From its humble beginnings in 1880 The Salvation Army in the United States grew into a strong force for good in the lives of Americans everywhere. By 1954 they grew from small bands of uniformed men and women to a large group with the capacity to enable meaningful and lasting change across the country.
It is this transformation that led the Eighty-third congress of the United States and President Dwight D. Eisenhower to proclaim the week of November 28 to December 4, 1954 to be the first National Salvation Army Week.
Turn the clock forward 55 years and although the dates have changed, the work of this Army remains the same: doing the most good to the most people in need through education, compassion, and hope.
125 YEARS IN MASSACHUSETTS
In 1884 the first Salvation Army Corps location was established on in Boston. Today, The Salvation Army has more than 40 locations across the Commonwealth and provides service to people in every county.
Last year The Salvation Army of Massachusetts delivered more than 3,000,000 acts of compassion. This includes distributing nearly 250,000 toys and gifts to families in need and providing more than 1,000,000 meals to the hungry. To learn more about the wonderful work of the Army around the Commonwealth click here.
CALL TO ACTION
In honor of the National Salvation Army Week and 125 years of doing the most good in Massachusetts we ask that you consider helping us make this a truly special year. Below are seven different ways you can help others and help yourself. We are not asking you to do all seven this week - or this year for that matter - we ask that you consider this a list for life. By taking on any or all of these challenges you will vastly improve the lives of others and you will be surprised by the change to your own life. In advance, thank you for your time and for continuing to support our efforts in serving those in the most need.
1. VOLUNTEER
In the Commonwealth alone, more than 75,000 people volunteer nearly 500,000 hours of their time each year to help The Salvation Army help others.
Whether you're an individual with a heart to change someone's life or a large group looking to do a day of corporate volunteering, The Salvation Army can use your help. Become a volunteer today and join The Salvation Army on its mission of 'Changing Lives.' For more information on volunteering contact our Volunteer Coordinator Carolyn Brunis, at (617) 542-5420 x182 or Carolyn.Brunis@use.SalvationArmy.org or simply click here.
2. PRAY
The Salvation Army encourages everyone to spend a little time each day in prayer. Even an hour in a prayer room tends to leave its mark, and that mark will usually include a more urgent passion to see people's lives changed. Whether you choose to pray in solitude or with others please call your nearest Corps location to find out more about our prayer rooms. For a list of our Worship Centers across Massachusetts click here.
3. SITE TOUR
The Salvation Army offers special site tours for those who want to see their donations at work and for those interested in making a donation. You will not find a more moving experience than seeing first hand the power behind your contribution. Take a site tour and witness for yourself the lives that are changed by the Army and the generosity of the human spirit.
To schedule a tour or for more information, contact Lauren Suprenant at (617) 542-5420 x172 or email her at Lauren.Suprenant@use.SalvationArmy.org.
4. SUPPORT CAMP
The purpose of The Salvation Army camping experience is to serve the needs of campers physically, socially and spiritually.
Children ages six through 12 come from all over Massachusetts to attend Camp Wonderland. The children are provided with a loving, caring environment in which they can learn about God while building friendships that will last a lifetime.
To find our more about Camp and learn the many ways to support our efforts click here.
5. PREPARE FOR WORST
In times of trouble the response from the community is always overwhelming. It is amazing at how many people want to help, but it is stunning at how few people are trained to help.
The Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services team continually offers trainings for disaster relief volunteers. Whether you're interested in serving in one of the affected disaster areas, helping to coordinate local relief efforts or assisting with numerous office needs, The Salvation Army would be grateful for your time and energy.
To learn more click here or call Chris Farrand at (617) 542-5420 x320.
6. SPRING CLEANING
By donating your used vehilce, furniture and clothing, you're Changing Lives in our community. Donations of clothing, still-usable furniture and household items form the backbone of support.
Proceeds from the sale of donated goods fund our co-educational residential alcohol and drug treatment programs. Your tax deductible contribution of items will directly benefit those in need in our area.
To schedule an item pickup call 1-800-95-TRUCK.
To donate a car call 1-888-999-ARMY
To find a Salvation Army Thrift Store near you click here.
7. WORSHIP
As an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church,
The Salvation Army offers opportunities for prayer, worship and study of the Bible through its many churches (otherwise known as “corps”).
The humanitarian actions and ministry of The Salvation Army are motivated by the love of God. It is the mission of The Salvation Army to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Faithful Christians and all wishing to pursue a closer relationship with God are welcomed to attend our regular weekly services and special events. Please
click here to find out how to contact the corps nearest you for information on its weekly worship services.