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SUPPORTING MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES
AND THEIR FAMILIES
CONTINUING THE TRADITION
Operation Red Shield continues a tradition of The Salvation Army in America dating back to The Spanish-American War. From those early days when Salvation Army officers accompanied troops to the Philippine Islands and Sallie with her doughnuts in World War I, Salvationists at home and abroad have ministered to the needs of American military personnel.
Since the beginning of the War on Terrorism, Operation Red Shield personnel have been familiar figures at nearly 100 functions attended by military personnel and their families around the State of New Jersey while providing nearly 50,000 meals and snack services. A particular effort has been made to reach out to the citizen-soldiers of the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard and their families.
SERVICES AVAILABLE
In addition to support group functions, many other services and programs are available, e.g.,
Emergency financial assistance to families for utility bills, rent and mortgage payments, medical bills, and other items on a case- by-case basis.
Pastoral care and counseling
Information and referral services
Other programs and services. Included in this category are distribution of nearly 6,000 Deployment Kits and 9,000 Pre-Paid Calling Cards to soldiers and airmen. Other programs include distribution of toys to children of soldiers and the provision of transportation to bring soldiers and loved ones together on special occasions.
ELIGIBILITY
Services are available to military personnel who have been mobilized or deployed due to war, acts of aggression, terrorist activity or full scale alert.
Family members such as spouses and dependents of such military personnel also are eligible as well as those who are dependent on the armed forces member as the primary care-giver. Other situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
ACCESSING SERVICES
Services are available on a self-referral basis by those requiring assistance or their family members by calling either 1-888-302-6100 or 1-888-247-0100.
Services also are available by referral through personnel at Family Assistance Centers attached to New Jersey military installations.
MAKING THESE PROGRAMS POSSIBLE
The programs of Operation Red Shield are made possible by donations from people like you. Donations in support of Operation Red Shield can be made by check or money order payable to: The Salvation Army. Please be sure to specify "Operation Red Shield" on your check or money order. Such donations should be sent to: The Salvation Army, PO Box 3170 , 4 Gary Road, Union, NJ 07083. Donations may also can be made on-line and can be designated for Operation Red Shield by typing "Operation Red Shield" in the Specific Use field.
Donations of both goods and time also have been important parts of Operation Red Shield. To find out more about what you might be able to do to help in these areas contact Brenda Beavers at 908-851-8211.