Did You Know...The Salvation Army

Want to Ring?

2011-06-30T14:37:00.006-04:00

Are you ready, willing and able to greet the patrons of Harris Teeter and ABC stores Fridays and Saturdays in July while ringing a bell to raise funds to help The Salvation Army continue its services at full strength? You are? Perfect!

While you ring you will hear some great stories from folks about how The Salvation Army has helped them and how happy they are to support the Army. Guaranteed.

We'd love to have you help us this Christmas in July. Below are a list of available locations, review the list and contact our Volunteer Coordinator Shelby Moore at 543-8100 x106 or shelby_moore@uss.salvationarmy.org and she will get you signed up and ready to go!

Harris Teeter Locations

Location	Date	Address	City
Harris Teeter	(7/2)	1320 Colonial Avenue	Norfolk
Harris Teeter	(7/2)	2476 Nimmo Parkway	Virginia Beach
Harris Teeter	(7/2)	2800 Artic Avenue	Chesapeake
Harris Teeter	(7/9)	1320 Colonial Avenue	Norfolk
Harris Teeter	(7/9)	4540 Princess Anne Road	Virginia Beach
Harris Teeter	(7/9)	2800 Artic Avenue	Virginia Beach
Harris Teeter	(7/16)	3333 Virginia Beach Blvd.	Virginia Beach
Harris Teeter	(7/16)	4540 Princess Anne Road	Virginia Beach
Harris Teeter	(7/16)	237 Hanbury Road	Chesapeake
Harris Teeter	(7/23)	2476 Nimmo Parkway	Virginia Beach

ABC Stores are available Fridays and Saturdays in July

Location	Address	City
ABC Store	1612 Laskin Road	Virginia Beach
ABC Store	3333 Virginia Beach Blvd	Virginia Beach
ABC Store	1103 S. Military Hwy	Chesapeake
ABC Store	Independence Blvd.	Virginia Beach
ABC Store	1169 Nimmo Parkway	Virginia Beach

David Cobbs: Why the Kroc Center Matters to Me

2011-06-20T15:24:00.007-04:00

David Cobbs has been involved with The Salvation Army for so long he can't remember when he officially joined the Tidewater Area Command Advisory Board. Needless to say, he knows the value of an organization that provides relief to so many in need and at such a low cost. As David likes to remind people, "at least eighty-seven cents of each dollar donated to the Salvation Army goes to real programs, real services and real people. The Salvation Army is the most efficient charitable organization I have ever encountered."

Cobbs knew early on that a Kroc Center in Broad Creek would make an impact. "When the Kroc project began to materialize back in 2005, I was immediately excited by the opportunity it presented for our Hampton Roads region". Once he learned of Joan Kroc's historic bequest, and the chance for Norfolk to win a Kroc designation, he pushed other Board members to get involved and "win a Kroc Center for our community."

In the end, Norfolk did indeed "win" the Kroc designation and is now eligible to receive $56 million in matching funds - $28 million to construct the facility and $28 million toward the permanent endowment. The $28 million Kroc Endowment Campaign is, Cobbs assures, within reach, and so much so that the Salvation Army has already begun releasing Kroc monies for the construction phase of the project. To date, the Campaign has garnered over $20 million in gifts and commitments.

Now, after being involved for over a year on the fundraising effort, Cobbs admits, "one of my most important responsibilities as Chairman of the Advisory Board is to advocate and solicit donations for the Kroc Center."

Cobbs leads with his actions but backs it with his generosity.

"Our campaign Chair, Josh Darden, reminded us early on to make a personal gift of sacrifice, and not convenience. To make a gift commensurate with our means, but one we would be proud of, and tell others the same message."

David and his wife Bobbie figured out how to donate $100,000 to the Kroc Campaign effort.

"We made some financial adjustments, but I have been blessed with a successful career and loyal, supporting family, and we agreed this was a priority for us for the next five years."

David looks forward to joining the gym at the new Kroc Center, and being a part of the many programs designed to infuse wellness, health, spirituality, performing arts and education into our Hampton Roads area.

"Investing in Kroc is an investment in the future of all our surrounding communities in Hampton Roads - not only for the privileged and advantaged, but for those in the most need too. The Kroc Center will bring people together, and provide opportunities for everyone to be better, feel better, and behave better as citizens of Hampton Roads."

Christmas in July; Need to Raise $25K

2011-06-20T11:51:00.011-04:00

The Salvation Army Tidewater Area Command will put out its iconic red kettles every Saturday during the month of July to raise funds to support the programs and services it offers throughout the year.

“There are so many folks out there in need of our services,” said Major Lewis Reckline of The Salvation Army. “It’s important that we continue search for and find new ways to support our growing client base.”

During the 2011 Christmas in July campaign, The Salvation Army has set a goal of $25,000 to be raised in support of its programs and services. With an additional $25,000, The Salvation Army can send children to summer camps, provide backpacks and school supplies to children in need, provide shelter, meals and resources to the homeless and begin purchasing items to provide at Christmas.

"During the summer our donations typically decline," said Major Reckline. "With requests for assistance increasing and Christmas around the corner, it's as important as ever that the public be aware of how they can support those in need."

This will the third year that The Salvation Army Tidewater Area Command has run the Christmas in July campaign and the second year that volunteer bellringers will ring at local Harris Teeter stores.

Harris Teeter Locations

Location	Date	Address	City
Harris Teeter	(7/2)	1320 Colonial Avenue	Norfolk
Harris Teeter	(7/2)	2476 Nimmo Parkway	Virginia Beach
Harris Teeter	(7/2)	2800 Artic Avenue	Chesapeake
Harris Teeter	(7/9)	1320 Colonial Avenue	Virginia Beach
Harris Teeter	(7/9)	4540 Princess Anne Road	Virginia Beach
Harris Teeter	(7/9)	2800 Artic Avenue	Virginia Beach
Harris Teeter	(7/16)	3333 VB Blvd.	Virginia Beach
Harris Teeter	(7/16)	4540 Princess Anne Road	Virginia Beach
Harris Teeter	(7/16)	237 Hanbury Road	Chesapeake
Harris Teeter	(7/23)	2476 Nimmo Parkway	Virginia Beach

ABC Stores are available Fridays and Saturdays in July

Location	Address	City
ABC Store	1612 Laskin Road	Virginia Beach
ABC Store	3333 VB Blvd	Virginia Beach
ABC Store	1103 S. Military Hwy	Chesapeake
ABC Store	Independence Blvd.	Virginia Beach
ABC Store	1169 Nimmo Parkway	Virginia Beach

Bruce Smith Roast to Benefit Kroc Campaign

2011-05-17T13:52:00.005-04:00

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Join celebrity guests and football friends of Bruce Smith for what it sure to be an evening of laughs, at Bruce's expense. On Thursday, July 28 at the Half Moon Terminal in Norfolk, Bruce Smith and friends will host a roast of Mr. Smith to raise funds for The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center endowment campaign.

Through educational, creative arts and recreational activities,The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center will address and meet the specific community needs related to overall community wellness – and offer a safe,educational, community centered environment that fosters spiritual, physical, artistic and intellectual enrichment for the betterment of children, families and individuals throughout the Hampton Roads area.

Contact Information

Shelby Moore, Special Events Coordinator

shelby_moore@uss.salvationarmy.org

(757) 543-8100

I've been waiting a long time to do something like this and it needed to be for the right cause, The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Center endowment campaign is that right cause. This is going to be a lot of fun, I'm probably going to be a pretty easy target for my buddies.
- Bruce Smith

Salvation Army Relief in Gloucester

2011-04-19T16:34:00.002-04:00

MAKE A DONATION

In the third full day of storm response, Salvation Army teams of caseworkers and spiritual counselors are working in Gloucester, Virginia. Since Sunday The Salvation Army has been serving meals and drinks and has served lunch from 11-2 and dinner from 4-6. It was totaled that 132 lunches were served on Sunday and 150 were on Monday.

The Salvation Army partnered with Providence Baptist Church on Tuesday to put together bagged lunches to hand out to the workers and residents in the affected communities. All of the major roads surrounding the damaged neighborhoods are shut down to thru traffic with the exception of volunteers from The Salvation Army and Providence Baptist Church who are working together to make sure that everyone is getting the basic necessities in that specific area. Providence Baptist Church is the closest location to the most damaged residential area, from which The Salvation Army is continuing to serving lunch and dinner from.

As of today 100 HBA (comfort) kits were made and personally handed out to residents. Each of the kits includes: a bar of soap, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and baby wipes. Also given to the residents with the kits are grocery bags that consist of “pop-top” cans of food.

With the rise of displaced families in the damaged areas getting greater every day The Salvation Army is deeply concerned with finding immediate and permanent shelters for those people. The Salvation Army has been able to make additional room in their shelter to accommodate displaced families and individuals.

Children from Page Middle School will be re-starting school tomorrow at Peasley Middle. The Salvation Army, starting Wednesday April 20th, will be supplying at least 580 book bags full of supplies to those children.

The local radio station, 99.1 FM, is running donation ads throughout the day. They are aware of where The Salvation Army is set up and what the Army is in need of. In the past 24 hours there has been a great response to the radio ad and donations have been pouring in. The Salvation Army is still asking for the following donations: clothing, blankets, bathroom goods, pop cap canned food and bottled water. Any other donations are of course gracefully welcomed.

Donations can be made at the local Salvation Army in Gloucester between the hours of 9:30 AM-4:30 PM. Though the office was initially planned to be closed on Good Friday the decision was made to stay open and to extend business hours on Saturday April 23 as well. Donations are to be taken through the front door at the Gloucester Salvation Army. Donations are being collected at the Virginia Peninsula Command during the hours of 9 AM-4:30 PM. All media and volunteer inquiries should be directed to Stephanie Romett at (540) 840-5728. To make a monetary donation, please all 800-SAL-ARMY.

Recapping the Evangeline Booth Award

2011-04-05T17:20:00.004-04:00

The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary held the Inaugural Evangeline Booth Award on Wednesday, March 23 at Princess Anne Country Club. The room of close to 100 women from a variety of businesses, organizations, civic-groups and corporations welcome the First Lady of the Commonwealth of Virginia Maureen McDonnell and honored her as the first recipient of the Evangeline Booth Award.

Mrs. McDonnell then spoke to the crowd about her relationship with Hampton Roads, the importance of faith in her and her family's lives and some initiatives that are close to her heart.

In the end, it was a great event and very special to the Women's Auxiliary to have Mrs. McDonnell accept the Inaugural Evangeline Booth Award.

Letter from Japan

2011-03-28T10:10:00.003-04:00

Over the past two weeks we've been working to talk with some folks who are in Japan and get a better idea of how The Salvation Army and public can assist in the relief efforts over there. Over the weekend we got a message on Facebook from a lady named Jenny. Below is what she had to say:

Hi guys,

I thought I'd email you info on what you wanted to know about.

Relief effort and items needed:

Being in Tokyo, I'm not aware of the specifics of the relief effort up north. However, local churches and charities here have been collecting warm clothes, blankets, duvets, towels etc. I donated some of these items to the Tokyo Union Church on Omotesando and when I was there, I saw that some had also donated bottled water. Thus, these items are in demand. Bottled water is near impossible to find here in Tokyo so I dread to think what it's like up north! I'm hoping it's all up north!

In Tokyo, we are saving electricity to help. Some areas of Tokyo experience 'rolling blackouts' which can be up to 4 hours at a time, even at night. I haven't experienced a blackout where I live as I'm fairly central, but energy saving in the form of turning off unnecessary lighting - in shops, on trains, in stations, escalators/elevators not being used can be seen. Tokyo is normally so bright with lights so it is quite peculiar to see it dimmer and in some areas, plain dark.

Apart from donating those things above, and poss. some supplies mentioned below, I would suggest making a donation to The Salvation Army - whether it be the Japanese one or the one in your country.

Jenny also gave us updates on food and morale in Japan. We will share those either later today or on Tuesday.

Please remember, we are having a Dough Raiser at UNO Chicago Grill on Wednesday, March 30 from 11AM to 11PM. When you mention The Salvation Army in Japan 20% of your bill will be donated to The Salvation Army's relief effort in Japan. Learn more on Facebook.

The Salvation Army Celebrates 106th Anniversary of Service to Norfolk

2011-03-25T09:55:00.004-04:00

On this day in 1905 The Salvation Army first opened its doors to serve those in need in Norfolk, Virginia.

Over the past century, The Salvation Army’s service to the community has included services such as after school programs, veteran’s hospitals, transitional housing, men’s shelter, emergency disaster relief, utility assistance, recreation programs, youth camps, worship opportunities, and Christmas assistance.

“We are grateful for the support from Hampton Roads residents that has allowed us to serve those in need in our community for the past 106 years,” said Major Lewis Reckline of The Salvation Army. “As our services continue to grow and evolve to meet the needs of the community we can’t help but be excited about what the future holds.”

In the early 1960s The Salvation Army opened its office on Talbot Street in Norfolk. In the Talbot Street building, Salvation Army programs included, but were not limited to, a food pantry, veteran’s services, worship programs and recreation programs.

The 106th Anniversary begins a special year for The Salvation Army Tidewater Area Command. Earlier in the anniversary week, The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary recognized First Lady of the Commonwealth Maureen McDonnell with the inaugural Evengeline Booth Award to recognize Mrs. McDonnell’s commitment to her faith throughout her service to the Commonwealth.

“Maureen is an inspiration to all women of leadership and faith,” said Major Jacqulyn Reckline of The Salvation Army. “Her work in Hampton Roads and across Virginia, while never losing sight of God and serving others is a model for all to emulate.”

In the coming months The Salvation Army will host an Annual Meeting, the event’s keynote address will be given by NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Smith. The event is scheduled for Thursday, May 12 at 6:30 PM at the Downtown Norfolk Marriot. Tickets are available by calling (757) 543-8100 or online at SalArmyHR.org.

Also upcoming for The Salvation Army Tidewater Area Command is fundraiser to assist in the relief effort in Japan. On Wednesday, March 30 the four Uno Chicago Grill restaurants will host “Dough Raisers” where 20% of a patron’s bill will be donated to The Salvation Army’s relief effort in Japan. Learn more at facebook.com/salarmyhr.

Japan Relief Update 3/16/11

2011-03-16T14:59:00.005-04:00

Donate to the Japan Relief Effort | Purchase the tee shirt

Three Salvation Army teams in Japan are providing vital assistance to people affected by the country's earthquake, the resulting tsunami and ongoing problems at a nuclear power station. The Japanese Government has recognized the Army's work and given its teams permission to enter the disaster area and use access roads that are closed off to the public.

The first of the three teams went to Sendai, where about 1,000 meals were served to evacuees. Hot meals and drinks were prepared in The Salvation Army's mobile emergency canteen and given out at Sendai Corps (Salvation Army church). Handy towels and Salvation Army publications were also distributed.

Another team went to a relief office in the Mito area and unloaded bottles of water, biscuits, blankets, nappies (diapers) and tissue boxes for distribution to evacuees.

The third team headed to an area where people had been evacuated from the vicinity around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station, but snow and shortage of gasoline meant they had to divert to other areas to support evacuees.

Offers of support are pouring in from around the world. Two experienced International Emergency Services workers have flown to Tokyo from International Headquarters in London to assist their Japanese colleagues. The BBC reports that volunteers from a British group which failed to obtain clearance to work in the affected areas 'donated their food and medical supplies to The Salvation Army working in the country'.

The Salvation Army's Korea Territory has arranged for the K-Water Corporation to provide 100,000 bottles of water to be sent to Japan – 30,000 bottles by the end of the week, followed by the rest within a short time – and the Korea Disaster Relief Association will be sending 5,000 first-aid kits. Salvationists in Korea are holding a month of prayer for the people of Japan.

In a touching show of solidarity 1,500 young Salvationists in Haiti – who themselves have recent experience of a devastating earthquake – made prayer for Japan a focus of their rally in Fond-des-Nègres on 11-12 March.

The Salvation Army is calling on everyone to pray for the survivors and victims of the Japan earthquake.

Monetary donations are the most critical need as supplies and personnel are mobilized

These funds offer the greatest flexibility and enable local disaster responders to purchase exactly what is needed as close to the disaster zone as possible.

There are four ways people can contribute money to The Salvation Army's disaster relief efforts in Japan:

Text the words “JAPAN” or “QUAKE” to 80888 to make a $10 donation.

By phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY

Online at: https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org

By mail: Send your check, marked “Japan earthquake relief” to
o The Salvation Army World Service Office
o International Relief Fund
o PO Box 630728
o Baltimore, MD 21263-0728

Japan Relief - 3/14/11

2011-03-15T08:20:00.001-04:00

Donate to the Japan Relief Effort | Purchase the tee shirt

The Salvation Army is mobilizing personnel and resources in response to the devastating 9.0 earthquake in northeastern Japan.

The disaster has affected a 2,000 kilometer north-south stretch of Japan. Official reports now state that more than 10,000 people are dead or missing.

The Salvation Army in Japan has three emergency service relief teams operating in impacted areas.

One of the teams is assisting people who have been evacuated from nuclear power station zones.

Arrangements are being made for emergency service personnel from The Salvation Army International Headquarters (IHQ) to go to Japan to assist with the Army's relief effort.

The Salvation Army has had a presence in Japan since 1895 and its personnel are now working to assist people in need.

In Tokyo, the Army opened its main building to help shelter commuters who were unable to reach home on Friday. They served hot drinks and packed meals.

Road and rail systems have been severely affected and there is a shortage of petrol; it took a Salvation Army assessment team traveling from Tokyo to Sendai 20 hours to reach the city – a journey that typically takes around 6 hours.

The Salvation Army is calling on everyone to pray for the survivors and victims of the Japan earthquake.

Monetary donations are the most critical need as supplies and personnel are mobilized

These funds offer the greatest flexibility and enable local disaster responders to purchase exactly what is needed as close to the disaster zone as possible.

There are four ways people can contribute money to The Salvation Army's disaster relief efforts in Japan:

Text the words “JAPAN” or “QUAKE” to 80888 to make a $10 donation.

By phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY

Online at: https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org

By mail: Send your check, marked “Japan earthquake relief” to
o The Salvation Army World Service Office
o International Relief Fund
o PO Box 630728
o Baltimore, MD 21263-0728

At this time, The Salvation Army is not accepting donations of goods or household items (gifts-in-kind) from the general public for disaster relief operations in Japan.

The Salvation Army is extremely grateful for the generosity that has already poured in to help us meet both immediate and long-term needs.

Japan Relief Efforts

2011-03-14T10:44:00.006-04:00

DONATE to the relief effort | Purchase a T-Shirt to Support relief

The Salvation Army in Japan has three emergency service relief teams operating in areas devastated by the earthquake and tsunami that hit the north-east coast of the country last week. One of the teams is assisting people who have been evacuated from areas where there is potential danger because of damage to nuclear power generation stations.

At this time there are no reports of any loss of Salvation Army personnel or damage to corps buildings.

Immediately following the earthquake and tsunami an assessment team was sent from Tokyo to Sendai (the city nearest the center of the earthquake). It took the team 20 hours to travel a journey that usually is accomplished in six hours.

Road and rail systems have been severely affected. There is a shortage of gasoline, with many gas stations closed and lines up to three kilometers long at stations that are open.

The disaster has affected a 2,000 kilometer north-south stretch of Japan. Official reports now state that more than 10,000 people are dead or missing.

Arrangements are being made for emergency service personnel from The Salvation Army International Headquarters (IHQ) to go to Japan to assist with the Army's relief effort.

A number of Salvation Army territories have informed IHQ of financial and prayer support for the Army's relief effort in Japan. The Salvation Army in South Korea has set aside the next four weeks specifically for prayer and fundraising for Japan.

Couple finds love, new friends in homelessness

2011-02-21T08:32:00.004-05:00

William Hampton has lived in Lodi for 18 years and had a successful career, first as a carpenter and then as a building engineer.

He is now homeless.

Hampton, 50, sleeps frequently at The Salvation Army on Sacramento Street [CA], eats breakfast and dinner there and eats lunch at UPtown Thrift, a shop on Sacramento Street in Downtown Lodi [CA].

"A lot of people walk past the homeless, and I was one of them," Hampton said while eating a plate of spaghetti on Monday at UPtown Thrift.

Not any more. Now that he's homeless, Hampton said he's learned to love others who are similarly afflicted.

"There are a lot of good, wonderful people out there," Hampton said about the homeless people he sees around Lodi. "There are carpenters, engineers, people who lost their homes."

Hampton said he once made a six-figure salary, but he's been unemployed for nearly a year. Now he has breakfast and dinner at The Salvation Army in Lodi and eats lunch at the Unity Thrift in the Downtown area.

"No matter how good you've had it, you're one paycheck away from being homeless," Hampton said, sporting an Indiana Pacers sweatshirt that was donated from the thrift shop.

However, Hampton has found happiness in his new life. He is in the process of getting divorced, and he's made some great new friends among the homeless.

And while waiting in line for a meal at The Salvation Army one day, he met Kim Pomeroy, whom he describes as "the love of my life."...See Full Story at LodiNews.com

Roanoke Responds

2011-02-17T09:50:00.003-05:00

ROANOKE, VA – Tuesday afternoon The Salvation Army of Roanoke, VA delivered snack foods and bottled water to the responders working the fire burning on Nutter Mountain in Craig County. The U.S. Forest Service tells The Salvation Army that responders needed bottled water and portable snack foods to carry with them while they are working the fire.

Items delivered include:

40 cases of bottled water

192 boxes of oatmeal creme pies

12 cases of pudding

3 boxes of dried fruit

Monetary donations are welcome and can be made by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or online at salvationarmyusa.org.

Dozens of Ways to Help

2011-02-16T09:38:00.003-05:00

We're sure you know by now that there are dozens, possibly hundreds of things you can do to support The Salvation Army. Right now, New Genesis - New Beginnings, a local church, is helping collect non-perishable food items for our food pantry and clothes for our Family Stores. We've also got a few volunteer college students that come in a couple times a week and sort through volunteer and donor databases, helping us find the folks that are true champions of our cause.

In Grand Island, Nebraska a group held the Second Annual Frozen Lake Ice Bowl. This disc golf tournament benefits the Grand Island Salvation Army. 25 golfers took aim, hoping to land their Frisbees in the baskets. Some scored, some didn't.
But all players made a difference. They raised $330 and collected eighty pounds of food. Event organizers say this event provided a break from the competitiveness of the sport. (story by KHAS-TV)

In Michigan, It’s Mrs. Coach’s Closet, a.k.a. Round 2 of the Rodriguez family sale at The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army made $16,200 in January, when former Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez cleaned out his closet and donated all of his old Wolverines wardrobe for a sale and auction at the Wayne store.

Now Rich Rod’s wife, Rita, also has donated her maize-and-blue clothing, and it will be sold from noon till 1 p.m. Saturday at the Canton store, 43404 Joy Road.

“We got a call from Rita, and she was going to empty out her closet and invited us to come out and pick it up,” said Maj. John Aren of The Salvation Army.

Unlike the previous sale, which had set prices for some items, this will be an auction.

There will be some 170 pieces of Michigan clothing up for bids and a few purses and duffel bags.

The clothing includes T-shirts, jackets, sweat suits and hoodies, most in the small-to-medium range, and some bedazzled. (story courtesy of Detroit Free Press)

See that, those are just a few ways to help The Salvation Army in your area!

All For Jesus

2011-02-08T08:48:00.004-05:00

Donations to The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle campaign are usually pocket change, bills and checks.

But the Dalton, Georgia branch of the nonprofit received an unexpected item during its drive last December: a diamond wedding ring.

The ring wasn’t from a jilted spouse or crumbling relationship. It was from a happily married couple “still deeply in love.”

Salvation Army officials are selling the ring, which was donated by an anonymous couple, at Maryville Jewelers in downtown Dalton. Employees will take sealed bids for the next 30 days, then the ring will be sold to the highest bidder. The money will support the Salvation’s Army social services, including its food bank and utility bill assistance and transitional housing programs.

On Dec. 22, the couple approached bell ringers at the Kroger grocery store in Calhoun. They had the ring and a Christmas card. On the back of the card was a handwritten note: “My husband and I are still deeply in love. We think you could make better use of this ring than we can. ‘All for Jesus.’”

Below the note was the words of the Bible verse John 1:14.

Salvation Army officials said the story is unique. They’ve heard of people anonymously placing thousands of dollars in the red kettles but this is a first for the Dalton area.

“The couple that donated it, they donated it anonymously, but they put a little note that said our marriage is good basically and that way we thought you could get better use out of it,” said Pat Thompson, the office manager at
The Salvation Army.

Maj. Henry Hunter said the agency has seen an increase in the number of people seeking help. This year, the organization will provide help with rent, mortgage and utility assistance for more than 200 families and provide more than 3,000 food boxes to residents in Whitfield and Murray counties.

Hunter provided an illustration of that need. Just last Sunday there was a family lined up outside of the Salvation Army office on Thornton Avenue at 5:30 a.m. Hunter invited them inside to warm up and leave the bitter cold, but they declined. They wanted to be first in line for assistance.

“That’s desperate,” Hunter said.

David Finley, co-owner of Maryville Jewelers, plans to display the ring near the front of the store. The stone is .72 carats; the shape/cut is Marquise Brilliant; the clarity is S/1; and the color is E.

Maryville Jewelers is at 108 N. Hamilton St.

For information, call the store at (706) 278-1030 or
The Salvation Army at (706) 278-3966.

Article by Jamie Jones for the Daily Citizen and DaltonNow.com

Super Bowl Benefits The Salvation Army

2011-01-31T10:52:00.004-05:00

Weeks before it was known which teams would play in Super Bowl XLV, NFL executives and charitable organizations started making plans to direct money to numerous North Texas non-profit groups.

Collections have been taken, items have been donated and money is being collected to benefit women, children and needy families.

After the Super Bowl on February 6, The Salvation Army Community Center in Arlington will change its name to the North Texas NFL Youth Education Town at the Salvation Army. According to The Salvation Army, NFL Charities and the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Arlington Youth Foundation are donating $2 million.

NFL officials refer to the center as a “YET” (Youth Education Town). Work on the newly added space will begin soon after the Super Bowl game in Arlington.

“It’s not just The Salvation Army. It’s not just the NFL. It’s everybody pulling together to put together a program that reaches the neediest among us” says Major Ward Matthews of The Salvation Army.

Currently The Salvation Army houses a small number of homeless families on a temporary basis. The facility will also provide bed space for four homeless children. Major Matthews says the center will test a program to provide services for children who have no where to live and if it’s successful, they might add more space. Currently if The Salvation Army comes into contact with a teenager who is a runaway, the Salvation Army takes the child to its center in Fort Worth.

The renovation work will include 6,000 more square feet of space and additional staff members to teach children in the performing arts and cinematography. A similar “YET” was built in Tampa after the Super Bowl there in 2009.

The NFL estimates more than 50 national and local organizations are benefiting from donations associated with this year’s Super Bowl. Some of those organizations are the West Dallas Community Center, Genesis Women’s Shelter, United Community Centers of Fort Worth, Family Gateway and St. Philips Community Center.

Numerous current and former NFL players and their wives have participated in programs to help children, minority business owners and the environment.

Article posted by CBSDFW.com

Kroc Expands its Reach

2011-01-28T09:08:00.004-05:00

Article by Barbara Curtin for the StatesmanJournal.com

Since November, when the Salem Kroc Theater opened "Cheaper by the Dozen," the fledgling troupe has grown faster than anyone imagined.

The initial season of three plays has expanded to nine. Director David K. Berriér is reaching out to schools and to deaf theater-goers. The cast of the next play, "Sarah, Plain and Tall," will take the show on the road — to Mill City.

Tom Ferrin, the Kroc Center's associate director for development, said Salvation Army leaders are pleased with these plans: "With Dave's energy and the success of the first play, we saw the potential of what (Salem Kroc Theater) could do."

"Sarah, Plain and Tall," which opens Feb. 4, is in its final rehearsals for a two-weekend run. It's based on the Newbery-Award-winning book about a Kansas farmer who advertises for a wife and the Maine spinster who replies.

Here are some of the changes in store:

-One performance will feature sign-language interpretation for the hearing-impaired. Berriér added that touch after working on another project with students from Oregon School for the Deaf.

-The show will go to Mill City for a performance in the 375-seat Santiam Auditorium. Karen Widmer, a member of the Hearts to Arts support group, said Canyon residents are excited.

"It will mean an opportunity to be exposed to a level of theater that we didn't already have," she said. "People up here are starving for culture and art. Anything new, we usually get a huge turnout."

-Berriér has been working with Salem Public Library, civic groups, and public and private schools to encourage literacy. The season's plays are based on award-winning children's books, he said, so why not assign the stories for reading, then encourage students to attend the plays? He's giving out dozens of books to nudge the idea along.

-He also visited 26 retirement communities to personally invite residents to attend the Kroc Theater. A group will view the "Sarah" dress rehearsal for free. In future, Berriér hopes to offer a discounted night for retirement centers.

"Sarah" has drawn a mix of children and adults, both experienced actors and folks new to the stage. Emma Brickell, for instance, said she had done backstage work at McKay High School but had not been onstage before landing her part as the farmer's teenage daughter.

Memorizing all her lines was tough, she said. "I just try to feel the emotion she would be feeling and make it real."

Such experiences are in line with the mission of the Salvation Army and the heiress who endowed the Salem [Kroc] center, said Ferrin:

"Giving adults and kids a chance to act and providing the community a venue for live theater that hopefully never will be too expensive, that was Mrs. Kroc's vision," he said.

End of Article

So, this is what the Kroc Center in Salem, Oregon is doing. Imagine what the Kroc Center in Hampton Roads will do. Our 300+ seat chapel/theater is definitely going to attract some of the region's premier directors, producers and actors who will help in making the Kroc Center a fun, entertaining and educational place to be.

A Healthy Relationship

2011-01-27T11:51:00.002-05:00

On January 25, The Salvation Army opened a new cholera treatment center (CTC) in Fond des Negres, Haiti.

Erected in just 15 days, the project required the leveling of land, clearing of roads and installation of waste removal and water delivery systems on the plot of land formerly used as a farm by The Salvation Army in Fond des Negres.

The CTC features a carefully designed maze of tents that are sanitized and prepared to receive and care for patients through every stage of infection. From triage to recovery, the CTC delivers intensive rehydration therapy and monitors fluids lost in order to balance rehydration efforts.

There have been nearly 4,000 confirmed cholera-related deaths throughout the country since the epidemic began in late 2010. The Salvation Army’s Bethel Clinic, at its peak of treatment, saw some 250 cases in only two months. The opening of the CTC will increase the Army’s capacity to effectively treat those in the surrounding communities who suffer from the infection. According to the United Nations, the Cholera mortality rate is down from 10 percent to two percent. With the addition of the CTC, The Salvation Army and Médecins du Monde are doing their part to insure those numbers continue to decline.

In addition to the quarantine and treatment areas of the Bethel Clinic, The Salvation Army has been taking steps to prevent the spread of Cholera since the epidemic began. Vital supplies including soap, disinfectant, oral rehydration packets and antibiotics have been distributed via community centers (churches and schools) throughout the country. In Port-au-prince, efforts have continued through the primary health clinic, College Verena primary and secondary school and the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp next to The Salvation Army’s compound.

The Salvation Army’s efforts to treat and prevent the spread of Cholera have been made possible through partnerships with Médecins du Monde, The Salvation Army’s Canada and Bermuda territories and a donor in the Bahamas.

Soup-R-Bowl at Kroc Center

2011-01-26T08:42:00.003-05:00

It truly is amazing how many great things you can do at a Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. And the things you can do go beyond the water parks, classes, fitness opportunities, swimming, recreation, plays, musicals and worship.

The Kroc Center in Kerrville, Texas is hosting a Soup-R-Bowl party on Sunday, February 6...the day of the Super Bowl. They'll have to "HUGE HDTVs" and will be collecting non-perishable items to support their food pantry. Entry to the Soup-R-Bowl is $20, the donation for entry will assist in feeding the hungry through their soup kitchen. At the event they'll have door prizes and other giveaways

Space at the event is limited to the first 200 people that sign-up. Now, that's pretty cool, right? Folks are going to be able to watch the Super Bowl in a state-of-the-art facility (opened in the fall) with great atmosphere and for a great cause, supporting The Salvation Army's soup kitchen.

This is just an example of ONE great thing you can do at a Kroc Center. When our Kroc Center comes along, we're sure you'll enjoy just as many great opportunities.

Coats for Everyone

2011-01-25T08:31:00.004-05:00

At The Salvation Army Tidewater Area Command, we've been very fortunate to have a number of organizations, businesses and other groups donate coats during the cold winter months. We're a few weeks into coat distribution and coats are still coming in from the public.

It's hard to say if it's been unseasonable cold or not though. It seems like this happens every year; the weather turns cold, we have a couple of warm days and then it turns cold again and we're left wondering, "Was it this way last year?". Our memory is so short that we can't remember if it was cold last winter, which, being that it's winter, we should know and expect it to be cold.

One thing that is consistent year-to-year though is that there are people in the Hampton Roads area that need coats and whereas other coat drives may provide coats for only children, our coat distribution provides coats to everyone.

In just a few weeks we've gone through about 3 racks (150+) coats that are providing warm to men, women and children.

While some of us sit in our warm offices and houses thinking about weather it was a cold winter last year, there's someone on the street who remembers last winter and wonders how they'll make it through this winter. So when you have a chance, swing by our office at 5525 Raby Rd in Norfolk and donate a coat. Thanks.

A Look at Kroc Center

2011-01-10T13:32:00.002-05:00

The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center of Hampton Roads is really going to be a sight to see and is going to bring some great programs and services to the residents of the Broad Creek community as well as all Hampton Roads residents.

Check out this video out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Kroc Center just opened there back in the fall and is already filling up. As Major Johnson says in the interview, there are more than 11,000 children under the age of 17 that live within one mile of the Kroc Center. In the Broad Creek area of Norfolk, there are about 9,000 children that live within one mile of where the Kroc Center is to be built.

Gaining on It

2011-01-05T11:45:00.005-05:00

Just because you may not have heard much about The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, that doesn't mean there hasn't been much going in fact that's far from the truth.

As of the end of the year, The Salvation Army has raised $19.3 million for the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. The number to truly make the Kroc Center a reality is $28 million. At the end of the Fall, Kroc became a reality for the residents of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Watch the video at right for a tour of their building.

The Kroc Center in Grand Rapids is built on 20 acres of land. During a job fair to fill positions at the Kroc Center, more than 500 people turned out seeking jobs.

In the last two months of 2010, we received more than $900,000 toward the Kroc Center. Sentara Healthcare made of $100,000 pledge, the Shearwater Foundation on behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad M. Hall.

Finally, as you made have seen in The Virginian-Pilot, the Kroc Center also received a gift of $750,000 from the Hampton Roads Community Foundation.

"We're very grateful to all of the business, foundations and individuals who have supported Kroc during these early stages," said Major Lewis Reckline of The Salvation Army. "We're optimistic that we can reach our goal by the Fall of 2011 and that we can see some dirt moving around at the corner of Ballentine and Princess Anne by the end of the year."

What a Christmas

2011-01-05T10:26:00.007-05:00

It's hard to believe that Christmas is over and that it's 2011. We're all walking around the office thinking, "Is Christmas really over? It happened so fast." From what I understand though, that seems to be the nature of life, each year goes by faster and faster, it's going to seem like just as we've moved out of the depot and put the Christmas decorations on the top shelf it'll be time to grab the ladder and pull them down again.

While it does go fast, it doesn't go without reward (see video at right). This year I had the chance to shop with some mothers and fathers that had come to the Christmas Depot to pick-up gifts of toys, clothing (Angel Tree) and food for their families and children. In my two previous Christmases with The Salvation Army, I'd never shopped with clients and boy was I missing out.

It wasn't so much the stories that I heard about how a family came to need our assistance at Christmas time but more of the look on their faces when they saw the doll on the shelf that their daughter wanted.

One mother said to me, "I can't believe this doll is here. This is the exact doll my daughter asked for and I didn't think I'd be able to get it for her." That's the reward.

If it weren't for our great partnerships like The Virginian-Pilot Joy Fund, The United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots and WVEC-TV 13 News with Angel Tree, we'd never be able to serve the 6,200 families that came through the Christmas Depot. Because of that great support we provided gifts of toys, Angel Tree, bears and stockings to almost 15,000 children.

We shot a lot of video during Christmas distribution and have some great interviews with clients, volunteers, supporters and staff so please check back to the blog often for updates. We'll also be posting them to Facebook to look there too.

Christmas Distribution to End at 12:30pm on 12/20

2010-12-19T19:26:00.003-05:00

After five full days of Christmas distribution and on half day, Thursday, December 16, due to inclement weather, The Salvation Army Tidewater Area Command will conclude its Christmas distribution on Monday, December 20 at 12:30pm.

"When we closed at Noon on Thursday we were sure we'd have to go a full day on Monday," said Major Lewis Reckline of The Salvation Army. "But thanks to great volunteers, staff and Marines, we've caught up and will able to see remaining families on Monday morning."

Through Christmas distribution 2010, The Salvation Army has served more than 6,100 of its originally scheduled 7,650 families. With a half day remaining, The Salvation Army has served only 40 fewer families that it had over the seven days of distribution in 2009, 6,147.

Of the 650 families scheduled for Thursday afternoon that were bumped to any of the three remaining days of distribution, more than 475 of those families came through Christmas distribution on either Friday or Saturday. Those more than 475 families that came through the depot equaled the average daily attrition rate of families scheduled versus families that arrive at the depot to be served.

Christmas Depot Closed on Thursday Afternoon

2010-12-16T14:14:00.004-05:00

The Salvation Army Tidewater Area Command closed Christmas Distribution on Thursday, December 16 at Noon due to inclement weather. Clients with appointments for Thursday afternoon have the option of returning at any time over the final three days of distribution, Friday, Saturday during regular distribution hours, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM and Monday, December 20 between 9:00 AM and 12:30 PM.

The winter weather that hit southside Hampton Roads led to several accidents and stoppages in traffic near the Christmas Distribution center on 4725 Virginia Beach Blvd in Virginia Beach.

"It's best the close for the afternoon so that clients, volunteers, Marines and staff can get home safely before the weather conditions possibly worsen," said Major Lewis Reckline of The Salvation Army.

Those seeking updates on their volunteer shifts or clients seeking information on their appointments should continue to visit SalArmyHR.org see The Salvation Army's Facebook page at facebook.com/salarmyhr