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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.
Since 1865, The Salvation Army’s unfailing commitment to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, love the unlovable, and befriend the friendless has carried forward the mission of its founder William Booth – to preach the gospel of God’s love and to meet human needs in Christ’s name without discrimination.
Some basic services of The Salvation Army are well known. Last year, through our evening soup kitchens, breakfasts for seniors, or other meal programs, we provided approximately 1,100,000 meals. At Christmastime, we distributed over 311,000 toys and gifts and gave away some 9,000 coats. Lesser known, but literally of life-and-death importance are our shelters which provided some 170,000 nights of shelter – and caring welcome – to homeless men and women, whether on an emergency or transitional basis.
But the breadth of Salvation Army programs goes well beyond that, helping individuals at every stage of life – from childhood to the senior years.
Of life-and-death importance are our shelters which provide some 170,000 nights of shelter and caring welcome to homeless men and women, whether on an emergency or transitional basis.
Over 100,000 children take part in our youth programs. With childcare facilities in nearly every community in the state, The Salvation Army focuses on the well-being of children and understands the importance of education. From our Summer Camps to our character building, educational, and arts & music sessions, thousands of children are introduced to a world of self-confidence and opportunity. Our highly successful Bridging the Gap program focuses on helping youthful first-time offenders look into their lives, get a grip and make better decisions – and move on in life without offending again.
Our statewide programs for teen mothers aim at helping young mothers and their children lead better lives. The young mothers are taught parenting and life skills that prepare them for self-sufficiency and wholesome family life.
Shut-ins know the uplifting presence of The Salvation Army – visits by Officers and volunteers bring a bit of joy and a message of caring to thousands of individuals who are in local hospitals, convalescent and nursing homes, correctional institutions, veterans’ medical centers, and children's homes.
Firefighters, police and civic leaders are well-acquainted and grateful for The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Service that provides relief in the event of natural disasters, emergencies, and terrorist attacks. After any disaster, The Army is there to support both survivors and first-responders and to help re-build. Last year, our trained volunteers responded to over 90 disasters statewide, touching the lives of 10,314 survivors and responders.
The Salvation Army’s four residential Adult Rehabilitation Centers offer men and women who are homeless due to substance abuse, an unstable living environment, or inability to find work true hope with an opportunity for a fresh start. Renewed in body, mind and spirit, they can become productive members of their families, their communities and society.
Few people are aware that The Salvation Army has a presence in every zip code of Massachusetts. While our 40 Corps Community Centers for worship and social service are in major towns across the Commonwealth, our Service Extension Units create a Salvation Army presence in all the areas in between. This makes it possible for The Army to respond locally to the needs of individuals and families in every town.
The Red Kettle is an American icon in the holiday season. But for The Salvation Army, it is a vital source of funding for year-long operations of our programs. And the Kettle Campaign has never been as urgent as today.
The daily newspapers are telling the story: Lost homes, lost jobs, lost investments. Reports from Corps Officers and volunteers are alarming: pantries nearly out of groceries; the number of applicants for Christmas help in one day equaling last year’s total for the season; volunteers who once manned our kettles or kitchens now say they are seeking help themselves. Corps reports tell of increases in the number of requests for assistance that range anywhere from 35% to 150%.
For the first time in years, The Salvation Army faces the terrible – and unacceptable – prospect of having to turn people away with their needs unmet.
With trust in God and our donors, we are calling on the sacrificial generosity of the hundreds of thousands of individuals, corporations and foundations who provide the financial support that makes it possible for our services and programs to change lives.
Wherever hope is the only thing left – The Salvation Army is there.
Wherever a life can be turned right-side up – The Salvation Army is there.
Wherever good can overcome – The Salvation Army is there.
And wherever The Salvation Army is that is where your contributions go.
The Army’s life-changing services are your generosity put into action for the good of the people who need it the most.
Visit www.salvationarmy-ma.org to see how – thanks to your donations – The Salvation Army is “Doing the Most Good” one life at a time. When you visit our website, you can start your own On-line Red Kettle and invite your family members, friends, and business colleagues to put money into a kettle from which marvelous “change” will come. If you wish to volunteer, please call Wil Leslie at 617-542-5420 X 510
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