News Archives

MORE THAN 1200 THANKSGIVING MEALS DISTRIBUTED to Bostonians in need. The meals included turkeys, potatoes, pies and all the fixings!

Carmen, a South End mom, said she will now be able to cook for 12 members of her extended family on Thanksgiving and share the day with them. The Salvation Army program means more to her than food – it strengthens and nurtures her family.

Several organizations – including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Boston University and America’s Growth Capital – and family groups volunteered throughout distribution day.

For the full story click here.

2011 RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN IS UNDERWAY after Wednesday's kickoff celebration at Downtown Crossing. The Salvation Army was joined by the Honorable Thomas M. Menino, Mayor, the City of Boston; David Brown, WCVB-TV; and Major David E. Kelly, Commander, The Salvation Army of Massachusetts. The event was shown live on WCVB-TV Channel 5.

The Salvation Army debuted a new method to make it easier to give. This year, kettle signs across the state will be adorned with a QR (Quick Response) Code, that when scanned using a smartphone mobile device allows users to make an online donation by directing them to the website: www.salvationarmyma.org/change.

For the full story on the kickoff and the kettle campaign click here.

EIGHT MONTHS IN, KROC CENTER EXPANDING PROGRAMS in effort to double membership by June.

“A lot of groups have come to us, and vice versa, to fill in the holes we can’t always fill ourselves,” Corps officer Major Ervin McKoy told the Dorchester Reporter. “We found that when we make an announcement about a new offering, they generate a lot of excitement from the community.”

The entire story from the Dorchester Reporter takes a look at the recent successes and the future expansion. For all the inside information click here.

CELEBRATING 27 YEARS OF PROVIDING ENERGY ASSISTANCE to Massachusetts residents, the Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund held its annual breakfast Wednesday, November 9.

“With our economy’s continued struggles in mind, I want to thank each and every one of you for the work you do on behalf of the Fund,” said Major David Kelly, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army which administers the Fund. “There are many individuals and families in our state who are in temporary crisis and in need of energy assistance. Thanks to the Good Neighbor Energy Fund, they will have a place to turn for warmth this winter season.”

Over the years the GNEF has provided assistance to more than 78,000 families in need. To read more about the fund and the kickoff event click here.

THE SALVATION ARMY HELPS RESIDENTS DIG OUT from historic Nor'easter.

The October Nor'easter dumps as much as two feet of snow in some areas of Massachusetts and The Salvation Army intensifies its support efforts in the hardest hit communities where people may be without power for several days.

In the greater Springfield area, the Salvation Army was supporting services to city shelters with about 400 residents while three mobile canteens were providing hot food and coffee around the region. State officials were estimating that 600,000 residents were still without power and heat at the start of the week.

To read more about the storm and The Salvation Army efforts to reach everyone in need click here.

VOLUNTEERS FROM TALBOTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE at Camp Wonderland.

Five volunteers from Talbots rolled up their sleeves to help maintain The Salvation Army’s Camp Wonderland as part of the company’s Make A Difference Day.

After an inspiring welcome speech about all the labor that goes into maintaining the camp from the camp’s caretaker, volunteer Mark Seligman exclaimed, “So put us to work!”

And they did; To read about their efforts and how you can help, click here.

THIRTY HOMES REBUILT IN FOUR DAYS as part of the "Funnel Your Energy for Rebuilding Together" effort in Springfield. The four-day event featured The Salvation Army, area organizations and area businesses rebuilding thirty homes damaged by the April tornadoes.

"This is an excellent way for the community to help others who have suffered so much from the tornado damage," said Major Thomas Perks (pictured, left) of the Greater Springfield Salvation Army. "By volunteering time, or donating money and/or construction items, people will be able to start seeing results immediately, and especially at the end of the week."

The Salvation Army’s specific contribution was to deliver food and water for lunch to over 1,000 volunteers during the four work days utilizing its Emergency Disaster Services vehicle.

BLUE CREW SPRUCES UP CAMP WONDERLAND as fifty volunteers from Blue Cross Blue Shield rolled up their sleeves to help maintain The Salvation Army camp as part of the health care company’s first company-wide Service Day.

The volunteers stripped and power sanded 40 dining hall tables as other Blew Crew members painted 50 benches from the camp’s band shell. Blue Cross Blue Shield also awarded a $5,000 grant to Camp Wonderland as part of the volunteer program.

To read the full story and see more pictures of their hard work click here.

CELEBRATION OF 9/11 VICTIMS LIFE held at Dorchester playground named in her honor.

A dozen pre-schoolers recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sang “My God is So Big” as Salvation Army colleagues, volunteers and the family and friends of Paige Farley-Hackel gathered at the playground built in her honor to recall her spirit for life and generosity toward others.

Even ten years after her death on American Airlines Flight 11, Paige Farley-Hackel continues to improve the lives of children in need. Click here to read more about her story and the celebration of her life.

CHECK OUT OUR RECENT COVERAGE from around the Commonwealth:

New officers in Framingham are planning a youth ministry to keep children off the streets. Captain Lynnann and Walter Rivers (pictured left with their kids) are working with commanding officers Ruth and Warren Blais "to reach out to children in the community who need direction...."

Ralph Ayers and Jimmy Murphy donated proceeds from the tours they gave during Yankee Homecoming week to The Salvation Army of Newburyport. They do this because the Army "helps so many families year after year."

SUMMER EMPLOYMENT FOR BRIDGING THE GAP (BTG) TEENS is found at The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center located in Dorchester.

“They have been an inspiration to other youth at the Kroc Center by displaying great leadership and character within their departments,” said Larry Merritt, Kroc Center Fitness and Recreation Coordinator. “They are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to insure that all members of the Kroc Center are receiving great customer service.”

Five BTG teens were granted employment for the summer at the Kroc Center thanks to the generosity of Citizens Bank Foundation and the Black Ministerial Alliance.

THE SALVATION ARMY DELIVERS 700 LUNCHES DAILY to at-risk and homeless children in Worcester this summer.

This is the second year in a row The Salvation Army has implemented this program in the Worcester area. The effort was so successful and in demand last year, that the Army has created similar programs in Roxbury and Dorchester this year. The hope is to replicate this program in Springfield next summer.

Visit the Worcester Telegram and Gazette online to read more and see a photo slide show.

THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS AWARDED BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOPPING SPREE from Target and The Salvation Army.

Across Massachusetts and the rest of the nation more than 12,000 students in need shopped today at Target stores for school supplies, clothing and other must-have necessities as part of a $1 million donation from Target.

In Massachusetts, 300 students receive an $80 Target GiftCard for school supplies.

CHECK OUT OUR RECENT COVERAGE from around the Commonwealth:

In Milford, the new Corps Commanders, Envoys Jessie and Dave Irwin (pictured right, with their kids), say "We want to serve the Lord...We want to help out the community." They plan to expand current services and provide a musical flare.

Three months after the Springfield tornado much needed help is still being given. The Salvation Army's Jarrid Kendall says it is still "great to see the community coming together."

WE MOURN THE DEATH OF MYRA KRAFT: David E. Kelly, Major, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army of Massachusetts says, "Our prayers go out to Robert Kraft, their children and extended family as they cope with this difficult loss.

Myra Kraft has been one of the most powerful and gracious voices for charitable works and philanthropy in the region for decades. She and the Kraft family directly have done so much for The Salvation Army that her loss is truly profound." To read his full statement, click here.
 

$5M EXPANSION IN THE SOUTH END BEGINS with a ceremonial groundbreaking. The expansion includes a more centralized worship sanctuary, a new elevator and an area for conferences and workshops. Currently, a portion of the Social Services Department is operating out of The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Communit Center on Dudley Street in Dorchester. The South End expansion allows all social services operations to return to the Washington Street location.

Built in 1934, the South End building has not seen any major renovation since the '70's. The completion date for this project is estimated at March 1, 2012.

"WE ARE IN THIS FOR THE LONG HAUL, WE WILL HELP FOLKS UNTIL IT'S OVER."

These were the words of Major Thomas Perks, Commanding Officer of The Salvation Army Springfield the night a tornado hit the Springfield area killing four, injuring numerous and leaving many homeless.

To read more about all the great work that was done and that continues to be done by The Salvation Army, Emergency Disaster Services and all our volunteers click here.

Kroc Center Dedicated April 2, 2011 
MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNOR DEVAL PATRICK; BOSTON MAYOR THOMAS M. MENINO along with many other political and community leaders celebrated the grand opening of the 90,000 square foot center located in the heart of Dorchester.

To see coverage, click on your favorite media outlet: Boston Globe, Boston Herald, WBUR, WBZ-TV, WCVB-TV, WHDH-TV, NECN, BNN. *Photo courtesy Faith Ninivaggi, Boston Herald

» Visit Kroc Website

The Salvation Army and the United Way 
WE WANT TO THANK OUR MANY GENEROUS DONORS who have supported The Salvation Army through the United Way. We want to let you know as of July 1, 2010, we have discontinued our affiliation with the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley.

The Salvation Army’s recent decision is necessary to fulfill its mission of serving all those in need and to best position the organization for the future. You may directly support The Salvation Army by calling 339-502-5900 or you can Donate Online. The continued and generous support of our donors is appreciated and helps to make our services possible for those in need. Thank you.

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Big Thanks for $35,000 Donation 
Labor-Management Cooperation Trust of the Plumbing-Cooling-Heating Contractors of Greater Boston and Plumbers Local 12 make this generous gift in support of the campaign to build the new Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Boston.

Representing all organizations are (pictured, L/R), Kevin Cotter, Local 12 Business Manager, Major William Bode, previous Massachusetts Salvation Army Divisional Commander, George Donahue, Local 12 Business Agent, Jack Peters, Kroc Center Campaign Director, Michael Petrilli, PHCC of Greater Boston President, and Hugh Kelleher, PHCC of Greater Boston Executive Director.

The Salvation Army – the Red Kettle and So Much more
What do you think of when you think of The Salvation Army – a Red Kettle, a soup kitchen, a Thrift Store?

The Salvation Army is all of those things – but it’s so much more. For those overwhelmed by disaster, The Salvation Army is the first sign of hope and the last friend to leave.  It’s a second chance for men and women in the grip of addiction, or homelessness or poverty.  And it’s a first chance for children who would otherwise have none.

» Read Full Story

Last Fiscal Year’s Service Statistics 
More people than ever were helped by The Salvation Army during the fiscal year that ended September 30 (Oct. ’08 to Sept. ’09).  Responding to the urgency ofChrist’s call to “feed the hungry,” The Salvation Army in Massachusetts provided 1,189,694 meals.  And heeding His words about caring for children, the Army created opportunities for laughter and education for over 100,000 children and youth.

» Read Full Story

Need has never been greater  
Salvation Army Corps Officers have been receiving an alarming number of requests for assistance.  Family bread-winners have either lost their jobs or have had to take deep pay cuts.  They can’t make ends meet – food, utility bills, rent and, of course, clothing and Christmas toys for their children. At Thanksgiving time alone, The Salvation Army provided upwards of 13,000 meals –many of them delivered to homes by Officers and volunteers.
     
Across the state, the Army has risen to meet the needs:  A 62% increase in Cambridge; Milford Corps has seen demand double; Boston Central just provided approximately 3,000 families with food vouchers, coats and toys; Fall River has responded to the needs of some 2,500 families – it has served over 500 more children this year than last; Springfield Corps has seen a jump of over 25% in the number of folks seeking assistance – it will be welcoming 5,000 families (16,000 children) to its Christmas Castle all week to receive food vouchers, coats and toys for the kids; and Haverhill, with a 26% increase in aid, reports touching the lives of 1,800 individuals, including almost 870 children.

Richards Group Picks Army Ad as Favorite 
Advertising giant Richards Group selects a Salvation Army Public Service Announcement (PSA) as the company favorite. The PSA called "Amazing Grace" beat out ads created for Home Depot, Bridgestone and Chick-fil-A. The "Amazing Grace" spot is a powerful and touching look at those helped by The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers. Another Salvation Army PSA called "Chapter & Verse" finished in the Top Ten at number 10.

Springfield Program Best in Nation 
Project Safe Neighborhoods honors the Bridging the Gap (BTG) program at The Salvation Army of Springfield with their National “Outstanding Juvenile Program” Award. All of us in the Army across Massachusetts are honored and wish to say congratulations to everyone on the Springfield BTG team! BTG is a cutting edge program providing support and skills to court-involved and at-risk youth.

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Deloitte Volunteers Make IMPACT  
For the past several years Deloitte in Massachusetts has chosen the Army to be the benefactor for their day dedicated to volunteerism. Nearly 100 volunteers from Deloitte spread across the Commonwealth for IMPACT Day. As to why they have IMPACT Day, Barry Salzberg, chief executive officer, of Deloitte LLP says, “We firmly believe that workplace volunteer programs can drive real results for our communities...." Those results mean Army officers can spend even more time helping those in need.

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Playground Replaces Drug Hangout 
Gone are the "steps to nowhere" both literally and figuratively. When the house was demolished all that was left were a set of steps. The steps went nowhere - just like the people who congregated around them on a daily basis.

The empty lot on Wales Street in Dorchester was notorious as a drug dealer hangout. To make matters worse, it was next door to The Salvation Army's Children's Learning Center (CLC) where more than 60 children attended each day to learn, to stay safe, and to prepare for a bright future. One day the future became even brighter when The Salvation Army acquired the "steps to nowhere" lot and turned it into a playground that is now the center piece of the neighborhood.

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