicated to the aspect of their religion that addresses serving their fellow man.”
Family Haven is a Community in Partnership program serving the homeless population in St. Louis. The program lasts 120 days where each resident is assigned a case manager and counselor to help them obtain a job and housing.
Their mission is to empower St. Louis residents to come to a place of self-sufficiency. Click here for more information on The Salvation Army’s homeless services.
Among other eye-opening statistics, the report showed that while 38 percent of Americans have received assistance from a charitable group in their lifetime, another 27 percent of Americans believe that laziness is a root cause of poverty. Still, an overwhelming majority continues to donate to charities to help others in need.
The report was based on a survey of more than 1,000 Americans, conducted in February 2012 by a third-party research firm in advance of the 59th annual National Salvation Army Week, celebrated this year from May 14-20.
“This report highlights the critical issue of poverty at a time when many Americans are struggling to get by,” said Major George Hood, National Community Relations and Development Secretary for The Salvation Army. “It is more important than ever to raise awareness of not only the public’s perception of poverty, but also the programs available to those in need. With the public’s support, The Salvation Army will continue to provide assistance.”
According to the survey commissioned by The Salvation Army and conducted on Vision Critical’s Springboard America panel, nearly 40 percent of Americans have requested help, including housing, food, financial and other assistance, from charitable organizations at some point in their lives. In particular, Americans with lower household incomes are much more likely to have experienced a lack of shelter, or a need to request assistance from a charitable group.
· Thirty-eight percent of Americans have received assistance from a charitable group, including food from food banks or financial assistance/housing support.
· Thirteenpercent of Americans reported having spent a night in a shelter or on the street due to a loss of housing.
Additionally, a majority of Americans believe people living in poverty deserve a helping hand, and sympathize with the challenges that people living in poverty face on a daily basis.
· Eighty-eight percent of Americans believe people living in poverty deserve a helping hand.
· Eighty-four percent of Americans believe it is almost impossible to survive on your own on minimum wage.
· Seventy-five percent of Americans believe helping poor families sets up children from those families for success.
· Sixty percent of Americans believe it is difficult to escape poverty once becoming poor.
However, there are a significant minority of Americans who are skeptical of the realities and reasons for poverty. Notably, the further a person is from poverty, the less common he or she believes poverty is in society.
· Forty-nine percent of Americans believe a good work ethic is all a person needs to escape poverty.
· Forty-three percent of Americans believe people living in poverty can always find a job if they really want to work, with twenty-seven percent of Americans reporting that people are poor because they are lazy.
· Twenty-nine percent of Americans believe poor people usually have lower moral values.
· In total, Americans believe approximately thirty-four percent of the general population is living in poverty. However, Americans who earn less than $25,000 a year believe forty percent of the population lives in poverty, while Americans who earn at least $50,000 a year believe twenty-seven percent live in poverty.
The Perceptions of Poverty report, which can be viewed on The Salvation Army’s website at www.SalvationArmyUSA.org, comes as The Salvation Army celebrates the 59th annual National Salvation Army Week with a variety of events and activities to honor donors, supporters and beneficiaries of Salvation Army programs. President Dwight D. Eisenhower declared the first National Salvation Army Week in 1954, proclaiming, “Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of brotherhood. In time of war, the men and women of this organization have brought to those serving their country far from home, friendliness and warm concern. In the quieter days of peace, their work has been a constant reminder to us all that each of us is neighbor and kin to all Americans, giving freely of themselves, the men and women of The Salvation Army have won the respect of all.”
“We are proud to celebrate our donors, volunteers and supporters, not only during National Salvation Army Week but every day throughout the year,” said Major Hood. “As President Eisenhower recognized nearly sixty years ago, The Salvation Army is dedicated to serving our neighbors, families and friends in communities throughout America, and we want to take this time to give thanks to each person who makes this possible.”
Since The Salvation Army began its social service work in the United States in 1880, the organization has grown into one of the largest social service providers in the country. Each year, The Salvation Army directly supports 30 million Americans through a variety of programs including transitional and family shelters, feeding programs, senior centers, adult rehabilitation, education, athletic programs for kids and more.
Though the dates have changed since the first National Salvation Army Week, the work of The Salvation Army has not. The Salvation Army is calling upon all Americans to consider donating money or volunteering time to charities and organizations fighting poverty in local communities. Donors and volunteers can learn more about The Salvation Army, including further information regarding the Perceptions of Poverty report and National Salvation Army Week, by visiting www.SalvationArmyUSA.org.
The Salvation Army's Divisional Commanders Major Charles H. Smith and Major Lonneal Richardson meet with Governor Jay Nixon.
The call to engage in the community through public advocacy is a directive found throughout the word of God. The Salvation Army brought this advocacy to the Missouri capital through another successful legislative day.
Several Salvation Army officers, Advisory Board members and staff of the Midland Division, with added personnel from the Kansas and Western Missouri Division, visited with Missouri legislators during breakfast.
In addition, Salvation Army personnel were able to make their way through the Capitol to meet with individual legislators and staff members to share the message of how The Salvation Army is “key” to the community and how we provide cost-effective programming to residents without burdening state funds and taxing government programs.
The same information was shared directly during a positive meeting with Governor Jay Nixon by Major Charles H. Smith, divisional commander of the Kansas-Western Missouri Division and Major Lonneal Richardson, divisional commander of the Midland Division.
The Salvation Army was also introduced on both the House and Senate floors and recognized for their disaster relief efforts in Missouri.
On Tuesday May 15, 150 area professionals and social media enthusiasts will gather on the Moonrise Hotel’s Rooftop Terrace to network with one another, and to learn how to do good with their limited time. The event, sponsored by Vantage Credit Union is a Tweet Up, which allows social media newbies and experts alike to network, unwind and share the message and mission of The Salvation Army over Twitter and Facebook.
Simone Bernstein, founder of @STLVolunteen and @VolunTEENnation, and a regular blogger for The Huffington Post, will be the keynote speaker for the Tweet Up, discussing the importance of volunteering, and talking about ways that professionals can fit doing good into their busy schedules.
The Salvation Army will provide volunteer opportunities for those to attend to consider while they enjoy free appetizers at this one-of-a-kind venue. There will be door prizes, including a one night stay at Moonrise Hotel, raffled off at the event.
The cost of the event is a suggested donation of 3 non-perishable food items or a $5 donation, to benefit Salvation Army programs.To learn more about this event or to RSVP click here and #TweetTheMostGood.
On Saturday, more than 450 service men and women gathered at Soldiers Memorial Park for the Spring 2012 VA Stand Down, an event that provides services to homeless veterans. The Salvation Army and 20 other groups attended in support of this event.
The Salvation Army served hot coffee and other refreshments to the veterans as they participated in the outdoor event in brisk weather. Each attendee was provided with opportunities to connect with services and resources including food, shelter, clothing, health screening, substance abuse treatment and more. The event ended with each person receiving a hot lunch, a treat for many who live on the streets, and a small care package.
Stand Downs are collaborative events, coordinated between local VAs, other government agencies, and community agencies who serve the homeless. The first Stand Down was organized in 1988 by a group of Vietnam Veterans in San Diego. Since then, Stand Downs have been used as an effective tool in reaching out to homeless Veterans, reaching more than 200,000 Veterans and their family members between 1994-2000.
The Salvation Army’s Harbor Light Center in downtown St. Louis offers a program in coordination with the VA, which allows homeless or ill veterans an opportunity to take advantage of house rehabilitation and job services for up to 24 months, and is in the process of building housing for transitional veterans in downtown St. Louis. For more information on The Salvation Army’s veterans services, please click here.
On Saturday, April 14, Major Mark Haslett of the Sedalia Salvation Army attended the annual Sedalia/Pettis County NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet in support of an organization he deemed a worthy ally in his work, never expecting the spotlight would be turned on him.
“I believe shocked is the word,” he says laughing as he recalls the moment he realized they were honoring him as their local Man of the Year, “I’m still trying to figure out what I did to deserve it. It’s like Grace, I suppose. I have done nothing to earn it.”
Ida Shobe of the NAACP couldn’t disagree with Major Haslett’s assessment more, “You gotta do something to get that award. You gotta stand tall and that man stands tall for everybody,” she says adamantly.
“I love that man! You know what? That man sees no racism. He doesn’t know poor from rich. He helps everybody. I think that man, he is doing what Jesus wants us to do. I really believe that.”
When a storm damaged a nursery near her home, Ida reached out to Major Mark who sent out a crew right away to repair the nursery so taht they could reopen for business and help families.
“That’s the kind of man he is,” she says, “I love that man!”
Major Haslett and the Sedalia Salvation Army continue their work in the area, working with low income residents to provide food pantry services, and to help children in need find a safe place to play and positive role models.
“Major Haslett deserves this honor,” states Shobe emphatically, “He is truly Jesus’ helper.”
Panera Bread and Millwood Golf and Racquet Club are pairing up to host the 76 for 76 Golf Tournament for The Salvation Army’s Branson Corps.
The 4-person scramble will take place on Monday May 21st with registration beginning at 12:30 p.m. followed by a shotgun start at 1:30 p.m.
On February 29th, a powerful EF2 tornado tore through the Branson area causing damage throughout the community including at The Salvation Army’s Branson Corps. Total damage estimates at the Branson Corps now total approximately $170,000. All proceeds from the tournament will go directly toward helping the Branson Crops recover and allow the Corps to continue to provide assistance to those in need all year long.
“Panera Bread is proud and committed to giving back to the local communities that support us,” Sean Kosar with Panera Bread said. “We’re also proud and committed to supporting organizations like The Salvation Army, which helps Ozarks residents in need every single day.”
Registration costs $76 per player or $300 per team and includes the cart rental, range balls and a meal. In addition to Par 3 and putting contests, there will also be prizes given for the longest drive and closest to the pin.
Corporate sponsorships are available and giveaway items are currently being accepted!
Please make all checks payable to The Salvation Army Branson Corps with ‘76 for 76 Golf Tournament’ written on the memo line.
For more information please contact Elisa Kruger with Panera Bread at (417) 350-9060 or email elisa.kruger@ilovepanera.com
During the Branson-area disaster relief efforts The Salvation Army provided more than 4,500 meals, drinks & snacks to first-responders, storm survivors and clean-up crews. Taney and Stone county storm survivors were also provided with more than $16,000 worth of assistance – including vouchers for food, gasoline and to replace personal belongings. To hear directly from local residents who were helped by The Salvation Army during this time please visit www.youtube.com/TSAOzarkArea
Who: Panera Bread, Millwood Golf and Racquet Club, The Salvation Army
What: 76 for 76 Golf Tournament – benefiting the Branson Corps
Please make all checks payable to: The Salvation Army Branson Corps
When: Monday May 21st – shotgun start at 1:30 p.m.
Where: Millwood Golf and Racquet Club
3700 E. Millwood Drive Springfield MO
Left to Right: Halina Conti, Mary Reed and Donna Lewis stand at their bake sale outside of the H&R Block in Surrey Plaza.
By: Danni Eickenhorst
“My son was involved in the Good Friday tornado in Ferguson,” said Donna Lewis, Office Manager for H&R Block in Florissant, recalling her family’s close call with the destructive tornadoes that struck north St. Louis County last year, “and I was told that The Salvation Army was there right from the beginning and all the way through.”
As part of an annual tradition, the employees of H&R Block in Florissant along with Halina Conti of Ameriprise Financial, held a bake sale to benefit a local nonprofit. After seeing the
Employees of H&R Block present their donation to William Becker of The Salvation Army.
impact of the Good Friday tornadoes in and around their community, the employees chose The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services to benefit from the proceeds of their sale.
The bake sale raised just under $500 for The Salvation Army, to help those in need of disaster relief in the future.
“The minute I mentioned the name of The Salvation Army, our customers would jump up and make a donation,” said Betty Mills, Senior Tax Advisor.
Our sincerest thanks to H&R Block and Ameriprise for their generous support of our work!
Scott Egan is a homeless Vietnam veteran. Egan is going back to school, working and saving his money while living at the Salvation Army’s Harbor Light facility on Washington Ave. and he hopes to one day buy a home he can rehab himself. (Photo by Tim Lloyd, NPR)
By: Tim Lloyd, St. Louis Public Radio
The Department of Veterans Affairs is almost halfway through its national push to end homelessness by 2015.
And even though the agency says it’s making progress, there are still more than 67,000 homeless veterans in America.
That has the VA reaching out more and more to community partners as key allies in its battle to end veterans homelessness.
In this first installment of a two-part series on veterans’ homelessness, Tim Lloyd reports on how the national initiative is strengthening local partnerships in St. Louis.
Having a stake in life again
Scott Egan is sitting on a concrete stoop watching cars zip down Washington Avenue.
The Vietnam veteran with a full white beard pauses, then recalls his time in combat.
“I can pretty much see the face of everyone I killed,” Egan says. “I don’t have a soldier’s rationalization that I fired my weapon and I don’t know if he died or not. All I knew is that when I got back I didn’t want to do that for a living anymore.”
After three tours of duty as an army sniper he retrained to be a medic and ended up staying in the military for 34 years, deploying to combat zone after combat zone.
Somewhere in all that violence he developed post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
He started drinking too much, ignored his health, lost his job, sold his home.
Today he says his life is back on track thanks to housing provided by the Salvation Army and psychological treatment through the VA.
“We work and we save our money so that when we walk out of here we have a stake in life again,” Egan says.
LISTEN: Scott Egan, who is currently staying at the Salvation Army’s Harbor Light center on Washington Ave., talks about the various social services where he’s received the treatment that he says helped him get his life back on track.
What’s working for Egan, a mix of services from a community provider like the Salvation Army and the VA, is a key part of the local plan to end veterans homelessness.
And construction is underway on an effort to expand this type of collaboration.
Expanding collaboration through construction
Salvation Army Captain Adam Moore stands at the edge of the construction site for a new, 48-room veterans housing facility in Midtown Alley. The facility will be run as a partnership between the US Department of Veterans Affairs and the Salvation Army. (Photo by Tim Lloyd, NPR)
When completed this modern looking building in Midtown Alley will be the Salvation Army’s new 48-room housing center for homeless veterans.
The project is setup to work in close partnership with the VA and residents will have access to services ranging from addiction treatment to job training.
Salvation Army Captain Adam Moore, a big easy going kind of guy, stands at the edge of the construction site.
“The only analogy that I really have for it is the Salvation Army, and the VA and other groups have been dating for lots of years,” Moore says. “But we’re married now, and we’re in it for the long haul.”
LISTEN: In addition to collaborating with the VA, Salvation Army Captain Adam Moore talks about how a partnership with the US Department of Defense is structured to help soldiers transition back into their lives at home.
Casting a wide net for veterans and solving complex problems
The accelerated push by the VA to have closer ties with community organizations started in late 2009.
That’s when Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki said this at the VA’s Summit on Homeless Veterans: “My name is Shinseki and I am here to end veterans homelessness.”
Iraq war veteran Dwain Sliger was at the summit back in 2009 and says it gave him chills when the whole room “stood up and applauded. It was tremendous…”
Today he administers Project HERO, a housing program for homeless veterans operated by the St. Patrick Center, a local Catholic charity.
Launched in 2008, the project partners with the VA to help move homeless veterans into permanent housing.
Last year the St. Patrick Center received nearly $1 million from the VA to fuel three separate programs aimed at homeless veterans.
Sliger can rattle off success stories now, but says collaborating with a federal agency wasn’t always easy.
“I don’t know how many hours we sat trying to figure out how this guideline that we have from a federal level can be incorporated at the local level to make it a win-win for everybody,” Sliger says.
LISTEN: Dwain Sliger says Project HERO, which is based in a trendy part of Washington Ave. in St. Louis is breaking down stereotypes about homeless veterans.
The end game for everyone, he says, is to create as wide of a net as possible to catch veterans before they hit the streets.
And when they do, the problems can be too complex for a single agency to handle on its own.
Joanne Joseph coordinates the VA’s homeless program in St. Louis.
She says expanded partnerships are helping them move out of a one-size-fits-all mentality.
“Locally, we’re going to individualize those services, so, on a community level then down to the individual veteran, ‘what does that individual need to get to the place they want to be?’” Joseph says.
But there could be big challenges on the horizon as veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan continue to struggle in a tough economy.
That has Missouri and Illinois mustering resources to help veterans find jobs.
In Missouri more than 1,800 employers have signed a pledge to interview and recruit veterans.
This story and all audio/video courtesy of St. Louis Public Radio, all rights reserved by St. Louis Public Radio.To read it in its original form, click here.
The Salvation Army is responding to storms that damaged communities in Southwest Iowa Saturday evening.
An Emergency Disaster Services mobile canteen and crew from Des Moines was in Creston Sunday and is back in Creston today (Monday), serving food and hydration to emergency and clean-up crews and victims of the tornado that struck that community last night. The tornado damaged Greater Regional Hospital, Southwestern Community College and nearby homes.
The Des Moines unit initially served a breakfast to staff at Greater Regional Hospital this morning. Shortly before noon, the canteen moved to a community emergency site at Trinity Lutheran Church in Creston.
Jim Civitate (SIV-uh-tot), emergency disaster services director for The Salvation Army in Des Moines, reported that nearly 250 persons in Creston were served meals and cold drinks on Sunday and that the canteen provided nearly 800 light snacks throughout the day.
In far southwest Iowa’s Fremont County, Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services units from Lincoln and Omaha are serving victims and relief workers in the small town of Thurman, Iowa which was also struck by a tornado last night.
For up-to-date information, please contact John Kuzma, divisional director of emergency disaster services, 402-510-4403 or Arvid Huisman, Des Moines director of development and communications, 515-202-2286.
Giving:
The best way to help tornado survivors and rescue workers is to make a financial donation. Monetary donations allow disaster responders to immediately meet the specific needs of disaster survivors. Contributions to assist The Salvation Army’s relief work in Iowa can be mailed to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 933, Des Moines, IA 50304. To donate by credit card, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or go to www.salvationarmyusa.org. Please be sure to designate your gift “Iowa Tornadoes.”
Due to emergency conditions, The Salvation Army cannot guarantee that gifts of household goods or clothing donated now will be sent to disaster areas. In times of disaster, we fulfill household needs from existing, pre-sorted stock. Please, continue to donate gently-used household goods to your local Salvation Army—you help your community today and may help with disaster relief needs tomorrow.
To find your nearest drop-off location, please go to www.satruck.org.
About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 82 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 5,000 communities nationwide.
The Salvation Army remains on the scene in Wichita this morning, offering support to community members in the aftermath of a devastating tornado that tore through the southern part of the city Saturday night.
Three Salvation Army emergency disaster mobile feeding kitchens (canteens) are back in action today, offering assistance to first responders, survivors and clean-up crews. One canteen is stationed outside a temporary shelter for survivors, while the two other canteens are roving through the devastated areas.
On Sunday, Salvation Army volunteers served 450 meals and distributed flashlights, batteries, blankets, pillows and hygiene kits to those in need. The Salvation Army is also offering financial assistance in the form of vouchers to tornado survivors. To apply, individuals are asked to go to The Salvation Army City Command, 350 Market in Wichita between the hours of 8:30 am and 4 pm. Please bring proof of residency (ID, utility bill with an address, etc.).
“We arrived on the scene within a few hours after the tornado,” said Major Douglas Rowland, the City Commander for The Salvation Army in Wichita. “Later, as we drove through a trailer park that had been destroyed, we came upon a man who was alone, rummaging through the pile of rubble that had once been his home. He said that he had been in rehab and was going to be coming home, but now had nothing to come home to. My wife and I prayed with him that God would somehow help him through it all and feel His presence to continue on.”
Giving:
The best way to help tornado survivors and rescue workers is to make a financial donation. Monetary donations allow disaster responders to immediately meet the specific needs of disaster survivors. To donate by credit card, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or go to http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/donate. Checks may be mailed to The Salvation Army, 350 Market, Wichita, KS 67202. Donors may also text “Shelter” to 80888 to give $10. Please be sure to designate your gift “Kansas Tornadoes.”
* A one‐time donation of $10 will be billed to your mobile phone bill. Messaging & data rates may apply. Donations are collected for The Salvation Army by mobilecause.com. Reply STOP to 80888 to stop. Reply HELP to 80888 for help. For terms, see www.igfn.org/t.
Due to emergency conditions, The Salvation Army cannot guarantee that gifts of household goods or clothing donated now will be sent to disaster areas. In times of disaster, we fulfill household needs from existing, pre-sorted stock. Please, continue to donate gently-used household goods to your local Salvation Army—you help your community today and may help with disaster relief needs tomorrow. To find your nearest drop-off location, please go to www.satruck.org.
One year ago this week, Salvation Army officers, employees and volunteers were working throughout north St. Louis county assisting with tornado cleanup following the tornadoes that struck Maryland Heights, Bridgeton, Berkeley and Moline Acres on Good Friday. As news of the tornadoes spread throughout the area, Salvation Army officers left their Good Friday church services and went straight to work, addressing the immediate needs of those affected by tarping damaged properties and providing hot meals to those without access to electricity or food.
As she considers Good Friday evening, Major Janice Love the officer at The Salvation Army’s Euclid community center, recalls the quick response of her church members to aid their neighbors. “That day, The Salvation Army responded without hesitation to the needs of the people in need of assistance. Church members stepped up and served hot meals from our mobile kitchens. It was a wonderful time knowing we were able to bring a hot meal overnight and to know that we were indeed making a difference.”
Major Janice Love looks back on the past year with some relief that so much has been accomplished. “One year later, we are still feeling the effects of that evening of celebration turned to hysteria. Reviewing the photos of that weekend and comparing them to present day, we have seen some positive improvements.”
One unexpected improvement for The Salvation Army that was a directly result of the Good Friday tornadoes is the strengthening of existing relationships with area agencies in north county and the alliance of The Salvation Army with new groups. Because of the newly established and strengthened networks, Major Love has realized greater cooperation and efficiency when it comes to delivering aid to those in need all year round. “Because of the Good Friday tornadoes, our Christmas assistance programs for those in need went a lot smoother. We trusted one another, credibility was established, friendships were strengthened, and communications were already established. In the end, we were able to help more people with a greater degree of ease because of these relationships.”
The work of The Salvation Army in response to this event continued on throughout 2011, as caseworkers worked with north county residents to help them coordinate available aid and other benefits to help them return to their pre-storm states. In times of disaster, The Salvation Army is there as quickly as possible to deliver aid and is committed to long term relief work. To support the work of The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services, click here. Visit our EDS page to learn more about our disaster response.
We are still hard at work every day in Joplin. Enjoy these stories from our long term clients at the Disaster Recovery Center, of how The Salvation Army is helping them to pick up the pieces and move forward.
One month ago, a powerful EF2 tornado tore through the Branson area damaging numerous homes and businesses.
Today, the cleanup and recovery efforts continue throughout the region, including at The Salvation Army’s Branson Corps – where those who aim to meet the community’s needs are now in need of the community’s help.
“The Salvation Army remains focused on serving those who need us, including the storm survivors” Branson Corps Officer, Major Robert Meyer, said. “However, in order to continue to provide for these individuals we could now really use the community’s help.”
Help in the form of donated nonperishable food, personal care items and volunteer service.
“These donations would be greatly appreciated and would go toward making an immediate impact on helping us help others,” Meyer said.
Since the tornado hit on February 29th, The Salvation Army has continued to give direct assistance to Branson-area residents by providing them with meals, monetary vouchers as well as spiritual and emotional care.
The tornado ripped off large sections of the Branson Corps’ roof, shattered several large windows, and destroyed its passenger van. Initial estimates totaled the damage at approximately $70,000. However, additional and secondary damage due to the recent rain storms have since been discovered.
“We certainly didn’t escape the storm, but we are blessed to not have had more damage than did some properties,” Meyer said.
Additionally, much of the food in the Branson Corps’ food pantry was also damaged during the storm and had to be thrown away.
“These are unforeseen costs,” Ozark Area Coordinator, Major Norman Grainger said. “Although The Salvation Army is fully insured and insurance will cover some of the repair costs it will not cover everything.”
Such as clearing debris near the Corps and the deductible for a replacement passenger van, Grainger said. These additional unforeseen expenses could, but hopefully won’t, impact The Salvation Army’s ability to help those who need it most.
In mid-February the Branson Corps’ completed a mandatory budget revision due to the shortfall in donations received during the 2011 Tree of Lights Christmas Campaign.
“Prior to the tornado, the Branson Corps was already facing a tough financial year ahead and now it is even more so,” Grainger said.
However, despite this The Salvation Army will continue to do its very best to provide and care for those who are most in need in the Branson community.
Donations Most Needed
Nonperishable or canned food items: vegetables, meats, fruit, soups, pasta sauce, peanut butter, boxed dinners, breakfast cereals, rice, beans, etc.
Personal care & hygiene items: shampoo, soap, tooth paste, tissue, etc.
Infant & baby care items: diapers, wipes, formula, etc.
Volunteer Service: Volunteers are needed to help pick up and clear debris near the Branson Corps. To sign-up or for more information please call the Branson Corps at (417) 339-4434.
You can also provide immediate assistance by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or by visiting www.STLSalvationArmy.org to make a secured credit card donation. Please mail checks to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 21787 St. Louis MO 63109 – designate your gift by writing “Storm Relief” on the check. Mobile and Smartphone users can text the word ARCH to 80888 to make an instant $10 donation
“Her name was Gracie… I love that song. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, I once was lost but now am found…”
Four years ago, Dr. James Dorman lost his wife Gracie after a prolonged battle with esophageal cancer.
A deeply devoted and adoring husband, the retired college professor nursed his wife through her 13-month battle with cancer, ultimately holding her in his arms as she passed away.
“She was literally given 3 months to live, but through the grace and power of a wonderful God, she never abandoned hope and she went from 3 months, to 4 months, to 5. We started to live our life one week at a time, one month at a time, but finally the inevitable did catch up with her.”
Following her death, Dr. Dorman says, “I was as lost as lost can be… The dear people at the Alton Salvation Army really took me in and made me one of their own, and gave me great comfort during a very dark time.”
James recalled when Captain Randy Tooley and Salvation Army members invited him to The Salvation Army’s Men’s Camp at Camp Mihaska so that he might have a chance for fellowship and healing.
“We really don’t know how or when but when we’re at our darkest moment, our angel will show up,” James said, “Every man no matter what his age should spend a few days at Men’s Camp, because you don’t really realize the true spirit of The Salvation Army until you do. It was one of the most deeply spiritual experiences of my life, and I think I needed that.”
Thus began a lasting relationship with The Salvation Army, which motivated Dr. Dorman to make a planned gift with his estate that would benefit The Salvation Army’s work.
“Gracie’s spirit motivates me today, in terms of the gift I’ve given. Some people might have a hard time understanding why I would donate the equivalent of a year of my salary, which is not that much for St. Charles Community College professors – especially not retired ones, but I thought The Salvation Army was one of the groups that was so encouraging… It’s not that I’m leaving a legacy for me. It’s that I’m leaving a legacy for [Gracie’s] shining example.”
Dorman designated his gift to support The Salvation Army’s financial education programs to break the spirit of poverty, and also to scholarship funds for children and future officers of The Salvation Army.
“My wife loved sixth graders. She would have loved the idea of giving educational aid and scholarships. The Salvation Army is one of the best organizations that makes a real difference.” Of the financial education programs he says, “If you teach a person to fish, they can eat for the rest of their life. They’ll never again be living paycheck to paycheck. We all need hope.”
The Summit of Hope, held at the East St. Louis Salvation Army on February 21st, 2012 offered parolees an opportunity to take advantage of resources that would help them get a fresh start in life. The event, which is meant to reduce ricidivism, served 199 individuals during a one day span at The Salvation Army. Below are some of the statistics from teh event, which provided hope to a group desperately in need of a second chance:
199 individuals attended
59 received an HIV test
23 walked out with a new State of Illinois I.D. cards
54 connected with a Secretary of State hearing officer to handle outstanding traffic offenses
61 were evaluated by the Southern Illinois Healthcare Mobile Unit
19 received a medical test or vaccine
98 considered secondary education through East St. Louis Community College
69 found help from the Comprehensive Behavioral Health Center
57 consulted with Gear Up about receiving dress clothing for job interviews
91 reached out for life skills help with East St. Louis Township Life Skills
The numbers go on and on and the success stories warm our hearts. The Salvation Army is so proud to be a part of the Summit of Hope.
Nominations being accepted for the Riverbend Unsung Hero Award
By: Laura Grainger
Every day there are people who serve the Alton Riverbend community and go unnoticed. You may live across the street from them. You see the hard work they give day in and day out. Here is your chance to give them some recognition. Nominate them for the Riverbend Unsung Hero Award.
The Unsung Hero Award will be given out at the upcoming Stand Up for Our Heroes event on April 27, 2012, at Lewis & Clark’s Hatheway Auditorium. This is going to be a night of clean comedy the entire family can enjoy. The Salvation Army Alton is partnering with Powerhouse Laughs to thank the unsung heroes of Alton and the Riverbend Area with the comedy of Rik Roberts, Darren Marlar and Dennis Tooley. Mark your calendar and plan to share the laughs and honor our local heroes! Several Awards will be given out during this event.
To nominate someone for the Riverbend Unsung Hero Award send their name and your explanation of why they deserve the award to The Salvation Army Alton, 525 Alby Street, Alton, IL 62002 or email your nomination to altonsa2011@gmail.com.
The Salvation Army, an international organization, has been supporting those in need without discrimination for 130 years in the St. Louis region. Nearly 350,000 people throughout Missouri and Southern Illinois receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services throughout the region. For more information, go to www.stlsalvationarmy.org.
Join us on Friday March 23 from 7 to 8 am for an online-only Tweet Up and advocate for the hungry. This tweet up will be a great opportunity to network with others over your cheerios and in your pajamas, while raising awareness for food insecurity in the St. Louis region.
This tweet-up is being held in support of The Salvation Army’s O’Fallon food pantry, which has seen more than a tenfold increase in need this year, and which is in critical need of nutritious breakfast cereals.
Follow us on Twitter @SalArmySTL and join in the conversation using #CEREALDRIVE!
In an area that many think of as stable and event somewhat affluent, families are living in houses valued at 6 and 7 figures, with empty plates and barren cupboards. In a trend we hoped had been a fluke, the need we saw last summer at our O’Fallon, MO food pantry continues to grow. On distribution days at the food pantry, luxury cars and unlikely clients fill the parking lot and chairs waiting for their allotments of food.
“These people were once living on the edge and the economy has in fact pushed them over that edge,” says Captain Ferguson, “People who were once dedicated donors are now having to swallow their pride and ask for assistance.”
Once serving only 50 families per month from the O’Fallon Salvation Army, Captain Paul Ferguson and his team now serve nearly 600 families per month, working to help those families gain self-sufficiency so that they might be able to get on their feet once more.
“The greatest need we are seeing now is nutritious breakfast cereals. They can be costly to purchase for a pantry and for a family, but they pack a lot of nutrition into one meal. So many of these children are wholly dependent on the foods they receive in school for adequate nutrition, and on the weekends, summer and spring break they need something that will hold them over. We just can’t keep in on the shelves. It’s a real commodity, and one that we are lacking right now.”
Breakfast cereal donations are needed at the O’Fallon Salvation Army. Donations can be delivered to the community center located at 1William Booth Drive in O’Fallon.
Please help us in raising awareness of this need, and for the work of the O’Fallon community center by participating in #CerealDrive on Twitter.
By: Danni Eickenhorst, Midland Division with an update from Kara Langford, Haiti
Photo by: Kara Langford
“God always comes through for me,” said Mackendy Charles a Haitian gentleman, who gave thanks to his sight first and foremost to God, and then to the doctors, and Salvation Army personnel who have twice come to his aid to save his sight.
In 2006, Charles, then 21, approached Salvation Army Envoys Steve and Ketsie Diaz, while he attended the Army’s Secondary School in Port-au-Prince. His eyes had been badly damaged from a childhood bout of Tuberculosis. His eyes were gray, cloudy, badly scarred and caused him great pain.
“My mom had spent all of her money helping me and we were out of options, so I approached Envoy Steve for help.”
Diaz arranged for Mackendy to see a specialist, who informed him the surgery and treatment he required was not possible in Haiti, and that without a double corneal transplant, he would soon lose his sight. The specialist informed Diaz that Mackendy would have to go to the United States in order to receive proper care. “We didn’t have the funds to help him,” recalls Diaz, who told Mackendy there was nothing more they could do.
Diaz did however reach out to friends in the United States – Dr. Schoults and Dr. Kiernan, an anesthesiologist and an ophthalmic surgeon, who agreed to perform Mackendy’s transplant free of charge, even getting the hospital to write off any fees.
Mackendy, as he was departing from St. Louis. (Pictured left to right: Envoy Ketsia Diaz, Kyle Diaz, Mackendy Charles, John Aho, Envoy Steve Diaz)
“I was very happy for the help these people gave me,” remembers Mackendy, “because I knew my family and I could not do it alone.”
Once in the United States, Mackendy quickly received treatment and afterwards, his vision improved dramatically – going from a 6 inch field of vision to more than 6 feet in the first day.
“I couldn’t see before. It had gotten so bad that I couldn’t read on my own. I was so happy to be able to read again.”
In 2009, Envoys Diaz were transferred to St. Louis, Mo., to be administrators at a community center leaving Mackendy. In 2010, a catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti.
“I was really worried. I lost my home. I lost my glasses. I lost my medicine. I couldn’t get to my doctor. My eyes kept getting worse, and I thought I would lose my sight again.”
As his vision worsen, Mackendy reached again. The doctors, hospital, and Salvation Army rose to the occasion, this time with the assistance of the South Side Lion’s Club in St. Louis, which paid for travel costs and associated fees. On Sept. 13, 2011, Mackendy returned to the states.
Michael Santangelo, president of the South Side Lion’s Club, recalled when Envoy Diaz first approached his fellow members for help. “It was a no brainer,” he said, “This is what we do. We deliver help when we can, and are especially motivated by protecting and providing sight.”
Diaz reconnected Mackendy with his doctors, who found that he had scarring, blood vessel damage and cataract growth. On Oct. 19, 2011, Mackendy underwent surgery to remove cataracts and scar tissue, and to replace one cornea. Following his procedure, he stayed with Envoys Diaz at their home until January when he returned to Haiti.
An Update From Kara Langford, Communications Officer, The Salvation Army – Haiti
Photo by: Kara Langord
Mackendy is back in Port-au-prince living in a tent with his mother in the IDP camp next to the Army’s Delmas 2 compound. He is satisfied with the results of the operation and though he’s had a bit of irritation in his right eye, he reports his vision is better and will have his first visit with his local doctor on March 2. Mackendy is enjoying his university studies in theology and is excited to graduate in July. He still travels, and studies, with the help of his cousin and doesn’t let his vision issues slow him down one bit. He was recently appointed the director of Sunday schools for his church. He is very thankful for all the opportunities he’s been offered through the kindness of others but recognizes that God is the one who made the way. “It was God’s plan for me not to lose my eyes,” he said.
Mackendy reports that his favorite thing to enjoy since his second operation is his girlfriend Melissa’s face.
In the recent storms, the Branson Salvation Army was badly damaged, as were vehicles in The Salvation Army’s Branson fleet. Incredibly, despite this setback, The Salvation Army was able to swiftly respond in the aftermath of the storms, providing for the emergency needs of those affected. The Salvation Army’s network of corps community centers were able to provide support, with canteens coming to Branson from Springfield, MO and beyond.
Still without power, Branson’s Salvation Army community center remains closed. Worship services were held outside of a canteen on Sunday, with meal service resuming immediately thereafter. All in total, nearly 4,000 meals, drinks and snacks were provided to survivors, first responders and volunteers in Branson immediately following the storms.
The Salvation Army is now transitioning into longer term case management of survivors and has assisted 136 households with vouchers for food, gasoline, household goods, clothing and more.
Help provide immediate help by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or by visiting www.STLSalvationArmy.org to make a secured donation by credit card. Please mail checks to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 21787 St. Louis MO 63109 – designate your gift by writing “Storm Relief” on the check. Mobile and Smartphone users can text the word ARCH to 80888 to make an instant $10 donation.
Sarah Flagg, editor of the Mehlville-Oakville Patch – part of Patch.com, an online news source for for individual towns and communities – took the top prize in the First Ever Patch Off fundraising competition, in support of The Salvation Army, a brand new iPad 2 given to The Salvation Army by a generous donor.
Patch reporters from around the St. Louis area competed for the prize through The Salvation Army’s online red kettle program, raising funds from readers, family members and friends.
“I reached out and asked friends, family and members of the community to pitch in,” said Flagg smiling as she held her prize in her hands, “There are a lot of jealous Patch.com editors around town today.”
Our sincere thanks to Patch.com for their support this holiday season, which raised awareness and more than $400.00 for The Salvation Army’s Tree of Lights Campaign.
The Salvation Army is set to roll out the catwalk for the 2012 “Fashion on the March” Fashion Show slated for Friday, March 30, at 11:00 a.m. at the Marriott – St. Louis West.
The clothing is from Dillard’s department store and women’s clothing retailer Distinction.
While enjoying lunch attendees can also bid on silent auction items such as sports memorabilia, jewelry, vacation packages and many other gift certificates.
The Fashion Show is open to the public. Tickets are $50 and must be purchased by March 23. To purchase a ticket or learn more about the event, please call Kathy Poston at (314) 646-3039. Proceeds from the show and silent auction help benefit the work of The Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary is made up of prominent women who develop public understanding of Salvation Army programs, provide hands-on assistance for projects such as Tree of Lights and raise funds through diverse events from fashion shows and luncheons to art and craft sales and Christmas cards.
The Salvation Army, an international organization, has been supporting those in need without discrimination for 130 years in the St. Louis region. Nearly 350,000 people throughout Missouri and Southern Illinois receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services throughout the region. For more information, go to www.stl-salvationarmy.org.
A variety of assistance is available to survivors of the Branson-area storms
The Salvation Army is providing survivors of last week’s Branson-area storms with assistance at the Multi-Agency Relief Center (M.A.R.C) in Branson. The M.A.R.C is located inside the Factory Merchants Mall – 1000 Pat Nash Drive.
Up to $100 per household is available for groceries, gasoline, personal care items, prescriptions and other special needs as necessary. Clients will receive assistance in the form of a voucher that can be redeemed at retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target and CountryMart.
The Salvation Army will carefully work with each client in hopes of ensuring that not only their immediate physical needs are met, but also their spiritual and emotional needs are taken care of as well.
“Just as important as making sure that they have food, clothing and shelter is making sure that they’re okay emotionally,” Branson Corps Officer, Major Linda Meyer, said. “We want all to know that The Salvation Army will care for them in this way as well as they begin to heal and begin the recovery process.”
Assistance from The Salvation Army will be available at the M.A.R.C for as long as the M.A.R.C is operational. Currently the M.A.R.C’s hours of operation are until 5 p.m. on Monday March 5th, and then from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The M.A.R.C is tentatively scheduled to close on Saturday March 10th.
For more information please contact The Salvation Army at (417) 862-5509
Monetary donations are the most critical need as supplies and personnel are mobilized.
Help provide immediate assistance by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or by visiting www.STLSalvationArmy.org to make a secured credit card donation. Please mail checks to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 21787 St. Louis MO 63109 – designate your gift by writing “Storm Relief” on the check. Mobile and Smartphone users can text the word ARCH to 80888 to make an instant $10 donation*.
Vouchers distributed at SIC Building through Friday
By: Danni Eickenhorst, Midland Division
The Salvation Army is distributing vouchers for clothing, food and gasoline for those directly affected by the Harrisburg Leap Day Tornado. Vouchers are being distributed through Friday at the Southern Illinois College Building, located at 701 North Commercial in Harrisburg.
Individuals who were directly affected by the tornado may come to the SIC Building between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Friday March 10, with a photo I.D. and proof of address. Only residents directly impacted by the tornado are eligible to receive assistance.
The Salvation Army continues its work in the Harrisburg area, providing for immediate needs of those affected and those working to help the town recover.
Monetary donations are critically needed as feeding and emergency operations continue in areas affected by recent storms.
Individuals may help survivors immediately by making a monetary donation to support the efforts of The Salvation Army. You can make a donation online at http://stlsalvationarmy.org/ways-to-give/, or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Make a $10.00 donation by texting* ARCH to 80888, to confirm your gift, respond with the word “Yes.”
Your donations of funds make the biggest impact: Due to emergency conditions, The Salvation Army cannot guarantee that gifts of household gifts or clothing donated now will be sent to disaster areas. In times of disasters, we fulfill household needs from existing pre-sorted stock. Please continue to donate gently-used household goods to your local Salvation Army – you help your community today and may help with the disaster relief needs of tomorrow. To find your nearest drop-off location, visit www.satruck.org.
* A one‐time donation of $10 will be billed to your mobile phone bill. Messaging & data rates may apply. Donations are collected for The Salvation Army by mobilecause.com. Reply STOP to 80888 to stop. Reply HELP to 80888 for help. For terms, see www.igfn.org/t.
Tracy Graham of Francis Howell High School teaches a student on how to examine food pantry donations to ensure they are safe to distribute.
By: Danni Eickenhorst, Midland Division
Once a month, Tracy Graham brings her special education students from Francis Howell High School to the St. Charles Salvation Army to volunteer some time in the food pantry.
“I wanted our students to gain experience volunteering, because while they may not be able to get a job, they can volunteer. The volunteer experience may also help them a job in the future,” says Graham, noting that volunteering can help the students understand their ole in the community, and give them a sense of accomplishment. “Volunteering helps them understand their role in the community. Our students enjoy being productive. This will help to ensure that they have a meaningful and purposeful life.”
A Francis Howell student hard at work in The Salvation Army's food pantry.
The students sort cans, check for expiration dates on donations, and ensure that donated goods are dent-free and safe for distribution. The effort helps students apply their reading and writing skills in a real-life setting, while also teaching them life skills associated with checking expiration dates on their own food, sorting and stacking principles and more.
The initiative, Graham hopes, will not only prove to the students what they are capable of, but also to those who may observe them at work.
“When given the opportunity, our students will exceed your expectations. They want to work. They want to be challenged. They like to learn new things. They have the same dreams and goals that everyone does. At first, they may need a little extra help, but once they understand the job, they are very reliable and consistent and take great pride in the work they do.”
Clark & Washington Counties, IN—The Salvation Army has finished its first full day of operations in response to yesterday’s deadly tornadoes. In Henryville, the Army is serving 800 meals a day to survivors and emergency personnel. It was an emotional day for residents as they got their first clear view of the destruction in their town. “It’s gone. Everything is gone,” one woman said through tears as she walked by The Salvation Army canteen. She and others were comforted by Major Steve Kriger and other trained disaster service personnel from The Salvation Army. Feeding operations in Henryville will continue tomorrow.
The small town of Marysville, IN was nearly completely destroyed by the massive tornadoes. The Army will begin full meal service there tomorrow and will be prepared to serve 600 meals. The Army will also continue to serve meals at the New Pekin, IN Command Center. Today, nearly 600 meals were served to survivors and workers there.
Many area businesses and organizations have made generous contributions to the Army’s food service. Among them: Wick’s Pizza, Texas Road House, Jaycee Foods, Midwest Food Bank, McDonald’s and Silver Creek High School. The Salvation Army would like thank these businesses for serving their neighbors in need.
Help the survivors immediately by making a monetary donation to support the efforts of The Salvation Army. You can make a donation online at http://donate.salvationarmyusa.org/storms, or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or make a $10.00 donation by texting* “storm” to 80888, to confirm your gift, respond with the word “Yes.”
Food, Beverages, and Spiritual and Emotional Care Provided to Those In Need
Alexandria, Virginia (March 3, 2012) – The Salvation Army continues to provide aid to impacted areas of the Midwest and Southern United States following a historic day that produced more tornadoes than in all of March in past years. Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) teams are also on standby to respond to severe weather and tornado watches and warnings that are still in effect in much of the region.
Following the most recent wave of devastating tornadoes, EDS personnel in Tennessee are actively serving residents of several counties affected by the storms, providing spiritual and emotional care to disaster survivors as well as food and beverages, and units are on standby throughout the state ready to respond as needed,. In Chattanooga, Tenn., more than 200 meals were served at the evacuee center, and The Salvation Army of Cleveland, Tenn., served as a shelter for those seeking refuge from the storms.
Salvation Army units in Decatur, Florence and Huntsville are also responding to tornado touchdowns in Limestone and Madison Counties in North Alabama. In Athens, Ala., two mobile feeding units from Decatur and Florence have responded with food and drinks, and in Meridianville, Ala., a mobile feeding unit from Huntsville has been deployed to provide food and drinks as well as spiritual and emotional care. The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services Warehouse and Command Center in Jackson, Miss. is being utilized to manage the widespread response across Alabama and Mississippi, and additional units from Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi are also on standby for severe weather response across the mid-South.
In addition, Salvation Army EDS teams from New Albany, Ind., were deployed following several powerful tornadoes in the Southern Indiana region. The Salvation Army has provided food for hundreds of disaster survivors and emergency responders, and personnel are continuing to assess what is needed to provide the best support.
A team of Salvation Army social workers in Harveyville, Kan. have begun to provide aid to tornado survivors to help with immediate needs such as food, clothing, medicine, shelter, bedding and baby products. Salvation Army EDS teams have also provided meals, snacks and drinks to nearly 2,000 people in the area, and will continue to operate mass feeding operations throughout the weekend.
The Salvation Army also continues to provide needed assistance to those in the Branson, MO that were affected by Wednesday’s damaging storms. Hundreds of meals have been distributed through The Salvation Army’s mobile feeding unit, and emotional and spiritual counseling is available to those in need.
For the latest updated news, please go to http://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org
Monetary donations are the most critical need as supplies and personnel are mobilized.
The quickest and easiest way to support the efforts of The Salvation Army as they serve victims is to make a monetary donation. You can make a donation online at http://donate.salvationarmyusa.org/storms, or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or make a $10.00 donation by texting* “storm” to 80888, to confirm your gift, respond with the word “Yes.”
Your donations of funds make the biggest impact: Due to emergency conditions, The Salvation Army cannot guarantee that gifts of household goods or clothing donated now will be sent to disaster areas. In times of disaster, we fulfill household needs from existing, pre-sorted stock. Please, continue to donate gently-used household goods to your local Salvation Army—you help your community today and may help with disaster relief needs tomorrow. To find your nearest drop-off location, please go to www.satruck.org.
* A one‐time donation of $10 will be billed to your mobile phone bill. Messaging & data rates may apply. Donations are collected for The Salvation Army by mobilecause.com. Reply STOP to 80888 to stop. Reply HELP to 80888 for help. For terms, see www.igfn.org/t.
About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 82 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org
The Salvation Army continues to provided needed assistance to those in the Branson area that were affected by Wednesday’s damaging storms.
A Salvation Army mobile feeding unit, or canteen, is currently stationed outside the Branson Mall and providing food, water and snacks to anyone in need. Emotional and spiritual counseling is also available. This canteen will remain at the Branson Mall until approximately 4:30 p.m. and then begin traveling throughout the Branson area providing services.
Currently, trained Emergency Disaster Service volunteers are at the Branson Corps preparing tonight’s evening meal that will be distributed on the canteen. They are preparing enough meals to feed approximately 200-250 people. However, Incident Commander, Major Robert Meyer, said The Salvation Army is capable of preparing and serving many more meals if necessary. In fact, this particular canteen is capable of preparing and serving 150 meals an hour if need be.
Tonight The Salvation Army plans to first provide canteen service to the residential areas near the Branson Corps, which were among some of the area’s hardest hit. Then the canteen will travel in a counterclockwise pattern around Branson beginning near Highways 76 and 65 delivering service directly to individuals.
So far, The Salvation Army has provided assistance to nearly 400 individuals and will continue to provide assistance for as long as there is a need.
How to Help:
Monetary donations are the most critically needed resource, as supplies and personnel are mobilized.
Help provide immediate assistance by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or by visiting www.STLSalvationArmy.org to make a secured credit card donation. Please mail checks to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 21787 St. Louis MO 63109 – designate your gift by writing “Storm Relief” on the check. Mobile and Smartphone users can text the word ARCH to 80888 to make an instant $10 donation.
Please remember that due to the high expense and amount of time associated with delivering in-kind gifts, such as gently-used household items and clothing, The Salvation Army cannot guarantee at this time that any individual donated gifts-in-kind will be sent to the disaster area. During times of disaster, The Salvation Army is able to meet the need for these items from its thrift store’s existing, pre-sorted stock. Therefore, by continuing to donate gently-used household goods to your local Salvation Army thrift store, you not only help your local community, you help The Salvation Army prepare for future disaster relief needs. To locate your nearest Salvation Army drop-off location, please visit www.satruck.org.
About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 82 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.
The Salvation Army continues to provide much-needed assistance to those in Branson, Missouri and Harrisburg, Illinois in response to Wednesday’s tornadoes damaging storms, standing ever-vigilant with those communities in the face of Friday’s storms.
Branson
As the Branson-area disaster relief efforts progress and change, so too does The Salvation Army’s response in meeting the immediate needs of the community. Currently, The Salvation Army is focused primarily on providing food, water and spiritual care from the mobile feeding units, or canteens.
Crews from Joplin and Springfield handled preparation and delivery of meals as part of a coordinated effort with the local chapter of The American Red Cross to meet local needs.
On Thursday, the Salvation Army served 364 meals, 502 drinks and 679 snacks in the Branson area. At this time, additional volunteers for The Salvation Amy’s Branson-area relief efforts are not needed. However, it’s likely that many volunteers will be needed in the coming days to assist with clean-up at the Branson Corps.
Harrisburg
Work continues on the ground in Harrisburg, IL with Captain Heath Sells as the Incident Commander in this relief effort. On Thursday 506 survivors, first responders and volunteers were served with 763 drinks, 405 meals and 302 snacks.
Divisional Commander Major Lonneal Richardson visited Harrisburg on Thursday, meeting with survivors to pray and provide them with grocery vouchers and other forms of assistance.
The Salvation Army in Harrisburg continues to coordinate with other relief agencies and government entities to ensure the most necessary needs are met.
Continued emergency relief efforts are expected in that area for several more days, with long term case management to follow
How You Can Help
Help provide immediate help by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or by visiting www.STLSalvationArmy.org to make a secured donation by credit card. Please mail checks to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 21787 St. Louis MO 63109 – designate your gift by writing “Storm Relief” on the check. Mobile and Smartphone users can text the word ARCH to 80888 to make an instant $10 donation
Please remember that due to the high expense and amount of time often associated with delivering in-kind gifts, such as gently-used household items and clothing, The Salvation Army cannot guarantee at this time that any individual donated gifts-in-kind will be sent to the disaster area. During times of disaster, The Salvation Army is able to meet the need for these items from the store’s existing, pre-sorted stock. Therefore, by continuing to donate gently-used household goods to your local Salvation Army thrift store, you not only help your local community, you help us prepare for future disaster relief needs. To locate your nearest Salvation Army drop-off location, please visit www.satruck.org.
A Salvation Army mobile feeding unit, or canteen, is stationed in the parking lot of the Branson Mall and ready to serve hundreds of individuals.
The canteen is equipped with enough meals, snacks and drinks to serve nearly 500 individuals.
The canteen service is available to anyone in need. Also available at the mobile feeding unit is spiritual & emotional care from trained Emergency Disaster Service workers.
“Many times, the survivors, first responders and those helping with the relief efforts are just in need of someone to talk to,” Lieutenant James Curry, operator of the canteen said. ” And The Salvation Army is most definitely here to meet those needs as well.”
Curry and the onboard EDS volunteer, John Pendergrass, are both from Joplin Missouri Salvation Army Corps. Curry is the current Joplin Corps officer and Pendergrass is the Corps’ current Recycle Center manager.
The Salvation Army canteen was on the move prior to sunrise in Harrisburg, Illinois Thursday morning.
In the wake of the Leap Day storms that tore through Kansas, Missouri and Illinois Tuesday and Wednesday, Salvation Army disaster crews responded swiftly to aid first responders and survivors in affected areas.
Crews in Branson focused primarily on meeting immediate needs of those most heavily damaged areas of Branson, along Highway 76. A canteen crew provided snacks, drinks and meals to survivors, first responders and clean-up crews. A Salvation Army canteen is presently feeding those affected at the Branson Mall parking lot. Branson’s Mayor Presley visited the canteen and publicly thanked The Salvation Army for their response in the wake of the storms on her Twitter page.
In Harrisburg, Illinois, approximately 100 homes – about forty percent of the city – were affected, and there were six confirmed fatalities. The Salvation Army was at work as quickly as possible in this remote area, and served hot meals at the Walmart on South Commercial Road, to first responders and those affected. Food was provided by a local school where it had already been prepared for the school day. The canteen was back in action at sunrise on Thursday morning.
The city of Harrisburg has requested that The Salvation Army take charge of feeding those displaced by the storm and first responders, while the American Red Cross provides shelter.
Additional efforts are being undertaken in Kimberling City, Missouri, which is dealing with a water crisis after their water distribution tower sustained significant damage.
The Salvation Army is continuing to provide assistance to those in the Taney County area.
A Salvation Army canteen is currently stationed in the Branson Mall’s parking lot and providing snacks and drinks to survivors, first responders and clean-up crews.
The canteen crew consists of one staff member and three trained EDS volunteers – all from the Springfield area.
So far, this EDS crew has assisted approximately 50-75 individuals with snacks and drinks. Emotional & spiritual care is also available for anyone in need.
Incident Commander, Major Robert Meyer, said the tentative plan is to prepare an evening meal on the canteen and then travel throughout the affected area to serve individuals directly.
An additional feeding site has also been established in the Kimberling City area near Joe Bald, which was also hard hit. The EDS six crew members on this canteen are from Joplin Missouri.
Immediate help can be given by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or by going to www.STLSalvationArmy.org to make a donation by credit card. Checks may be mailed to The Salvation Army, PO Box 21787, St. Louis, MO 63109. Please designate the gift “Storm Relief.” Cell phone users may also text the word ARCH to 80888 to make a $10 donation
At this time, in-kind donations are not being accepted as financial donations better allow disaster responders to immediately meet the specific needs of survivors.
St. Louis − Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services teams have mobilized and are responding to areas impacted by the severe weather and tornadoes that ripped through the bi-state region Wednesday morning.
“Our Emergency Disaster canteens are now or will be soon in the hardest hit communities providing food and supplies,” said Major Lonneal Richardson, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army. “We are there to provide a hand up and relief to those in need.”
A Salvation Army canteen is now in Branson, MO, providing meals, snacks and drinks to first responders, survivors and clean-up crews along with emotional and spiritual care to anyone in need.
The Salvation Army is setting up an Incident Command team in Branson to better serve the area.
A Salvation Army canteen and team from Joplin, MO, are currently headed to Kimberling City, MO, to begin feeding operations in that area.
Two Salvation Army canteens are in Harrisburg, ILL., to assist. One canteen is set up at the Walmart located on 710 S. Commercial.
Personnel are currently headed to Lebanon, MO., to determine the need in that community.
Immediate help can be given by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or by going to www.STLSalvationArmy.org to make a donation by credit card. Checks may be mailed to The Salvation Army, PO Box 21787, St. Louis, MO 63109. Please designate the gift “Storm Relief.” Cell phone users may also text the word ARCH to 80888 to make a $10 donation
At this time, in-kind donations are not being accepted as financial donations better allow disaster responders to immediately meet the specific needs of survivors.
The Salvation Army’s Midland Division Emergency Disaster Services went to work immediately Wednesday morning, responding to storms that struck throughout Missouri and Illinois.
Canteens and personnel have been deployed to Branson, Kimberling City and Lebanon, Missouri, and as well as Harrisburg, Illinois, and other affected areas to aid in relief efforts. EDS volunteers are on-site delivering meals, drinks, snacks, emotional and spiritual care to first responders, survivors and clean-up crews at work.
According to Branson Corps officer Major Robert Meyer, the area near the Salvation Army Branson Community Center sustained extensive damage, with sections of the center’s metal roof having been ripped off and other damage being sustained by Salvation Army vehicles.
The Salvation Army plans to set-up an Incident Command team in Branson near the affected area.
Financial donations to The Salvation Army to assist tornado survivors are welcome. To donate by credit card, go to www.stlsalvationarmy.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks may be mailed to The Salvation Army, 1130 Hampton Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63139.
Students and staff from Crosby's International Barber College pose with U.S. Attorney Steve Winghoff at the Summit of Hope, held at the East St. Louis Salvation Army.
On Tuesday February 21, 2012, around 200 offenders on parole attended The Summit of Hope at The Salvation Army in East St. Louis. Special guest U.S. Attorney Steve Winghoff visited the event, which was special to him not only because it was held in his hometown, but also because it is a mission he is very passionate about.
“I was born and raised in East St. Louis,” said Winghoff, “Now I am the the top federal prosecutor presiding over Southern Illinois.”
He addressed the attendees, which spanned a wide spectrum of ages and races, with sincerity, “We sincerely want you to succeed. I don’t take any pleasure throwing people in prison day after day. We cannot keep this cycle going.”
Winghoff visited with all of the vendors at the event, and with many of the attendees, providing encouragement and gathering information about programs available to offenders upon release. Winghoff even stopped by a booth set up by Crosby’s International Barber School for a free haircut and to speak with the school about their barber school program.
“This event is a unique opportunity,” he said, “There are people here who want to see you find a job and take care of your family, and here is a wide variety of resources that I hope you will all take advantage of.”
Volunteers assemble a basketball hoop at The Salvation Army's O'Fallon shelter.
The Salvation Army is doing BIG thing in the St. Louis area and we need your help! From providing shelter to the homeless, to tutoring children in after-school programs that keep them in school and off the streets, we work hard to continue DOING THE MOST GOOD every day, but because we work so diligently to use our resources wisely, we are dependent on the time and money donations of our volunteers and donors to carry out our mission.
Here are some ways we can put you to work in 2012:
Do you have a gift for teaching or tutoring? Our shelters and corps community centers are always looking for tutors.
Can you paint or draw? Come brighten up our youth spaces with your pictures!
Are your gifts in the area of manual labor? We can use your talents in repairing facilities and maintaining our grounds.
Are you a foodie who finds cooking therapeutic? We can put you to work in one of our kitchens – and our clients will be glad to enjoy your gourmet fare!
Is fitness your passion? Our Gateway community center is looking for ongoing volunteers to host aerobics classes, or to teach sporting leagues.
Are you professionally successful in your field and want to share your story with teens considering their career options?
Are you an accountant? We can pair you with senior citizens to assist with taxes.
Do you sing or play an instrument? We have several corps in need of musicians to play at worship services. We always need musicians
In short – whatever your gift may be, we can put you to work doing good in the St. Louis area – and we welcome your partnership. Reach out and let us put you to work doing good today!
The employees of Dunn and Miller, P.C. showing their proud support of The Salvation Army.
Mark Dunn and his law firm Dunn & Miller, P.C. hosted a drive over the holidays and into the New Year in support of The Salvation Army’s Family Haven shelter on Page Avenue in Saint Louis County. Dunn, an Advisory Board Member for The Salvation Army said he felt compelled to support the shelter because the work they do hits so close to home. “They’re one of the only – if not the only emergency shelter that caters to the needs of families in St. Louis County – right in our back yard.”
The Dunn family recruited friends, family members, classmates, church members and co-workers to gather coats, blankets, toys and more for the families staying at Family Haven. “We made our office a drop point for donations, and hope that in this effort we not only gathered a lot of really great and useful stuff for the residents at Family Haven, but that we also raised awareness of the importance of the work they do at Family Haven.”
The Dunn and Miller crew and their families rang the bell at kettles around town throughout the season and kept a kettle in their office where clients could donate. Mark, an attorney by trade, even got a local judge in Hillsboro to come out and ring the bell in support of The Salvation Army this year.
“We believe so strongly in the work of the army, and we do what we do so that our children, co-workers, family and friends can see what they do and lend their support as well,” said Dunn.
Midland Division still 20% short of local goal, launches social media push to topple goal
St. Louis, MO – With their annual Tree of Lights campaign wrapping up Tuesday night, The Salvation Army’s Midland Division, which serves Missouri and Southern Illinois is short of it’s fundraising goal by an estimated 20%. The Midland Division’s goal for their 2011-2012 Tree of Lights campaign was set at $6.5 million, a figure that represents funds needed to deliver needed social services to the St. Louis area.
Nationally, The Salvation Army raised $147.6 million through the 2011 Red Kettle Campaign, marking a new fundraising record for the campaign. The new record, a 3.4 percent increase from 2010, highlights the support of American donors who gave generously despite a continued slow economy. Donated funds remain in the communities they were donated, to serve the local population.
Local Salvation Army staff members continue to work toward achieving their goal in hopes of declaring similar success at the conclusion of their campaign, which began after Thanksgiving and included the traditional bellringers, and more than 25 local events.
In its 120th year, after beginning on the wharf in San Francisco in 1891, the Red Kettle Campaign has become a Christmas tradition that utilizes volunteers to ring bells at 25,000 red kettles across the country. In 2011, The Salvation Army expanded on the Campaign by incorporating new technologies at kettles and hosting national events to inspire giving.
In the eleventh hour, The Salvation Army’s local team is working to raise their additional capital utilizing social media, through a newly launched Twitter campaign (@SalArmySTL) in conjunction with Facebook, YouTube and their website.
“Technology is changing the way charities raise money. Whether through a credit card at a kettle or online, we’re making an effort to reach the next generation of donors and make it convenient for people to support the campaign,” said Commissioner Roberts.
The Red Kettle Campaign, the oldest annual charitable fundraiser of its kind in the United States, helps raise money for those who need it most in communities nationwide – providing toys for kids, coats for the homeless, food for the hungry and countless social service programs year-round. From its humble beginnings as a fundraiser started by a Salvation Army captain in San Francisco in 1891, the Red Kettle Campaign has grown into one of the most recognizable and important charitable outreach efforts in the United States.
On Monday March 26, Events Direct, a local events logistics company donated more than 16 pallets of cereal to The Salvation Army’s Cereal Drive, a campaign that launched last week. The Cereal Drive campaign is a social media initiative meant to raise nutritious cereal for The Salvation Army’s O’Fallon food pantry, which has seen a tenfold increased in need over the same time period last year. The online campaign saw such momentum that story of the need was picked up by local news outlets and Events Direct learned of the need in this way.
“In these trying economic times, sometimes we are lucky enough to be in the position to help those less fortunate. When the story originally ran broadcasting the need for help and specifically requesting dried, healthy cereal – Events Direct felt this to be the perfect opportunity to help the largest number of those in need and the Salvation Army as the right catalyst. While in the past Events Direct has made smaller donations to individual organizations, we felt the Salvation Army the most suitable for effectively distributing a large contribution such as this. We are happy that this donation can aid a substantial number of people in the community and that Events Direct could play a small role in helping the Salvation Army support their mission,” said Chris Ratcliff, Director of Operations at Events Direct on Monday.
The O’Fallon pantry, which went from serving 55 families per month to serving nearly 600 families per month, has seen historic growth in need, while facing an 80% cut in USDA commodities that were the primary source of food donations in past years.
Captain Paul Ferguson of the O’Fallon Salvation Army discusses the need, “The greatest need we are seeing now is nutritious breakfast cereals. They can be costly to purchase for a pantry and for a family, but they pack a lot of nutrition into one meal. So many of these children are wholly dependent on the foods they receive in school for adequate nutrition, and on the weekends, summer and spring break they need something that will hold them over. We just can’t keep in on the shelves. It’s a real commodity, and one that we are lacking right now.”
While the donation from Events Direct will certainly meet the immediate need for O’Fallon, The Salvation Army has 11 other locations in the metro area with similar levels of need. Donations of cereal and other food items are critically needed, especially entering the summer months when children will no longer get 1-2 meals per day from their local schools.
“We are so incredibly thankful to Events Direct for seeing this need and stepping up to solve it for one location in such a big way. Now we hope that more people can do the same – maybe by hosting a cereal drive at their office, or donating other bulk goods they have an abundance of. These items mean a great deal to families in need,” said Captain Ferguson on Monday.
Cash donations can be leveraged for discounted bulk purchases. Donations may be made online at www.stlsalvationarmy.organd should be denoted for “Cereal Drive” at the time of donation. Cereal donations can be made at local Salvation Army locations. Individuals with bulk donations may reach out to Danni Eickenhorst, who is coordinating the campaign, at (314) 646-3018 to arrange for pickup.
A parolee waits his turn to go through and speak with service providers at Tuesday's Summit of Hope.
On Tuesday February 21, the St. Clair County Summit of Hope was held at the East St. Louis Salvation Army. The Summit provided nearly 200 parolees the opportunity to take advantage of services and resources to help them reintegrate into society following a stint in state or federal prison.
The event connected registered offenders with legal and medical services, educational and career opportunities, spiritual resources, tax assistance, mental health providers, substance abuse counseling, veterans counseling and even free haircuts. In total, 38 organizations participated in the event.
Volunteers escort a parolee through the process at Summit for Hope.
“I founded this summit in 2009,” said Paul Carlson, of the Illinois Department of Corrections, “With 37 years of law enforcement experience under my belt, I saw a lot of people coming to a fork in the road and choosing the wrong path, and I thought about how we could put them back on the right path – transforming them from individuals who rely on our tax dollars to be housed, into tax-paying citizens who can contribute.”
U.S. Attorney Steve Wittington, the top federal prosecutor presiding over Southern Illinois spent the morning at the event, visiting with parolees and those offering services – even stopping for a haircut by the students from Cosby’s Barber College. At the commencement of the day’s activities Mr. Wittington addressed the crowd, “We sincerely want you to succeed. I don’t take any pleasure throwing people in prison day after day. We cannot keep this cycle going, so we have presented you with an opportunity that we might not see you again – except perhaps as a productive citizen, in greeting, at your workplace.”
Raechelle Young, a Program Coordinator for Lutheran Social Services of Illinois underscored the importance of the event, “When you’re coming out of prison, you can’t get an I.D. without a birth certificate. You can’t get a birth certificate without an I.D. When you apply for a job and need to provide proof of identification, and you only have a prison I.D. card, there is a huge stigma that you have to overcome. Events like this help these individuals overcome these challenges, that may seem minor, but which are truly huge roadblocks in their success.”
Paul Carlson, founder of the event.
The mandatory event occurs throughout the state of Illinois throughout the year, with many of the events being held at Salvation Army locations. “The Summit is really just an idea. There is no board of directors or council to speak of. When there is a group or a town that steps up and says, ‘I want to help!’ I give them the formula and we make it happen in their community. I think it’s awesome when faith-based groups like The Salvation Army step up and generously offer to host these events. We come in, totally take over their location, eat their food, use their space and they’re just happy to support and give aid without complaint.”
Carlson said that because the program is relatively young, there is no official statistic just yet on its impact on parolee recidivism, “But I can tell you it’s working. We’re delivering hope that is sorely lacking in those days and weeks after a person re-enters society. We’re showing them that it’s possible. I personally see the good work this summit does every day.”
A client waits to be served at The Salvation Army as part of Project Homeless Connect.
The Alton Salvation Army hosted their third annual Madison County Project Homeless Connect event on Wednesday, serving more than 100 area homeless individuals. Agencies that participate in the Madison County Continuum of Care gathered in The Salvation Army’s gym and chapel to provide food, clothing, SSI advocacy, childcare, legal services, healthcare, haircuts, clothing and more to the over 100 homeless people that attended.
“National Project Homeless Connect is a nationwide initiative that works to engage the homeless population, and to connect them with resources they need so that they can get themselves out of the cycle of homelessness,” said DeWayne Sanders of Chestnut Health Systems, a co-facilitator of the Madison County Continuum of Care, “We work to empower, engage and connect these individuals so that we hopefully don’t have to see them here again next year.”
DeWayne Sanders of Chestnut Health Systems at Project Homeless Connect.
The Salvation Army’s Alton worship and community center serves as a hub of local activity, serving a large population of individuals in need in the hard-hit Alton area. The center provides food pantry aid, utility assistance, youth and senior citizen programs and more. The Alton Salvation Army also has an on-site homeless shelter.
“The Salvation Army is amazing. It’s an honor that they let us come and take over their facility for the day and turn it upside down. We’re so glad to work with them to do so much good. What they do for this community is incredible,” remarked Sanders.
The event, which also served as the annual homeless population census as part of the HUD-required Point-in-Time homeless count, allows the government and supportive agencies to gauge the current state of homelessness in the Madison County region.
Volunteers and cooperating agencies help clients connect with necessary resources.
Beth Parenti of the Madison County Mental Health Board volunteered for the event, triaging homeless individuals as they came in to assess what services they needed, and pairing them with a volunteer escort to help them through the process. “With the unfortunate state of the economy,” she said, “the homeless population in Madison County continues to grow. We are here today to lend a hand in any way we can.”
“This program is incredibly important,” stated Leslie Marna, the Regional Shelter Administrator for The Salvation Army, “We are often a central part of any community, working at the core of their homeless issues, and that is certainly the case in Madison County. It’s an honor to host this event, and we are so glad that we can deliver so much good in the space of one day by partnering with our co-agencies through the Continuum of Care.”
Ameren employees recently donated 400 hours of their time to ring bells in support of The Salvation Army. Employees worked throughout downtown St. Louis in support of The Salvation Army’s youth, homeless, senior and social service programs.
Ameren has long been a partner of the Salvation Army . The partnership has lasted more than 20 years, with The Salvation Army receiving more than $1.1 million in trust donations from Ameren since 1990.
Ameren’s corporate social responsibility program encourages employee involvement and direction to build a stronger communities in Missouri and Illinois.
For the third year in a row Ashley Vehige, 17 years old, adopted a family from The Salvation Army for Christmas. Delivering her bundles today, she said she does it simply because she likes to try to give as much as she receivse for Christmas.
This season, Vehige and friends from her St. Charles County 4-H Junior Leaders gathered gifts and groceries for two families. The first family is that of a single mother coping with the death of her oldest son, and raising his child in addition to her own teenagers. The other family is comprised of a 46-year old mother of four children and 1 granddaughter living under one roof, trying to make ends meet after suffering a 40% loss of income in 2011.
As they unload bags of gifts for each family, along with five bags of food to get them through the holidays, Carla Vehige notes that her daughter was the driving force behind their involvement this year and every year. “She pretty much did this by herself. I just drove her here.”
The families in our Adopt-A-Family program are families that are nominated by agencies, local hospitals and the case workers most intimately familiar with their case,” says Wanda Carson, head of The Salvation Army’s Adopt-A-Family program, “Thanks to people like Ashley and her family, we have seen a 33% increase in the number of families adopted through this program this year.”
A group of employees from St. Louis University’s Human Resource Department delivered several bags of goodies to The Salvation Army last week. The effort, spearheaded by Addie Boeving, yielded more than 70 cards with Christmas wishes for our clients, adults and children alike and many individual-sized toiletries to restock our homeless shelters.
The toiletries will be used by residents in the O’Fallon and Family Haven shelters, while the cards will be distributed to families at next week’s Toy Town events throughout St. Louis. A most heartfelt THANKS goes out to the generous employees of St. Louis University!
(St. Louis, MO) – During a celebration at Barack Obama Elementary School, Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D-MO) announced that neighborhoods across St. Louis will receive $2.5 million in affordable housing grants that will provide homes for over 195 of the city’s families.
The grant funds will be used to rehabilitate existing properties and construct supportive housing for homeless veterans and individuals. The projects will not only provide safe and decent housing, but also improve the communities those families live in and invigorate the local economy through the creation of jobs.
“The $2.5 million in new grants we are announcing today will help seniors and low income families rehab their homes and stay in the neighborhoods that they love,” commented Congressman Clay. “We are also funding a program with The Salvation Army to directly combat homelessness among veterans. The brave men and women who have worn the uniform of this country should never find themselves on the streets, without a safe place to call home. I am especially proud that the $2.5 million in new grants that we are announcing today in my congressional district are being funded without spending one tax dollar. As we work to reduce the deficit and pay down the national debt, here in St. Louis, we are building up our community in a fiscally responsible way.”
Home Rehabilitation
Two million dollars will be targeted to four communities that have some of the oldest housing units in the city. Many of these homes are in need of necessary improvements, such as new roofs or foundations, but these improvements are not being made due to the lack of household income.
“These improvements are crucial in promoting community sustainability, maintaining property values and preserving housing stock for existing and future generations,” said Tyrone Turner, director of housing and asset development, Better Family Life, Inc. This is the second year the organization has received funds for its West End Home Repair Program and it is anticipated a total of 100 homes will be rehabilitated. Midwest Bank Centre partnered with Better Family Life, Inc. to secure the funds.
Beyond Housing and their partners, Midwest BankCentre and First National Bank of St. Louis, will use the grant funds to transform 96 homes in the Hillsdale, Pagedale and Pinelawn communities. In total, Beyond Housing has used $2.0 million in AHP grants to improve 40 homes over the past two years.
“This program is instrumental in helping residents improve their homes and enhance their neighborhood,” said Chris Krehmeyer, executive director, Beyond Housing. The home repair programs are an important part of Beyond Housing’s broad scale community building work in all 24 communities that comprise the Normandy School District.
New Construction for Veterans
Nearly $500,000 will be awarded to the Salvation Army St. Louis Veterans Housing project. Transitional and permanent housing, along with critical supportive services such as substance abuse treatment and job training, will be provided. “There is a huge need for the project. It is estimated that there are over 1,300 homeless people in the city of St. Louis, of which 300 are veterans,” said Gary Busiek, divisional social services director for The Salvation Army. “Since before the Great War, The Salvation Army has been working with our armed forces. Locally, The Salvation Army has been helping Veterans for decades at its Harbor Light Center. This new building will be a great step forward to providing them the support they need after serving our country.” Heartland Bank partnered with The Salvation Army to secure the funds.
“The collective efforts of FHLB Des Moines, its members and their partners will create housing opportunities for families that may not otherwise have access to affordable homes,” said John Kennedy, FHLB Des Moines director. Each year, FHLB Des Moines returns 10 percent of its net income to communities throughout its district through the Affordable Housing Program. These grants assist in the development of affordable owner-occupied and rental housing for very low- to moderate-income households.
In 2011, the Bank awarded $15 million in grants through its member institutions including, First National Bank of St. Louis, Heartland Bank and Midwest BankCentre, to fund 45 housing projects, which will help create or renovate 1,800 housing units across the FHLB Des Moines five state district. Over $5 million was committed to projects in Missouri.
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76 for 76 Golf Tournament
Joplin Long-Term Recovery
We are a proud member of the Joplin Long Term Recovery Committee. Watch for stories of the amazing work we can do through our partnerships in Joplin.
Disaster Services
As the spring storms start with a vengeance, we are reminded of our work in Joplin last year.
Salvation Army News
Today we recycle and repurpose furniture, clothing, and accessories on Pinterest and look back at the April 2011 tornado outbreak in the United States..
Julie Leicht Testimonial
Julie Leicht, Special Assistant to County Executive Charlie Dooley, speaks about her experience as an Advisory Board member with The Salvation Army.
A Message from Charlotte Jones-Anderson
The chair of our National Advisory Board speaks about the work of The Salvation Army in the US, and her vision for 2012.
Meet Matt Munro
Matt organized the "New York Sock Exchange" to collect socks to donate to the Hane's & Salvation Army Sock Drive!
Target Shopping Spree
On December 22nd, 100 needy kids were given $100 gift cards from Target. Thank you to Target for making it possible!
Empty Kettles
Kimberly's story shows what happens when support and donations stop. Please continue to give generously.
One month ago, a powerful EF2 tornado tore through the Branson area damaging numerous homes and businesses.
The Summit of Hope, held at the East St. Louis Salvation Army on February 21st, 2012 offered parolees an opportunity to take advantage of resources that would help them get a fresh start in life. The event, which is meant to reduce ricidivism, served 199 individuals during a one day span at The Salvation Army. Below are some of the statistics from teh event, which provided hope to a group desperately in need of a second chance:
Every day there are people who serve the Alton Riverbend community and go unnoticed. You may live across the street from them. You see the hard work they give day in and day out. Here is your chance to give them some recognition. Nominate them for the Riverbend Unsung Hero Award.
In the recent storms, the Branson Salvation Army was badly damaged, as were vehicles in The Salvation Army’s Branson fleet. Incredibly, despite this setback, The Salvation Army was able to swiftly respond in the aftermath of the storms, providing for the emergency needs of those affected. The Salvation Army’s network of corps community centers were able to provide support, with canteens coming to Branson from Springfield, MO and beyond.
The Salvation Army is set to roll out the catwalk for the 2012 “Fashion on the March” Fashion Show slated for Friday, March 30, at 11:00 a.m. at the Marriott – St. Louis West.
Many area businesses and organizations have made generous contributions to the Army’s food service. Among them: Wick’s Pizza, Texas Road House, Jaycee Foods, Midwest Food Bank, McDonald’s and Silver Creek High School. The Salvation Army would like thank these businesses for serving their neighbors in need.
The Salvation Army continues to provided needed assistance to those in the Branson area that were affected by Wednesday’s damaging storms.
A Salvation Army mobile feeding unit, or canteen, is stationed in the parking lot of the Branson Mall and ready to serve hundreds of individuals.
St. Louis − Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services teams have mobilized and are responding to areas impacted by the severe weather and tornadoes that ripped through the bi-state region Wednesday morning.
For the third year in a row Ashley Vehige, 17 years old, adopted a family from The Salvation Army for Christmas. Delivering her bundles today, she said she does it simply because she likes to try to give as much as she receivse for Christmas.
