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News
BURBANK ON PARADE 2007
 
 
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SALVATION ARMY CONTINUES TO COMFORT PEOPLE IMPACTED BY THE VIRGINIA TECH MASSACRE
Moments after the horrific shootings that shocked the nation, Salvation Army emergency disaster services personnel were called to the Virginia Tech campus to provide comfort and support to first responders, students, faculty, family members and the Blacksburg, Va., community.
Salvation Army personnel and officers (pastors) provided emotional and spiritual counseling at the inn on the Virginia Tech Campus that was designated for family members. Salvation Army personnel were available 24 hours a day to offer comfort, help families cope with their loss and assist as families were asked to identify loved ones.
In addition, Salvation Army emergency disaster service vehicles (canteens) were deployed to the campus. The Salvation Army has been serving approximately 1,200 meals a day as well as coffee, beverages and snacks to people impacted by the tragedy.
During the candlelight vigil on Tuesday night The Salvation Army offered hot cocoa, snacks and water from its canteen; but more importantly Salvation Army officers provided prayer and emotional support to students coming to terms with the atrocities.
“The presence of The Salvation Army and what the uniform is known for and stands for was a greater ministry than we could ever imagine,” said Captain Karl Dahlin, who was a member of The Salvation Army emergency disaster services team. “The ministry most appreciated has often been just our presence beside them during these difficult times.”
The Salvation Army canteen will remain on campus until tomorrow and Salvation Army counselors are continuing to work with mental health specialists to help ensure the people on campus receive the support they need. Captain Richard White, who is leading the Salvation Army response team, is working with local officials to provide long-term assistance that may be needed.
If you would like to make a donation to support The Salvation Army’s relief efforts, please go online to www.salvationarmyusa.org, call 1.800.SAL.ARMY or contact your local Burbank Salvation Army. (818-845-7214)
The Salvation Army Burbank Corps Announces Two Important Dates.
May 1-6 they will be hosting an old style revival service. Pastor Jerry Jones will be the special speaker. Contact the local office for more information.
November 2, 2007 they will host their 50th Anniversary at the Castaway. Call for more details.
The Salvation Army Lends Expertise to Human Trafficking Documentary & Issue
Released 15 February 2007
It's hard to believe that in 21st Century America - in our own backyard - a wealthy Orange County family could "rent" a 13-year-old Egyptian girl and force her into domestic servitude. It's even harder to believe that the girl's parents sold their daughter for a mere $30. Yes, slavery is alive and flourishing in the United States and around the world.
Human trafficking is currently tied with arms dealing as the second largest criminal industry in the world after drug dealing. It is also, unfortunately, the fast growing criminal enterprise with an estimated 14,500 to 50,000 people bought and sold into the United States each year. Eighty percent of the cases in California occur in Los Angeles, San Diego or San Francisco, according to a 2005 report from the human rights center at UC Berkley.
On Jan. 17, a group of approximately 300 people gathered in Hollywood to hear the girl's story, learn about modern-day slavery and view the premier of Cargo: Innocence Lost. The documentary by award-winning director Michael Cory Davis reenacts the brutal violence and tactics forced onto victims as it showcases intense narratives from the nation's top officials and abolitionists fighting back against human traffickers - including two from The Salvation Army.
Dr. Michael Smith, Social Services Consultant for the Southern California Division, and Rohida Khan, based at Western Territorial Headquarters (THQ), were interviewed by the director last year and are featured in the film.
In her role as the NETS (Network for Emergency Trafficking Services) director for The Salvation Army, Khan is working to increase the identification of trafficking victims, training service providers and law enforcement officials how to respond to cases, and helping to meet the needs of victims in the area.
Smith provides clinical and management consultative services to the non-LA metro Salvation Army Corps in the Southern California Division. He is working to increase public awareness of human trafficking, training staff on how to serve trafficking victims, and managing the delivery of services to rescued trafficking victims.
Some who attended the film premier and panel discussion said they were surprised that their "favorite charity" is actively involved in the fight against human trafficking. "Since its inception, The Salvation Army has worked in communities around the world to address problems associated with exploited persons," Smith explained. "The Salvation Army is known for its leadership position within the United States."
The Salvation Army is actively involved on two fronts: shaping public policy in Washington, D.C., as well as providing basic services and advocacy for victims. One of the most immediate needs of rescued trafficking victims is for safe housing. For this, federal law enforcement officials utilize local shelter resources. Given The Salvation Army's vast network of shelters throughout the country, providing safe, short-term shelter services to victims is a critical role. The Salvation Army also provides food, transportation, language interpretation and case management services to trafficking victims.
On Dec. 8, 2006, the U. S. Department of Justice recognized that leadership and awarded a $1 million grant to The Salvation Army and its partners for a new initiative to reduce and eliminate the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) in the United States. THQ's Adam Freer is coordinating the program for The Salvation Army.
PRESIDENT GEORGE H.W. BUSH AND FIRST LADY BARBARA BUSH VOLUNTEER AS SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGERS
Former First Couple Join 25,000 Bell Ringers Nationwide in Final 2006 Red Kettle Campaign Push
HOUSTON, TX (December 18, 2006) –President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush today joined 25,000 Salvation Army volunteer bell ringers in the final week of the 2006 Salvation Army Red Kettle Christmas campaign to help those in need. The Bushes rang a bell for the 115-year-old campaign outside a popular Houston furniture store to help The Salvation Army raise funds and promote volunteerism. Local children and their parents donated to the Bushes' Red Kettle and met the former first couple.
“Barbara and I are excited to pitch in and ring a bell to help The Salvation Army in its final fundraising push before Christmas,” President Bush said. “It is rewarding to see a child dropping a dollar in a kettle and learning about philanthropy. It is something to be passed from generation to generation.”
The Bushes manned the kettle stand in front of Gallery Furniture in Houston during an event at the store from 1:15 to 2:30 p.m. Monday. The Salvation Army was represented by National Commander Israel L. Gaither, Houston Area Commander Marshal Genser and a four-piece brass band, among others. Gallery Furniture owner Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, one of Houston’s biggest philanthropists, hosted the President and First Lady. In addition, a huge, 7-foot-tall Red Kettle—one of the world’s largest—was on site.
“We need more business owners like Mattress Mack to open their doors to volunteer opportunities and charity like this,” said Mrs. Bush. “This time of year when we give gifts to one another, it is especially important to remember those less fortunate. There are many people who have no food, no clothes, no money to pay the rent or heating bill. The Salvation Army is there for them because so many Americans get out to volunteer and donate throughout the year. Volunteering is a special gift almost anyone can give.”
The Salvation Army has reported a need for volunteers in more than 27 communities nationwide. As late as last week, two of the four Salvation Army territories were reporting that donations were down by as much as 11 percent, in part due to a need for bell ringers. For more information, prospective volunteers should call their local Salvation Army, which can be found through http://www.salvationarmy.usawest.org. Individuals, groups and companies can also host online Red Kettles, to invite their friends, employees, and others to donate, via the Salvation Army web site.
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 campaigns in the United States. As part of the campaign, more than 25,000 Salvation Army volunteers fan out across the country to ring bells and solicit spare change donations to the iconic red kettles from holiday shoppers. In 2005, the campaign raised a record $111 million nationwide, with nickels, dimes, quarters and dollars (and the occasional diamond ring or gold tooth) all being returned to help those in the communities where they were raised. Last year, the funds helped The Salvation Army to provide assistance to more than 31 million Americans in need.
“We are honored that the President and First Lady continue to support The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign,” said Salvation Army National Commander Israel L. Gaither. “I hope their contribution and those of all our volunteers will be an inspiration to Americans across the country to look for opportunities in their communities to donate their time and talents to charity. On behalf of the 30-plus million people we serve each year, I say, ‘thank you.’”
The Salvation Army responds to earthquake in Hawaii
The Salvation Army in Hawaii activated its emergency response network across the state in response to the 6.6 magnitude earthquake which hit in the early hours of Sunday, October 15.
Salvation Army disaster personnel are handing out water and sandwiches to travelers stranded at the airport and are on standby to assist the Red Cross in their sheltering operation on the Big Island.
At present, power outages, jammed phone lines and limited access to food supplies are reported on the islands. Staff are all accounted for and report that there has been no major damage to any Salvation Army facilites.
Donations can be made online, or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
This update provided on Monday, October 16, 9:30 AM
SIX SITES SELECTED TO RECEIVE SALVATION ARMY KROC CENTERS
Share of Mrs. Kroc’s $1.5 Billion+ Gift Will Fund Construction and Endowment
For more information, contact: Kathy Lovin at (562) 491-8751 – office / (310) 963-5115 - mobile
Long Beach, California (May 1, 2006) - The Salvation Army USA Western Territory announced today that proposals for six KROC Centers have been approved and will receive funds to build and endow Salvation Army Ray and Joan KROC Corps Community Centers.
The following sites were selected to begin development: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Honolulu, Hawaii; Long Beach, California; Phoenix - South Mountain, Arizona; Salem, Oregon; and San Francisco -Tenderloin, California.
The Western Territory, headquartered in Long Beach, California, oversees operations in the 13 Western states. The Territory received a $250 million share of Joan Kroc’s $1.5 billion-plus gift to The Salvation Army, enabling six centers to begin the construction process soon.
The KROC Center application process was very competitive. In April 2005, 19 comprehensive proposals were submitted to and reviewed by the USA Western Territory selection committee during the Feasibility Application Phase of development.
At the completion of the Feasibility Application Phase, Territorial Commander for the West, Commissioner Philip Swyers said, “The committee has identified eight locations with community needs that would be enhanced and impacted for good by the construction of a Salvation Army KROC Center.” In June 2005, those eight proposals were pre-qualified to move into the Development Application Phase. During this phase, each of the eight locations submitted a budget, a program and facility design, a development timeline, and a transition plan. Final applications were received on April 3, 2006.
Throughout each of the competitive phases, the KROC Center site selections were made based on how well the proposals do the following: 1) advance The Salvation Army’s mission; 2) implement Mrs. Kroc’s vision; 3) enhance under-served communities; 4) cost-effectively develop high-quality KROC Centers; and, 5) provide the best opportunity for long-term sustainability.
"Each of the proposals we received represented hundreds of hours of thought and planning on the part of our local Salvation Army personnel and especially their community partners. We want to thank everyone involved in the proposal process for their level of dedication and caring," said Commissioner Swyers. “And, we want to thank Mrs. Joan Kroc for making it possible for The Salvation Army to reach people of all ages with life enhancing programs and services.”
About the Kroc Gift: Announced in January 2004, Mrs. Joan Kroc, widow of McDonalds’ founder Ray Kroc, gave The Salvation Army in the United States an estate gifts in excess of $1.5 billion for the exclusive purpose of building and endowing KROC Centers in many communities across the country. The gift was one of the largest estate gifts made by an individual in the history of charitable giving. The first Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center was opened in San Diego in June 2002 at a ceremony presided over by Mrs. Joan Kroc. Members and friends of all ages enjoy access to the center’s climbing wall, ice arena, aquatic center, gymnasium, performing arts complex, indoor skate park, family enrichment center, Salvation Army church, day care center, and much more.
About The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army is, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Founded in London in 1865, the Army serves approximately 35 million people in the US each year with food for the hungry, companionship for the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter for the homeless, educational and recreational opportunities for at-risk children, relief for disaster survivors, recovery for the addicted, and many more services designed to assist those in need.
The Salvation Army USA Western Territory
180 E Ocean Boulevard , Long Beach, CA 90802
THE SALVATION ARMY ELECTS A NEW INTERNATIONAL LEADER. Click here for more details!
Americans Contributed $107 Million to
The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Christmas Campaign
ALEXANDRIA, VA (February 21, 2006) -- Americans generously contributed $107 million to The Salvation Army’s 2005 Red Kettle Christmas Campaign, which will benefit more than 34 million needy individuals in thousands of communities nationwide. Launched at the Dallas Cowboys' Thanksgiving game half-time show, the campaign exceeded the previous year's total of $102 million by 4.9% percent. The Army attributed the campaign's success to the continued support of Wal-Mart, as well as the many thousands of retailers who invited the Red Kettle bell ringers to their front doors and volunteers who generously gave their time.
"Raising additional funds in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita demonstrates the compassion of Americans," said Major George Hood, National Community Relations Secretary for The Salvation Army. “We are grateful to all the contributors who opened their hearts to help their neighbors in need.”
This year, more than 20,000 volunteers rang bells in front of retail partners’ stores across the country. In particular, Wal-Mart once again came to the aid of The Salvation Army by doubling the number of days Army volunteers were invited to ring bells at Red Kettles in front of Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores nationwide. As a result, Wal-Mart helped raised $26.7 million-- a 58 percent increase over last year-- for the Red Kettle Campaign.
This year’s Red Kettle Christmas campaign included for the first time a national online “Red Kettle” that allowed individuals and organizations nationwide to help The Salvation Army raise funds. The virtual Red Kettles gave donors an opportunity to host their own kettles on personal, group or company websites. The new program raised more than $100,000 nationwide.
“On-line donations are becoming an ever-increasing part of successful fund-raising,” said Major Hood, “and we were eager to merge the Internet with our Red Kettle campaign to extend the reach of the Red Kettles and The Salvation Army.”
Funds donated to Red Kettles benefit people recovering from all kinds of personal disasters, ranging from unanticipated home heating costs to the loss of a job. Donations to the Red Kettles remain in local communities, supporting Christmas and year-round programs. In 2004, Americans donated $102 to The Salvation Army through The Red Kettle Christmas campaign. With those and other donation’s given throughout the year, The Salvation Army provided assistance to 34million people in need throughout the United States.
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