125 YEARS DOING THE MOST GOOD!
In 1884 The Salvation Army set up shop in Massachusetts and we have never left. What began in a small store front in Boston now provides 3,000,000 acts of compassion each year across the Commonwealth.
You should also note that May 11th kicked off the 55th National Salvation Army Week. In honor of these two glorious happenings we are asking everyone to step up and make this a memorable year in our enduring history.
To learn more about these two events and the challenge at hand simply click here.
ARMY FACEBOOK FRIENDS STEP UP
The Salvation Army finishes third in Bullseye Gives (www.Facebook.com/Target), the first-ever Target Facebook giving campaign.
Between May 10 and May 25, more than 38,000 of our Facebook friends, fans and supporters voted for the Army. Ten charities were competing to win a portion of a $3 million charitable donation from Target. The Salvation Army's national office will receive $391,258 to help continue doing the most good to those in the most need. To read more about the competition please click here.
HOW TO AVOID THE FLU
As of Monday evening there are 34 confirmed cases of swine flu across Massachusetts. That number is up from six last week. The majority of patients being treated are children.
In an effort to help prevent the spread of this flu here is a link to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) flu prevention page. The CDC says this is the same advice it gives during the winter when the regular flu kills 36,000 Americans each year. They say these good health habits often can stop the spread of germs.
SUMMER CAMP ENROLLMENT SLOWS
As ice melts and the first buds of spring bloom there are visions of summer camp dancing in children's heads. However, a recent article in the Boston Globe shows many families are unable to fulfill their children's dreams.
One affordable alternative for parents facing tough financial decisions is Camp Wonderland located on beautiful Lake Massapoag in Sharon. The Salvation Army serves the physical, social and spiritual needs of more than 1,000 children at Camp Wonderland each summer but we cannot make this happen without your support. Your generosity each year will help children develop lifelong friendships, prepare to make correct decisions, and foster independence. To find out more about Camp Wonderland and how you can help click here.
COMMITTED TO SERVICE
The Salvation Army is not immune from these economic times. However, we will not cut service and we will meet the increased demand. But to do that we need your support now more than ever.
There was an article in the Globe recently called "Life on the Brink" that profiled the downturn in Fall River and interviewed Major Deming. But this is a story that can be written in every town. We see double digit increases in the need for meals in Boston, Milford, Plymouth, Hyannis and the list goes on and on and on.
We can’t say this enough – our ability to help others is all because of you. Without you families will be left without a home and children will miss meals. We ask you to please consider supporting the Army's mission so we can continue to do the most good for those in the most need. Thank you.
AMAZING GRACE
If you or someone you know is in need of drug or alcohol rehabilitation, please contact one of The Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Centers. Our caring staff is happy to answer any questions you have about our programs and they welcome the opportunity to serve your family.
There is a new commercial airing on television that is encouraging people to help those in need and inspiring people in need to seek help.
To watch the commercial click here. The link takes you to The Salvation Army's 'YouTube' page where you will also be able to see the real life recovery stories behind those featured in the spot.
To find an Adult Rehabilitation Center near you click here.
MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDER
For many, The Salvation Army only appears during the 'giving season' when you hear the bells and see the Red Kettles in front of your favorite store. But for so many people - now more than ever - the Army is there every day of the year.
In a heartfelt message published in the Community Newspapers, Salvation Army of Massachusetts Divisional Commander Major William Bode tells why The Salvation Army is the Red Kettle and so much more.
WCVB-TV's ONLINE GIVING COMMUNITY BENEFITS ARMY
WCVB-TV Channel 5 and www.TheBostonChannel.com help connect the power of television and the Internet with the creation of CommonwWealth 5, an interactive online network which links a nonprofit organizations' needs to the best intentions of a donor.