On 150th Anniversary, Stats on Salvation Army's Impact

For 150 years, the Salvation Army has been helping people in need.

Recognized today by its 25,000 Christmastime charity bell-ringers and 1,232 thrift stores scattered across the country, the international charitable foundation celebrates its anniversary Thursday with a presence in 126 countries worldwide.

Within the U.S., its services reach hundreds of thousands. Here are some philanthropic stats -- plus a few fun facts starring the Beatles and doughnuts.

The Salvation Army, which claims to be the only charitable organization that offers services in every ZIP code, serves more than 58.4 million meals per year and provides 10.8 million nights of shelter per year in the USA. It also assists more than 200,000 people annually in 142 rehabilitation facilities.

The Salvation Army helps more than 30 million Americans annually, with 3.5 million volunteers and 7,500 centers of operation. That includes 1,232 thrift shops, whose proceeds fully fund the largest free, in-residence drug and alcohol rehab program in the USA.

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It’s Officially Hurricane Season

The hurricane season in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico officially kicked off Monday, June 1 and runs through the end of November.

While forecasters are predicting this will be a quiet season (knock on wood!), it’s still important to be prepared. Being informed and prepared can help diminish the damaging effects of hurricanes. Click here for a storm fact sheet, as well as preparedness tips and to-do items before and after the storm. As always, the number one tip is to simply have a plan.

The Salvation Army is always ready to help. Before a storm even has the chance to make landfall, we’re mobilizing. Our canteens (kitchen on wheels) are capable of serving thousands of disaster survivors and emergency personnel each day with food and beverages and are always ready to move to locations in need. We’re also there to provide physical, emotional, financial and spiritual support.

Want to start planning? Check out The National Hurricane Center’s (NHC) site about hurricane hazards, preparedness information, and practical ways to plan ahead. Additionally, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a great tool for kids with lots of hurricane background information so that they can be knowledgeable and prepared as well.

If you’d like to learn more about the Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) of The Salvation Army or simply get the latest updates of our services, visit our EDS website at: disaster.salvationarmyusa.org. Visit our national website at www.salvationarmyusa.org.

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Commerative Salvation Army Coin Produced By the Royal Mint

The Royal Mint in the United Kingdom is issuing a special £5 coin honouring 150 years of The Salvation Army. The coin is to be struck for Alderney – one of the Channel Islands situated between the south coast of England and France. A Royal Mint representative says that, having made contact with their colleagues around the world, they believe this is the first Salvation Army coin created by an official mint.

The first limited edition sterling silver coin was minted on last month by Lieut-Colonel Eddie Hobgood (International Congress Coordinator) and the second by Major John Murray (International Headquarters Communications and Literary Secretary). The two visitors were also given opportunity to speak to the team involved in the coin production, explaining the history of The Salvation Army and its current ministry in 126 countries.

The Royal Mint’s Director of Commemorative Coin and Medals, Shane Bissett, says: 'This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the 150th anniversary and evolution of this much-loved organisation - still bringing hope to people today.' Lieut-Colonel Hobgood adds, 'The Salvation Army is grateful to The Royal Mint for its extraordinary recognition in this, our 150th year.'

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Congratulations Majors Michael and Judy Vincent!

Honored for 25 Years of Service

Northern Virginia's ARC administrators, Majors Michael and Judy Vincent are being honored for their 25 years of service in The Salvation Army this month in Atlanta at the 2015 Officers Commissioning Ceremony.

Please join us in saluting them for their tireless dedication and commitment to helping others.

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Salvation Army Kicks Off June with National Doughnut Day!

Though every day is a good day for doughnuts, last Friday was the official good day. For on National Doughnut Day — the Salvation Army has celebrated the first Friday in June for almost 80 years!

“Donuts have a special place in our country’s history and culture, creating moments of delight, lifting spirits and bringing people together at work and at home,” Jeff Miller, executive chef and vice president of product innovation at Dunkin’ Donuts’ Dunkin’ Brands, said in a statement. “We are proud to celebrate this timeless favorite on National Donut Day with our loyal guests by once again offering a free donut with the purchase of any beverage, and pleased to share this offer with all of our donut fans all around the world.”

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