Updated on April 17th, 2013:

The Salvation Army is providing support to survivors and first responders in Boston, Massachusetts, following the explosions that occurred near the Boston Marathon finish line Monday, which resulted in at least three deaths and left more than 140 people injured.

• Four Salvation Army canteens (mobile feeding kitchens) were positioned at various sites throughout the city, including the Unified Command Post, the Family Assistance Center at the Park Plaza Castle, and Kenmore Square.
• The canteens were mobilized to Boston from nearby Salvation Army locations in Malden, Fitchburg, New Bedford, and Springfield.
• The Salvation Army will remain on-site at the Family Assistance Center as long as support is needed.
• As of Tuesday afternoon, 2,229 meals, snacks and beverages were supplied to the survivors, families and first responders.
• The survivors and first responders also received emotional and spiritual care from 12 Salvation Army officers and 23 Salvation Army staff and volunteers.
• Eight Salvation Army officers were also deployed to each of the area hospitals where the injured were transported to be on-hand if pastoral care was needed.

The Salvation Army is in constant communication with city and state emergency personnel, and will continue to provide support as needed and requested.

• The Salvation Army is collaborating with the Office of Emergency Management, the Boston Fire Department, the Boston Police Department, Sparks, the American Red Cross, the Department of Child, Youth and Families (DCYF), Riverside Trauma, and the Boston Public Health Commission.

The Salvation Army is extremely gratified for the continued support of the public.

• At this time, the best way to be of assistance is to make a financial contribution at www.salvationarmyma.org/marathonrelief.
• Personnel trained in crisis response are providing service. If you would like to volunteer for future needs or to be trained in disaster response, please visit www.salvationarmyusa.org.

For continued updates and more information from The Salvation Army, please visit http://blog.salvationarmyusa.org/, www.facebook.com/salvationarmyusa or www.twitter.com/salvationarmyus.

Posted on April 16th, 2013:
The Salvation Army is providing support to survivors and first responders in Boston, Massachusetts, after two explosions occurred near the Boston Marathon finish line Monday afternoon. The blasts caused three deaths and 144  injuries for runners and spectators.

Salvation Army officers and volunteers have deployed two canteens (mobile feeding kitchens) to downtown Boston; one of the canteens will be stationed at the staging area for emergency responders, and the other will be stationed at a gathering spot for impacted families. Salvation Army officers who are trained in crisis counseling are also headed to relevant locations to provide emotional and spiritual care.

“The Salvation Army will be onsite for as long as needed to provide support. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Boston and all who were impacted by the explosions,” said Major Ron Busroe, National Community Relations and Development Secretary for The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army is in constant communication with city and state emergency personnel, and will be providing support as needed and requested.

For continued updates and more information from The Salvation Army, please visit http://blog.salvationarmyusa.org/, www.facebook.com/salvationarmyusa or www.twitter.com/salvationarmyus.

 TOM IZZO, MSU Men’s Basketball Coach,

to speak at fundraising event to support The Salvation Army of Kalamazoo Community Center Youth Mentoring & Recreation Programs

MAY 16, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

CONTACT THE SALVATION ARMY TO GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY AT 743-0834

Click links for Official Event Flyer and Sponsorship Opportunities

Inspiring Youth to Dream Flyer                 Sponsorship Levels & Benefits

Do you remember what it was like being a kid?  For some of you, it might seem like just yesterday, for others, it’s been a long time.   Do you  remember the things that got you frustrated or maybe those things you were afraid of.  How about the big problems in school?…  Most would agree that our kids today are facing unprecedented challenges not only in school but in their home where life just isn’t what it used to be.   More than ever it is important that we take an active role in coming alongside kids to give them a reason to dream for a better tomorrow.   Coach Izzo recognizes the potential of kids and will be speaking on behalf of The Salvation Army about the significance of mentoring kids.   The event proceeds will benefit The Salvation Army Community Center and Youth Recreational & Mentoring Programs.

For over 20 years, Angel Tree has helped families facing economic hardships during the holidays.  This year, 12 Salvation Army Corps Locations, along with local businesses, churches, schools, organizations, and over 500 volunteers assisted Angel Tree in collecting multiple toys for approximately 17,000 children in West Michigan!

Families were overwhelmed with gratitude (and a few tears) as they shopped around the toy-loaded shelves of  their local Corps Community Centers during Angel Tree distribution.  – Santa would be coming to their home after all!  No child should be left behind during this time of year, and families felt relieved knowing that their loved ones would feel remembered this Christmas.

The Salvation Army deeply thanks everyone in the community who generously donated toys and hosted trees for Angel Tree so that every child could have a Merry Christmas.

Kalamazoo, MI November 16, 2012

 Today, November 16^th, 2012, The Salvation Army in Kalamazoo will officially kick off its annual Red Kettle Campaign with a new bell ringing twist, Kettle Matching Sponsorships.   When you make a contribution to the kettles, a portion of your gift is being matched.  Several companies here in our community have generously said “yes” to helping The Salvation Army ensure the Red Kettle Campaign remains strong this year, agreeing to partially match donations to the Red Kettles. “Not only will you brighten the holidays for a family, your gift will be partially matched, allowing us to assist even more families. “,said Major Keith Welch, Kalamazoo Corps Officer.

Since October 1st, hundreds of families have visited our local Salvation Army to sign up for Holiday Assistance.  An estimated 2,000 families will sign up for some extra help between October 1st and November 30^th and the Red Kettles enable us to make life a bit easier for struggling families and seniors here in our community.  Holiday programs include: vouchers for coats, Thanksgiving & Christmas Food Baskets, Food vouchers for seniors and toys for an estimated 4,000 kids in Kalamazoo County.  Holiday giving also enables The Salvation Army to provide Emergency Utility Assistance to keep families in their homes, provide food, clothing and other basic assistance and we also have an active Community Center and gym, which provides for mentoring and character building for youth and young adults.

 Locally The Salvation Army has set a Red Kettle goal this year of $525,000, a 5% increase over last year, reflecting the increased need.  The annual Kettle campaign and Christmas Appeal is the organizations single largest fundraiser and supports The Salvation Army in providing basic need assistance programs and services for all ages not only during the holidays but throughout the year.  “We humbly ask that everyone in our community share the true spirit of giving during the holiday season by making a donation at any of our 25 red kettles.  We appreciate the trust of a generous community and we will continue to uphold our promise to “DO THE MOST GOOD” in caring for our friends and neighbors here in Kalamazoo County,” said Major Welch. “Merry Christmas and may we all have a safe and happy holiday.”

When visiting your favorite retailer this year, be sure to say thank you to the many local bell ringing heroes who face the elements to make sure we have a great Red Kettle Campaign.  It can be a very cold experience but most will tell you that it is an annual tradition and that they keep warm knowing they are making a difference.   It takes an estimated 3,500 volunteers, each ringing for 2 hours, to cover all of the kettle locations during the holiday. Unmanned kettles are empty kettles.  Please help us make sure we have the volunteers to cover all the kettles this year by contacting our Kettle Hotline today at (269) 743-0834 t0 schedule a date and time that works best for you.   Individuals, families and groups are all welcome.  Ring a bell this holiday, begin a new holiday tradition and help those in need.

For those that wish to make a donation on-line, please visit www.tsakalamazoo.org and click the “DONATE NOW” button or contact your local Salvation Army at (269) 344-6119 for more options.  You may also mail a check to The Salvation Army at 1700 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001.

Keith & Sherrie Welch, Corps Officers

On Wednesday, June 27, 2012, The Salvation Army, Kalamazoo greeted and welcomed our new Corps Officer, Majors Keith & Sherrie Welch.   We are pleased and blessed to have them join us.   Keith and Sherrie are grateful to be here in our community and look forward to their service in Kalamazoo and Allegan counties.

Major Keith J. Welch is the son of Salvation Army officers who served several appointments in Michigan and Indiana.  Major Sherrie Welch was raised in Indianapolis and began attending The Salvation Army Shack at age four with her family on the west side of Indianapolis.

Prior to joining The Salvation Army Keith served in the USAF from 1971 to 1975 as an Intelligence Operations Specialist in Omaha, Okinawa and the St. Louis area.  He also worked at United Parcel Service for six years while attending college where he and Sherrie met.  Keith and Sherrie were married in August of 1981.

The Welch’s entered The Salvation Army School for Officers Training in 1986 and were commissioned as Lieutenants in 1988.  They have been Salvation Army officers for 24 years.  Their appointments include: Wichita, Arkansas City and Hutchinson, Kansas and Holland, MI where they served for 10 years.

Most recently Keith and Sherrie served for five years as the Indiana Divisional Secretary and Divisional Women’s Ministry Secretary respectively.   Keith, a proficient writer, has written over 200 articles for Salvation Army publications and, while in Holland, he also freelanced as a weekly columnist for the Holland Sentinel for two years.

Sherrie has an Associates Degree in Practical Ministries and Keith has a  Bachelors Degree in Practical Ministries and a Masters in Creative Writing.

Their son, Keith, daughter-in law, Jill, and twin granddaughters live in Zeeland, Michigan. Their daughter, Kayla, lives in Grand Rapids now finishing her last year at Cornerstone University.

The Welch’s look forward to the opportunities ahead of them here in Kalamazoo.  Keith and Sherrie believe that we are all co-laborers in the ministry and they believe in empowering others to take on responsibilities, whether it be staff or volunteers.

“We look forward to supporting the soldiers, employees, volunteers and friends of The Salvation Army here in the Southwest Michigan.  We have always had a desire to come to Kalamazoo and appreciate the opportunity to be part of this community”. Keith & Sherrie Welch

“THANK YOU”

FOR ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL LETTER CARRIER FOOD DRIVE

Over 5 tons (10,350) of food were collected at the Parchment Post Office this year as part of the 2012 National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive.

The Salvation Army is grateful to the Parchment community for making the 2012 National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive a success.  ”We collected over 5 tons of food this year, almost 1.5 ton more than was collected in 2011″, said Craig Smith, Director of Development & Volunteers.  Rain seems to always participate but it did not dampen the generosity of the community.  In addition, we say thank you to the 80+ volunteers that helped to distribute fliers, collect food and sort food. It’s a team effort and the pantry is looking good for the time being.

In celebration of  the

58th NATIONAL SALVATION ARMY WEEK

(May 14 – 20)

The Salvation Army Kalamazoo Corps says

to local donors and volunteers for their generous support.

Kalamazoo, MI May 9, 2012 – For an organization that has been helping those in need for nearly 150 years, the mission of The Salvation Army remains as relevant as ever. In communities across the U.S. and around the world The Salvation Army actively serves individuals and families in crisis, meeting basic needs and sharing hope through Christ.

Beginning the week of May 14, The Salvation Army is celebrating the 58thannual National Salvation Army Week, which was first declared by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954 as a time to honor the organization’s work done on behalf of those needing our services.   In commemoration of this special week, local corps locations have planned events across the country to thank their supporters and to encourage volunteerism and charitable giving.  Watch for our local Emergency Disaster Services Canteen traveling through the Kalamazoo community  in celebration of our many generous donors and volunteers.

“As we continue to serve our neighbors in need, we are grateful for the generous support of The Salvation Army in our community.  Literally, we could not survive if not for our relationships with local individuals, families and organizations who continue to support our work of touching lives each and every day.  It is my privilege to see the gratitude on the faces of the mom or dad who have just been helped with keeping the lights on in their home.  I’ve also witnessed the excitement on the face of a child headed to camp for his or her very first time away from the city.  They tell me thanks, and we want to pass along their expression of gratitude”, said Major John Mowers, Kalamazoo Corps Officer.

In celebration of National Salvation Army, the public may send a gift of support directly to The Salvation Army Kalamazoo Corps located at 1700 S. Burdick Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 or they can also visit our website at www.tsakalamazoo.org and click the “Donate Now” button to make a gift online.

National Volunteer Week began in 1974 as a way to recognize and celebrate the efforts of volunteers. Since that time, the original emphasis has widened considerably; National Volunteer Week has now become a nationwide effort to not only thank our volunteers but to also urge more people to get out and actively volunteer in their communities.  Every April, charities and communities across the nation reinforce the official theme of “Celebrating People in Action” by recognizing volunteers and fostering a culture of service.

If you would like to read more:

The History of National Volunteer Week | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_6496391_history-national-volunteer-week.html#ixzz1rwUPcPIv

Please accept our sincere thanks and gratitude for your service with The Salvation Army here in our community.  We recognize that our volunteers are the heart of our work.   You are truly a blessing to us and to those in need.

THANK YOU AGAIN. GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS.