How You Can Help Feed Americans in Need This Holiday Season

With Christmas only a few weeks away, the 2014 holiday season of gatherings, celebrations, and of course, giving is in full swing. While party planning, spiced lattes, and holiday shopping are a great ways to relish in the festive season- it’s also a great opportunity to reflect on what we’re thankful for and consider helping those less fortunate who are battling with issues such as homelessness and food insecurity.

National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is recognized each year the week before Thanksgiving. This year it ran from November 15-November 23 and was a week dedicated to awareness and education around homelessness, food insecurity, and poverty as these issues affect those in our community and world.

Feeding America recently released a study revealing that one in 7 Americans, more than 46 million people rely on food pantries and meal service programs to feed themselves and their families.

The Salvation Army has long been dedicated to helping families meet the most basic needs. In 2013, we served over 60 million meals to those less fortunate and provided over 10 million nights of shelter. This is an issue that The Salvation Army will continue to combat but need the help of our supporters.

Here are ways you can help:

Help Fill our Food Banks

If you’d like to donate a bag of nonperishable foods to your local Salvation Army food pantry, check out our main website for a list of locations near you: www.SalvationArmyUSA.org.

Serve

Share the spirit of the season with others by serving a meal at a Salvation Army location near you: near you: www.SalvationArmyUSA.org.

Give Monetary Gifts:

Can’t get to the store? For monetary donations and other ways to give, visit: www.donate.salvationarmyusa.org.

Learn more about The Salvation Army here.

Read More

How To Choose The Right Organization For Your Charity Donation

The Salvation Army Is A Responsible Steward  Of Generosity In Your Community.

As of 2011, there were well over one million tax exempt charitable organizations operating in the U.S. The prospect of combing through that list to find the one charity that best sums up your beliefs – and where your money can do the most good – is a daunting task. It’s important to conduct the appropriate research to ensure your charitable dollars are going to the right place, but there are easier ways to find the right match than looking for that needle in a haystack. If you’re currently struggling to find the proper charity for your dollars, here are five things to consider:.

1. Use Reputable Online Resources
When conducting research online, always stick with unbiased and reputable websites. If you want to learn more about a specific organization, that organization’s website may not be the best place to get it, as it’s more than likely going to present only positive information..

In addition to finding unbiased information, another challenge is finding accurate information. Many of the websites that aggregate lists and manage databases may be out-of-date or just plain sloppy. Instead, research your favored charitable organizations at the Better Business Bureau’s website or at the website CharityNavigator. Both are great resources for finding the right organization for you..

2. Make Sure the Organization is IRS-Approved
When you give money to a charitable organization, you do it to help people in need. However, you don’t want to get left out in the cold when tax time rolls around. Make sure the charity you donate to is approved by the IRS as tax-deductible. You can obtain a full list of all approved organizations from the IRS website..

3. Investigate Administrative Costs
Another thing to look at when choosing the right charity is its administrative budget. According to the American Institute of Philanthropy, administrative costs should be 40% or less to ensure a healthy charity, but you can certainly find lower than that. For example, according to the BBB, the administrative costs of The Salvation Army as a percentage of total revenue in 2010 were just slightly over 10%..

4. Contact the Organization
It’s perfectly acceptable to contact the organization in person to find out more about where your dollars are actually going. You can learn the details of how funds are dispersed, the specifics of who is helped and in what time frame, and you can also try to suss out if the organization is actually a charity or more of an advocacy group. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with donating to an advocacy group, but if the organization in question is one, your money may not go directly to those in need..

5. Review the Privacy Policy
Be sure to review the privacy policy of any charitable organization that makes your shortlist. If they sell or provide your personal information to third-party organizations, and that’s a problem for you, stay away. Also see if they have a general policy of releasing donation information to the public, and make sure that’s something you’re comfortable with before signing that check..

Final Thoughts
Once you’ve decided on an organization, remember to follow the letter of the law regarding your tax deductions for charitable donations. Anything over $250 requires a receipt, and make sure your documentation is bullet-proof. If your donation is non-cash, such as old household items or clothes, clearly list every item in detail and be sure to value them accurately. For a complete list of the rules and regulations concerning charitable contributions, check out the IRS Publication 526. Donating is a great way to both give back to the community and lessen your tax burden, but only if you do it by the rules.

The Salvation Army is a responsible steward of generosity in your community. According to The New York Times, the organization is “widely considered exemplary among nonprofits in handling cash collections.” You can be sure that 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends goes directly to support community service programs – far exceeding the Better Business Bureau’s guideline of 65 percent. Consider choosing The Salvation Army for your next charitable donation, especially as Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) crews of The Salvation Army continue to meet the needs of natural disaster survivors from coast to coast. Visit https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org/ to make a donation online. You can also call 1-800-SAL-ARMY to make a donation over the phone or text “STORM” to 80888 to make a quick $10 donation via your mobile phone.

Read More

Thrifty Shoppers Rediscover Secondhand Fashion

Keren Charles remembers how embarrassed she was the first time she set foot in a thrift store more than 20 years ago to buy black pants for her first job.

"I didn't want anyone to see me," said Charles, a 37-year old administrative assistant from Atlanta. "In high school, there was really a stigma attached to it. People thought you were either poor or homeless."

Now, the fashion enthusiast says, about 97% of her closet consists of secondhand clothes, vintage dresses and all kinds of sequined accessories. Her favorite find is a navy blue Bill Blass chiffon evening gown potentially worth hundreds of dollars that she scored for $5 at Goodwill. Her last visit to a mall -- a rare occurrence -- was months ago, to use a gift card.

Tips for thrifting


WEAR A THRIFTING UNIFORM: Some stores don't have dressing rooms or if they do, lines are long. Wear leggings, a close-fitting top and shoes that are easy to slip on and off so you can try on clothes without getting undressed.

BRING A LIST: To avoid getting overwhelmed or buying too much, make a list of wants and needs. Bring your inspiration style diary or tear sheets to serve as a visual guide of must-have pieces. Buy only what you need, pieces that you will love and wear immediately.

SHOP FOR ACCESSORIES: Silk scarves, leather purses, vintage jewelry, and belts are inexpensives way to update your wardrobe. Look for basic essentials that your accessory wardrobe may be missing, like a pearl necklace or black leather bag.

TRY OUT TRENDS (AND CLASSICS, TOO): Thrifting is an inexpensive way to determine if you like a certain style so go ahead and experiment. Stock up on classics like black pants, blazers, button down shirts, denim shirts and denim jackets.

SHOP THE LABEL: Labels will identify if a piece is a vintage or designer item, if it's worth the price, and care instructions.

In fact, more people have been sharing Charles' enthusiasm for secondhand clothing in recent years. Goodwill Industries, one of the most recognizable names in secondhand shopping, says it has experienced an 84% increase in revenue from the sale of donated goods from 2007 to 2012, from $1.9 billion to $3.5 billion.

Secondhand clothing and vintage items are showing up in couture, street wear, even everyday office wear. Besides the incentive of saving money, thrifting has also become trendy. Hip-hop duo Macklemore and Ryan Lewis won a 2013 Billboard Music Award for their hit song "Thrift Shop," which brags about "looking for a come up" in a thrift shop.
More people are discovering thrift store shopping because of the recession, said Maureen McGill, co-founder of Manhattan Vintage, New York's biggest vintage fashion market for more than 30 years. But, she believes that the love of vintage style and the thrill of the hunt will keep people coming even during good economic times.

"Vintage is the root of fashion. This is where fashion comes from. Designers use it as inspiration," she said.

What is a thrift shop, exactly?

There are three types of shops that sell used clothing, according to the Association of Resale Professionals. A resale shop buys merchandise from individual owners; a thrift shop is run by a not-for-profit organization to fund charitable causes; a consignment shop pays the owners of the merchandise a percentage when and if the items are sold.
Even thrift stores that have been funding charitable causes for decades are enjoying the popularity. Some days, a line starts forming outside Atlanta's Nearly New Thrift Shop at least 30 minutes before it opens, said Camille Kessler, president of the Atlanta chapter of the nonprofit Junior League, which benefits from the store's proceeds.

More customers began coming to the store at the start of the recession almost six years ago, and sales have been steadily increasing, Kessler said.

"We really hope this trend is here to stay."

Growing interest in the trend inspired Charles to organize a fashion show with the help of other local fashion bloggers. All clothes modeled were purchased from thrift shops, and nothing cost more than $20.

This year's winner was Neshanta Davis and her two-piece polka-dot short set, which included a matching bow tie. Davis, who is also an avid thrift shopper and stylist, says that not knowing what you will find is the best part about thrifting.

Neshanta Davis's two-piece polka-dot short set and matching bow tie cost less than $20.

"What I love about thrifting is the thrill of it, the challenge in finding something unique that everybody else isn't going to wear," she said.

The recently popularity may be great for new shoppers and for business, but it's not so great for longtime regulars like Charles.

"The competition is kind of fierce now," she said. "You're in the thrift stores, and you're seeing so many other people, but it's still better than shopping at a department store."

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/11/living/thrift-store-style/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

Read More

Salvation Army Survey Finds Families Going Without Food

The Salvation Army says 28 per cent of its respondents could not afford a substantial meal once a day.

More than half of respondents to a Salvation Army survey are often going without meals, while two-thirds are having to cut down on buying basic necessities.

The National Economic and Social Impact Survey is the charity's biggest study of its clients, surveying 2,700 people across more than 200 Salvation Army centres around the nation.

The findings also highlight the impact poverty is having on children, with many missing out on school activities, new uniforms and annual dental check-ups.

Salvation Army spokesman Major Bruce Harmer says the findings are alarming.

"This report shows that the issues that we're facing as a community are deepening and the Salvation Army is concerned how families out there are faring just below the radar," he said.

"Families are a very big part of our community, and if parents are unable to provide for their families they face stark realities and stark choices - like 'will I feed my family or will I keep my family warm?'.

Key Findings

• 2,705 clients surveyed across 237 Salvation Army centers
• 66 per cent have cut down on basic necessities
• 28 per cent cannot afford a substantial meal once a day
• 27 per cent cannot afford heating in one room of the house
• 58 per cent can't pay utility bills on time
• 92 per cent have no savings
• 35 per cent cannot afford prescriptions

"And the flow-on effects for children as they grow up in a dysfunctional or disadvantaged family are very severe indeed."

Major Harmer says 30 per cent of people surveyed could not afford to fill prescriptions after going to the doctor, and 60 per cent were unable to access dental treatment.

"The findings are quite disturbing to the Salvation Army," he said.

"To have to say no to your children if they can't go to a party because they can't afford a present or they can't go to a school-based activity because they can't afford it... these things have a cumulative effect and children grow up disadvantaged and they miss out on the luxuries of life.

"But for the parent, they feel like they've failed and they feel like they've let their children down."

The Salvation Army estimates that one in six children in Australia now live at or below the poverty line.

Half of the people who took part in the survey have children in their house.

The report also found a 12 per cent rise in the number of people receiving Newstart payments compared to last year. That figure was particularly high in the ACT, at 25 per cent.

It also found 7 per cent of single parents were homeless, while the same amount were living with friends or relatives.

The organization is calling on the Government to step up.

"We know it's hard to make ends meet out there at the best of times," Major Harmer said.

"Government grants are simply not enough and the Salvation Army and other agencies like the Salvation Army are stepping into the gap to make up the difference.

"So we would really call on the Government to have a really good look at the state of their benefits and try to bring them up to speed so the average person can make ends meet.

"It's important the Federal Government steps up to the plate.

"We have a huge issue here and it's been here for a long time - just under the radar there are large numbers of families who are really struggling and this research shows that."

The organization released the survey ahead of its annual Red Shield Appeal, which takes place this weekend.

Click here for full story and news interview.

Read More

Napa Chef Makes Patrons Feel At Home When They Come In For A Meal

“How are you doing? Ready to eat?” is how chef Tony Simons greets people every weekday afternoon at the Napa (Calif.) Corps. He is a cook for the corps’ Lunch Table program, serving needy families and individuals with a free warm meal.

“It’s awesome coming in and serving food to the people because I know where they are at and I know a lot of their struggles,” Simmons said.

He speaks from first-hand knowledge as not too long ago, he was one of the many standing in line for lunch.

“I lost my job, couldn’t secure another job and ended up homeless,” he said. “I was just a victim of circumstances. But God has a purpose for everything, and he brought me here. “

Simmons decided to make the best of the situation and his decision led him from a person getting fed to a volunteer helping to feed others.

“He would do anything we asked and then look for other things to do,” said Corps Officer Captain Trish Poochigian. “We found out that he had some cooking skills and we had a need for a cook at that time, so we hired him. Tony’s work ethic is great. He’s not here just to do his time, but he’s here to help.”

The job has also helped Simmons rediscover his love for ministry work. “We’re feeding the poor not just food, but spiritually, as well,” he said. “When I see people waiting in line, I can joke with them and tell them that I love them. I think the opportunity is awesome and a blessing.”

Tony is now a soldier at the Napa Corps and is looking into officership.

“God has always called me to be in the Army, though I thought he meant the military version, not The Salvation Army,” he said. “I’m think I’m called into seminary and to be trained. God has closed some doors, but he has lined up other opportunities. I know better than not to listen to him.”

By Sydney Fong
Short URL: http://www.newfrontierpublications.org/nf/?p=4737

Read More

Stearns & Foster Donates $1 Million In Mattresses To The Salvation Army

Stearns & Foster, the luxury mattress brand under Sealy Inc., announced today it has donated $1 million in new mattresses to The Salvation Army as part of its annual Gift of Sleep program. Now in its third consecutive year, this donation will bring the total amount provided to The Salvation Army residential shelters on behalf of the Stearns & Foster Gift of Sleep program to $3 million.

"The Stearns & Foster brand has a wonderful history of giving back, and we are proud to continue the brand’s philanthropic legacy with our commitment to The Salvation Army through the Gift of Sleep program,” said Jodi Allen, chief marketing officer, Sealy. “We would also like to extend thanks to the participating retailers’, who year-after-year, continue to ensure the success of this program that calls attention to the many Americans who rely on The Salvation Army’s residential facilities for a safe and comfortable place to sleep.”

The program, which kicked off on November 20 and concluded January 11, promised to give $100 for every Stearns & Foster mattress set sold during the busy holiday shopping season toward the purchase of new mattresses for The Salvation Army. .”

“We are very thankful that new mattresses are headed to The Salvation Army residential shelters,” said Major Ron Busroe, National Community Relations and Development Secretary for The Salvation Army. “These mattresses will ensure a better night’s rest for our clients. We are grateful for the Stearns & Foster partnership.” For more information on the Stearns & Foster Gift of Sleep program, please contact Sarah Sinitean at Sarah.Sinitean@mslgroup.com or 312-861-5274. .”

About Sealy

Sealy owns one of the largest bedding brands in the world, with sales of $1.3 billion in fiscal 2012. The Company manufactures and markets a broad range of mattresses and foundations under the Sealy(R), Sealy Posturepedic(R), Sealy Posturepedic Optimum (TM), Stearns & Foster(R), and Bassett(R) brands. Sealy operates 25 plants in North America, and has the largest market share and highest consumer awareness of any bedding brand on the continent. In the United States, Sealy sells its products to approximately 3,000 customers with more than 7,000 retail outlets. Sealy is also a leading supplier to the hospitality industry. For more information, please visit www.sealy.com. .”

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 130 years in the United States. 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.”

Media Contact: Sarah Sinitean,  Sarah.Sinitean@mslgroup.com, 312-861-5274.”

SOURCE: Sealy, Inc.

Read More

Everything you donate to or buy from a Family Store supports our Adult Rehabilitation Centers

 

At our ARCs, men and women receive the tools they need to beat their addictions and start again; including Alcoholics Anonymous / Narcotics Anonymous groups, opportunities to build their work skills, fellowship with others in recovery and best of all, God’s love and acceptance.

 

View the video below on the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC). It beautifully describes the program and mission. In this video, there are several ‘mini testimonies’ from those who’ve entered our program broken and lost but completed it with a new hope for their future.

 

Please click the arrow learn more about our Adult Rehabilitation Centers and the Family Stores that provide the funding which supports this valuable community resource. Please share with your community!

 

 

Remember, everything you donate to or buy from a Salvation Army Family Store helps men and women receive no-cost, residential addiction rehabilitation services in one of our 22 centers in the Western US.

 

If you’d like to schedule a pick up, find a store or drop off location near you, please visit us at www.satruck.com

 

If you’d like to find an Adult Rehabilitation Center near you, please visit us at www.satruck.com

Read More

My Life Is Changed Forever

I became involved in The Salvation Army around the age of 12. I had a school friend bring me to the youth programs. I was brought up in a single–parent home. My mom was always working or out doing her own thing. I really didn’t have any rules and was on my own most of the time.

From the youth programs I started to go to church. There I found the guidance I needed. I went on to work for two years at Camp Sebago, where I accepted Christ.

After high school, I got married and moved away from my hometown and had two wonderful girls.

Fast forward 20 years. I moved my mother from our small town of Berlin, N.H., to Concord. At the time she was going to church at The Salvation Army. I thought I was too busy with my girls to go to church.

After my mother passed away, I slowly returned to church, getting involved with little things at the corps. I kept telling my friends that I thought God had a bigger plan for me. I should have used a different word than big.

I remember this day so clearly. I was doing housework when my phone rang; it was Captain Kim Belanger asking if I had time to talk. Not a good sign. She told me that the homeless shelter director had left and they needed someone to run it. My first reaction was “no.” I knew of the shelter but had never set foot in it. I had no experience in social services except for volunteering one day a week at the food pantry. I told her I would pray about it.

For the next three days, the shelter was the only thing on my mind. I kept coming up with reasons not to do this. I had worked in the dental field for more than 28 years. I was making very good money and my youngest daughter was going off to college.

That Sunday, Captain Shaun preached on following God’s plan. I went up to the mercy seat and gave it all to Him. I said, If this is your plan, I will do it and I know you will be right by my side.

Four weeks later, I arrived for my first day on the job. I was confronted by a very angry man in his 40s who was avoiding the AA meeting that the former director had required him to attend.

I took a deep breath and prayed, “Lord give me the tools I need to deal with him.” I felt a great calmness come over me and thought, If he doesn’t go to the meetings, what is he going to do to stay sober? I told him to go think about his feelings, write them down, and then come back. He returned. We had our discussion, and he attended the meeting.

Well, that was more than five years ago. That man is still sober, has custody of his daughter, is working full time, and has an apartment.

When I came to the shelter, it needed money. I had never written a grant proposal in my life and had no idea how to find funding. I just kept giving it all to God to lead me. And I found grants and other funding sources. I would pray over every grant proposal we submitted, saying, “If this is your will, let us receive this funding.”

In my five years here at the shelter, I have seen many changes in so many lives. I was accustomed to working with doctors, lawyers, and professionals. Now I work with homeless men and women—most with drug and alcohol issues and mental illness.

I wake up every day and thank the Lord for allowing me to do His work. I love my job! I have a saying here at the shelter, “God puts you here for a reason,” whether it is for you to come into someone’s life or for someone to come into yours.

My life is changed forever because of The Salvation Army and my trust in God.

Source: Good News, The Salvationy Army

Read More

A Christmas Message from General Linda Bond

General Linda Bond, international leader of The Salvation Army, with a special Christmas message for members and friends of the Christian church and registered charity.

The General was the invited guest speaker at the Whitehall Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday 19 December 2012.

Organized by Christians in Government, the annual event is attended by civil servants, government ministers, cabinet ministers and ambassadors.

For more information on the General visit http://www.salvationarmy.org/thegeneral

Read More

Local Violinist "Rings" For the Salvation Army During Holiday Season

It's that time of the year, when we will all do a little shopping and hear a little ringing while we're at it. The Salvation Army bell ringers out in full force, but one bell ringer takes a different approach to raising money for those in need.

Percy Wang of Tyler says he's kind of ringing a bell - he just uses his violin.

"This all started from 2003, in Detroit when I proposed to one of the captains, 'Hey, I can play the violin and it might get more people's attention,'" he said. "My wife say I won't last three days, but I ended up playing for the whole season."

And every season since, through winters in Detroit and Birmingham, Alabama, and now Tyler. He mainly plays Christmas music, popular songs from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, and some of his own jazz compositions.

"I don't actually have time to take requests, but it's funny that in Alabama, the most song people ask for is 'Devil Went Down to Georgia,'" he said, laughing. "I don't know why."

It's a way for Wang to say thank you, to his parents and to God, for a talent he's been developing for 40 years.

"I think God gave me a talent for playing this, and then while playing I also interact with people and I feel like some older people, and kids especially, enjoy my music, so I keep doing it every season," Wang said. "Just to thank God for giving me this life."

And a way to spread a little bit of joy during a busy season.

"This is a season of giving, so I just try to give the best I can, so it's kind of like a given donation of my time to help more people," he said. "That's my goal."

Wang uses a weather-resistant violin he's designed himself and says he does ring a bell when he gets tired.

He has a website where he posts his playing schedule during the holiday season.

The Salvation Army is also in need of bell ringers, even if you don't play the violin. You can go to their website to sign up.

Read More

News Anchors Strut In Salvation Army Fashion Show

A team of local news reporters, hit the runway to help raise money for the Salvation Army.

The event is one of the group's major fundraisers. Last year's show brought in more than $90,000 for programs such as the homeless shelter and the Boys and Girls Club.

The 600 guests Tuesday enjoyed a luncheon and silent auction, along with all the fashions from Miss Jackson's.

Read More

Horse as bell ringer? It works for the Salvation Army.

Horse as bell ringer? It works for the Salvation Army. #bellringer #redkettle #donate #horses #tinkerthehorse

Horse as bell ringer for the Salvation Army in Wisconsin rakes in 10 times the donations of the average bell ringer.

The miniature horse, Tinker, has worked as bell ringer for the Salvation Army for four Christmases. Tinker may be miniature — as in a miniature horse — but he's a big money raiser for the Salvation Army. He uses his mouth to hold and ring a red bell and also picks up with his mouth a "Thank You Merry Christmas" sign. He can also bow and give kisses.

Major Roger Ross, a Salvation Army commander, said Tinker is one of their biggest money raisers in the area: He brings in 10 times the amount of a regular bell ringer

Read more...

Read More

Salvation Army Officer Sets World Record

Major Curt Sayre successfully rang his bell for 36 consecutive hours. He achieved the feat outside a Giant grocery store in Bethesda.

Read More

Holiday Traditions Celebrated in Area Schools

Holiday gifts from the heart have long been a tradition at St. Andrew’s Day School in Edgewater, which educates preschool through middle-school students.

 

The giving season begins with the distribution of Christmas stockings from to each grade. This year a total of 120 stockings will be filled with gifts for children of all ages.

 

“The children love picking out gifts for children their own age and filling the stockings up,” said preschool aide Linda Thusius, who coordinates the initiative. “We then deliver them to the Salvation Army”.

Read more about what our area schools are doing to give to the community this holiday season!

Read More

Small Change, Big Difference!

 

Through its charitable giving program, JCP Cares, JC Penney is making it possible for customers to give back this season. From Nov. 23 to Dec. 31, customers can support The Salvation Army by rounding up their store purchases to the nearest dollar and donating the difference to the organization's Red Kettle Campaign.

With more than 25,000 red kettles at store fronts and shopping malls nationwide, this annual fundraiser helps to provide meals, clothing and toys to families who need it most.

The Salvation Army's iconic red kettle will be featured as one of the button designs to signify the importance of their mission in communities across the country.

Truncated [...]

Read More

Food Bank Receives 12,000 Pounds in Turkeys

The donation was given to the Blue Ridge through Giant Food of Landover, Maryland.

“Giant Corp. supermarket folks have donated a 1,000 turkeys. It’s the largest donation of turkeys this year, thus far. What’s happened is that the price of turkeys has gone up,” Zippin said. “Last year, we paid 79 cents a pound, this year it’s a minimum of $1.25 because the price of animal feed has gone up dramatically. The price of corn has gone up. Due to the drought ... supply and demand.”

“There will be 1,000 people who will have a turkey for Thanksgiving,” Zippin said. “If you think about what I’m going to enjoy on Thanksgiving or what you might be enjoying on Thanksgiving, imagine someone who doesn’t have anything to eat on Thanksgiving. It’s a feel-good feeling."

The turkeys will go to church pantries, soup kitchens, Salvation Armies,” Zippin said. “We distribute these throughout our networks which ranges from Winchester to Lynchburg and from Charlottesville to right here in the Valley. We give it out proportionally, depending on the number of people who are hungry.”

This donation marks the first of five donation stops Giant Food is doing for Feeding America food banks across the mid-Atlantic region, Jones said.  Other stops include Capital Area Food Bank, Maryland Food Bank, Fredericksburg Area Food Bank and the Food Bank of Delaware.

Giant Food will be delivering 5,000 turkeys to help feed thousands in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Delaware.

Truncated [...]
 

Read More

The Cheesecake Factory Provides for Those in Need at 11th Annual Thanksgiving Day Feasts

 

Another reason to love the Cheesecake Factory even more!

Thousands of The Cheesecake Factory’s Staff Members Volunteer to Serve Sit-Down Thanksgiving Meals at Salvation Army Locations Across the U.S.

As economic difficulties and unemployment challenges leave many families without the means for well-balanced meals, The Cheesecake Factory® is dedicated to sharing its spirit of hospitality and service this Thanksgiving by supporting communities across the country. More than 3,000 dedicated staff members from The Cheesecake Factory will prepare and serve sit-down holiday meals as part of its 11^th annual Thanksgiving Day Feast for those who have turned to The Salvation Army for assistance.

The Cheesecake Factory’s Thanksgiving Day Feast will take place at 13 Salvation Army locations coast to coast including Anaheim, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Ft. Lauderdale, Houston, Long Island, Los Angeles, Miami, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.

On Thanksgiving Day, The Cheesecake Factory will prepare and serve holiday meals to more than 6,000 low-income individuals and families. Guests will be treated to a full-service, sit-down meal that includes freshly roasted turkey with all the trimmings, finished with The Cheesecake Factory’s famous seasonal Pumpkin Cheesecake.

“We are honored to be continuing our Thanksgiving tradition with The Salvation Army,” said David Overton, Founder of The Cheesecake Factory. “We are so grateful to provide a special holiday meal for so many and are thankful for our thousands of dedicated staff members who have volunteered their time to help us serve those in need.”

The Annual Salvation Army Thanksgiving Day Feast is one of several commitments that The Cheesecake Factory has made to help end hunger in America. The Cheesecake Factory also participates in its nationwide Harvest Food Donation Program, in which surplus food from the restaurants is regularly donated to local food rescue operations for distribution to soup kitchens and shelters to aid those in need. Since the program’s inception in late 2007, The Cheesecake Factory has donated more than 1.9 million pounds of food. Additionally, The Cheesecake Factory has donated more than $2.7 million to Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief organization, through their partnership over the past four and a half years, which equates to approximately 21.6 million meals.

Source:  http://www.restaurantnews.com/the-cheesecake-factory-provides-for-those-in-need-at-11th-annual-thanksgiving-day-feasts/

Read More

Spreading the Love One Sandwich at a Time!

On any given night it is estimated that roughly 672,000 Americans experience homelessness and hunger, and one of every eight children under the age of 12 will go to sleep hungry. How can we combat this? With a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. This common snack, when paired with some dedicated individuals who want to “spread the love,” has helped fight hunger across the country. [...]

Read More

Salvation Army Today - November 15, 2012

This week’s Salvation Army Today video – brought to you by The Salvation Army Southern Territory – features The Salvation Army’s ongoing relief efforts in New York and New Jersey, and the online red kettle program.  If you would like to support those impacted by Hurricane Sandy, please visit www.SalvationArmyUSA.org.

<iframe width=600" height="350" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5N8mKWKL4w8?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

You can subscribe to Salvation Army Today’s YouTube channel by clicking here.

Read More

Trivia: What is One of the World's Oldest & Most Respected Charities?

The Salvation Army! Right!

The Salvation Army is one of the world's oldest and most respected charities. It began in London in 1865, and today operates in over 123 countries worldwide. In the United States, in addition to a number of other social programs, The Salvation Army operates 119 Adult Rehabilitation Centers.

These Adult Rehabilitation Centers provide spiritual, social, and emotional assistance for men and women who have lost the ability to cope with their problems and provide for themselves. The in-kind donations that are received, support the local center where the donation was made.

Read More