SAVE THE DATE!!!
The Salvation Army Online Red Kettle campaign is an online version of our renowned red kettles, longtime symbols of giving to The Salvation Army. Individuals, groups and businesses can raise money for The Salvation Army by creating an Online Red Kettle, which can be visited and donated to by family, friends and customers. Online Red Kettles can be personalized with photos or graphics and linked to other websites.
SAVE THE DATE - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2009 is the official kickoff of the Online Red Kettle. Fun. Fast. Easy. Free. Don't be left behind in this digital revolution!
SAVE THE DATE 2!!!
In 1897 The Salvation Army's Red Kettle made its East Coast debut in the city of Boston. Back then the Kettle's were only used to raise money to feed families at Christmas.
Today, money raised during the Red Kettle campaign is used to help those in need year-round. So while you only see the Kettle during the "giving season" please remember that your generous donation will be used every month of the year.
SAVE THE DATE - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2009 is the official kick off of the Red Kettle Campaign. The celebration is set for noon at Downtown Crossing. Everyone is welcome!
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.
HOW TO AVOID THE FLU
In an effort to help prevent the spread of H1N1 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.
ARMY RESPONDS QUICK IN NEW BEDFORD
The Salvation Army's New Bedford Corps responded quickly to the recent chemical leak at a trash disposal facility in New Bedford that sent over 100 people to the hospital. They immediately sent an Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) canteen to the site setting up services at the Command Center. EDS volunteers from the New Bedford and Hyannis Corps provided over 350 meals throughout the disaster, as well as snacks and hydration, to members of the fire department, police department, hazmat teams, and military personnel.
Volunteers trained in Emotional and Spiritual care also offered the Ministry of Presence to first responders and those impacted by the disaster. We want to give a special note of appreciation to all the EDS volunteers who gave their time, skills, and support to those in crisis. You never know when a disaster will hit and the Army is always looking for more trained volunteers. To learn more about how you can become a trained volunteer please 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.