The Salvation Army Fed over 400 after 6 School Buses Crash

After a chain collision that damaged six school buses in I-20, injuring nearly 50 students, The Salvation Army in Covington immediately responded and fed over 400 people:

• 60 fed at the Covington Housing Authority
• 275 Burke Co. Student and Faculty fed at Eastside High School
• 27 Burke Co. Students fed at Newton Medical Center

While one of the drivers was air-lifted to the hospital, there were no life-threatening injuries.  Some of the injured students were taken to Newton Medical Center in Covington.

The community shows gratitude towards The Salvation Army for responding from the beginning, meeting the physical and emotional needs of those injured, those affected in the crash and first-responders.

To learn more about The Salvation Army in Georgia, please visit www.salvationarmygeorgia.org or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesalvationarmygeorgia

 

 

 

 

 

 

Central Georgia EMC Foundation/Operation Roundup Donates $5,000 to The Salvation Army Griffin Corps

Small Change Makes a Big Difference in local communities! 

Pictured (l to r): The Salvation Army Griffin Corps’ Resource Development Director Joey Helton, Commanding Officer Major Jack Butler, and Advisory Board Chairman James Jenkins.

The Central Georgia EMC Foundation Board, which oversees the Operation Round Up® (ORU) program for CGEMC, during its January board meeting, awarded The Salvation Army Griffin Corps, a grant totaling $5,000 to assist with the purchase of commercial playground equipment for the Community Center for Boys & Girls.

“This is a great example of the many worthy organizations within our community that can benefit from the Operation Round Up® program,” says Lynne Tanner, CGEMC Foundation chairperson.  “Of course, none of it would be possible without the generosity of all our participating members who volunteer to have their electric bills rounded up each month.”

Operation Round Up® is a community support program designed to raise funds to support worthwhile charitable and educational needs within the 14 counties served by Central Georgia EMC.  The CGEMC Foundation is accepting applications, which are available online at www.cgemc.com or can be picked up in person at the CGEMC office at 923 S. Mulberry St. in Jackson.  Any eligible organizations seeking assistance in CGEMC’s 14-county service territory are encouraged to apply.

About Central Georgia EMC:

Central Georgia EMC is a consumer-owned cooperative providing electricity and related services to over 50,000 meters in 14 counties (Bibb, Butts, Clayton, Fayette, Henry, Jasper, Jones, Lamar, Monroe, Newton, Pike, Putnam, and Spalding).

 

 

 

DUBLIN SALVATION ARMY CELEBRATES FAMILY STORE GRAND RE-OPENING

Salvation Army Expands Space for Improved Services to the Dublin Community

 After months of renovations to expand the floor space of the Dublin Salvation Army Family Store, officials will celebrate its grand re-opening on February 2 with the ribbon cutting ceremony taking place at 11:30AM at 1617 Telfair Street.  Major Jim Smith, The Salvation Army Georgia Division Emergency and Disaster Services Director will be the keynote speaker.

James Allen, The Salvation Army Service Center Director for Dublin said, “We are proud to mark this occasion that came from our need to expand our former storage space into sales space to better serve our donors and customers in Laurens County.”

Activities scheduled for the occasion include refreshments served from the canteen which is the disaster mobile feeding unit, and customer appreciation day on Saturday, February 4 with giveaways, prizes, and special savings during the day.

Allen commented that the square footage of the new space is approximately 600 square feet and will allow the family store to increase its assistance to the community through increased revenue from store sales.  Sales from Salvation Army Family Stores provide supplemental income which support the food pantry, holiday assistance, disaster assistance, and utility grants to those struggling to make ends meet and more.

“We have seen a steady increase in needs,” remarks Allen, explaining why this expansion was necessary.  “In this community, we are seeing a new population coming to us for food who never thought they would come through our doors for that reason.  The formerly middle-class has rapidly become the working poor who are struggling to provide a comfortable life for their families.”

Last year in Laurens County, the Dublin Center served more than1500 people in need of food and clothing, and provided utility assistance to 400 people struggling to pay their bills.

“The Salvation Army has always served the neediest,” says Allen, “and we depend on donations of clothing, furniture, and housewares from the community to do our work.

For more information about the re-opening celebration or to donate to The Salvation Army, call 478-275-7336 or mail your gifts to P.O. Box 592 Dublin, GA 31040.

Teams in Augusta Compete to raise money in the Kettle!

“Coins, checks, and bills collected from the ubiquitous red kettles help support a variety of traditional Salvation Army of Augusta social services from the homeless shelter and soup kitchen to the Corps Salvage Rehabilitation Center (drug and alcohol rehabilitation program) and job skills program.

The 2011 Red Kettle Campaign in Augusta will run from November 10 until December 24 with bells being rung at over 25 locations throughout the Greater Augusta area. Continuing a tradition that began last year, the 2011 Red Kettle Campaign began with a football-themed Kettle Kick-Off.

The Kettle Kick-Off, which took place on November 10 featured kettles representing Georgia’s college rivalry teams:the Bulldogs, the Yellow Jackets, the Eagles, the Gamecocks, and the Tigers. In addition, local booster and alumni groups affiliated with the various teams helped supply bell ringers to encourage donations to their kettles. The ringers, team colors, and friendly competition created a true “tailgate” atmosphere.

“The football theme is something that is fun and exciting for everyone. Almost everyone is a fan of one of the teams represented, so it made it easy to get people excited about volunteering and donating,” says Katie Atkinson, Volunteer Coordinator. “Everyone seemed to love it last year, but this year it was bigger and better. Popcorn was served and music played for alumni and boosters for the teams.”

Before the teams battle for school pride, there was a ceremony announcing the teams with The Salvation Army Brass Band playing.”

 

Turkey Day in LaGrange!

The LaGrange Corps Community Center  was selected as one of two local charities to benefit from the “T-Shirt for aTurkey” donation drive November 8.  The drive was sponsored by Christian Radio Station J93.3, Chick-Fil-A, and Lexus of Atlanta.  Local citizens were all too excited to bring a frozen turkey in exchange for a J93.3 T-Shirt, knowing needy families would be able to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal of turkey with all the trimmings who would not otherwise be as fortunate.  Many LaGrange citizens learned how easy it is to “Be A Shield” against hunger by either donating a turkey or money to The Salvation Army LaGrange Corps.

 

Macon Corps Community Center Kettle Kick-Off, Second Annual Media Mogul Contest For the second year, the Macon Corps Community Center organized its annual Red Kettle Kick-Off around its local media on November 11. The Second Annual Media Mogul Contest pit media teams against one another to raise the most support for The Salvation Army in Macon. This year’s theme was “Come On, Ring Them Bells” and each team member was adorned with red aprons and bells. Corps Officer, Major David Cope and Development Director, Peggy Stele had encouraged each team to “pad” their kettles before the contest because they would only ring the bells for one hours outside of their designated stores. Congratulations to all Macon media outlet teams who together raised over $7,000 for the Macon Corps during the 2011 Red Kettle Kick-Off!

Media Teams included: Team #1: The Telegraph with Ed Grisamore and Pat Henneberry Team #2: 41NBC TV with Ryan Pope Team #3: Macon Magazine with James and Jodie Palmer Team #4: Cumulus Communication with Art Giles, Chelsea Hughes, and Tori DeGraw Team #5: Channel 24 Fox WGXA with Allen Hutcheson, Felicia Combs, and Shayann Molone Team #6: Monroe County Informer with Will Davis

Paper Angels: A Novel by Jimmy Wayne

Last year country singer Jimmy Wayne wrote a hit single “Paper Angels” – a musical account of Jimmy’s turbulent childhood and his life-changing experience through The Salvation Army’s Angel Giving Tree program.

The acclaimed singer is back with a book by the same name. Paper Angels is a story based on his hit song about an unlikely boy showing a disillusioned businessman about the true meaning of Christmas.

Jimmy co-wrote this novella with fiction author Travis Thrasher. Penning this story was especially significant for Jimmy, as he was a recipient of Christmas presents from The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program as a child. The story reminds us about how simple acts of kindness can forever change the lives of others – the same way Jimmy’s life was forever changed by the kindness of his own ‘Paper Angel’. You can order your copy of this heartwarming story by clicking here.

There are many children and seniors in need. You too can share the true meaning of Christmas. By adopting an angel through our Angel Giving Tree, you can change someone’s life. Simply visit www.jcp.com/angel to get started. Many thanks for your support!

Go to www.salvationarmygeorgia.org or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesalvationarmygeorgia to change a life like Jimmy’s today!

Reflections on Giving and receiving- Major Jim Arrowood

Dear Friends,

We are fast approaching the holiday season.  Whether we are preparing for Thanksgiving or Christmas, giving becomes a central theme no matter who we are.  From the wealthiest donor to those who might become recipients of others’ generosity, we all look forward to sharing gifts that express our love for family and friends.   Because of the great need which continues to exist in communities across our state, there is no shortage of ways to give.

We invite supporters from all walks of life to find a way to Be A Shield for someone in need this year.  During this season, we encourage you to Be A Shield especially against hunger, poverty, loneliness, and homelessness for someone in the throes of life’s difficulties.  The Salvation Army’s outreach of feeding the hungry, assisting the poor, offering companionship to the lonely, and sheltering for the homeless is made possible by friends who give of themselves in meaningful ways.  This could be through sharing nonperishable food, making financial contributions, hosing special drives to collect much needed supplies, or simply visiting someone who is unsure of their future.

As we make preparations for Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, we also ask for volunteers who will give of their time to ring bells during the Christmas Kettle season, whether in person or virtually through the Online Red Kettle program.  Contributions you help raise not only assist during the holiday season, but provided for daily and emergency needs throughout the year.

We have only a few weeks before our great feasts; know that you help bring our work to life through your commitment to our mission.  Luke 14: 13 – 14 reminds us, “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.  Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.

God Bless,
Major Jim Arrowood
Divisional Commander
Georgia Divisional Headquarters

 

FAMILY OF FIVE HELPED LAST THANKSGIVING AT THE SALVATION ARMY OF CENTRAL GEORGIA

By Valerie P. Johnson Last Thanksgiving Season, The Salvation Army Macon Corps followed its annual routine of collecting food donations and purchasing turkeys for the Thanksgiving Basket Brigade program.  Officers and staff members worked with local churches and the G-Riders Motorcycle Club to make sure families had all they needed for Thanksgiving Day.  Out of 250 families representing 748 people served at the Macon Corps last year, one family stood out precisely because they did not seek out The Army for assistance even though they were very much in need. A family friend who knew that John and Mary and their three children were struggling to make ends meet because John had lost his construction job, called The Salvation Army on their behalf.  And the Army gladly reached out to them with a phone call and asked if they could help.  Learning that the family was now living on the mother’s income as a secretary but ineligible to receive food stamps, the staff made a special box of holiday food, coloring book with crayons and War Cry for them and provided them with enough supplies from the Food Pantry to last several weeks.  Additionally, the Army gave the family financial assistance to pay utilities until John found work a few weeks later. John and Mary were joyful as they found it hard to believe that The Salvation Army would care enough to seek them out; they could not imagine anyone going to those lengths for them. The Salvation Army Macon Corps hears from the family occasionally; their thanks and gratitude leading them to offer their time as volunteers to help the Army pay it forward to others in need. Interested in helping your community during this Thanksgiving Season? Click here to find your local community in Georgia.

 

 

 

 

Rennie Bickerstaff, Columbus, Georgia is making a Difference!

By:   Valerie Phillips Johnson
Rennie Bickerstaff, Advisory Board Chair for the Columbus Corps Community Center, is continuing a long family tradition of serving The Salvation Army through leadership on its Advisory Board.  He remembers that his mother, Margaret Bickerstaff, served on the Columbus Corps Advisory Board for 45 years.  Recalling how much she loved the Army, he couldn’t help but agree to take her place on the board after her death in 1998.  Bickerstaff says, “I consider it an honor and privilege” to pick up where she left off in “Doing The Most Good” for the Columbus community.

Bickerstaff, who is a native of Columbus, Georgia, graduated from Auburn University in 1970, served six years in the Army Reserve, and worked for his family’s brick manufacturing business in sales for 35 years.  He and his wife, Cathy, have been married for almost 36 years, and they are the parents of two sons and their wives and adore their  three grandchildren.  He is a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church; is active with its Youth Fellowship, served on the Deacon Board and board of Carpenter’s Way, a home for foster children, and PAWS Humane Society, as well as the Auburn Athletic Advisory Board.

Having served on the Columbus Advisory Board since 2000, his most rewarding outreach is helping to serve evening meals at The Salvation Army’s downtown homeless shelter.  As he thought about why this is meaningful to him, he said, “So many families are going hungry and it gives me great pleasure to see that we can provide some sustenance for them.”  Through his leadership, he has been instrumental in securing canned food for the Army’s food pantry.  His efforts are counted among The Salvation Army Georgia Division’s success in providing 666,225 meals to individuals throughout the state in 2010.

Throughout his membership, a partnership with his wife grew.  After attending the National Advisory Organization Conference together ten years ago, his wife, Cathy  came back energized which led to her joining the Women’s Auxiliary where she helped start a women’s golf tournament as one of the Columbus Corps’ most successful fundraisers.  The proceeds from these golf tournaments help them purchase 2 vans, computers, a television, yard equipment for the Corps Community Center, and provided scholarships for low-income children to spend a week at Camp Grandview.

When asked about other needs he wanted to address, he said that he would like to start a youth program for the Columbus Corps because children and youth need a safe place to go after school, especially during the summer.  This is something he plans to accomplish in the near future.

Rennie Bickerstaff is a shield against hunger, homelessness and poverty in Columbus and says of the Shield, “I first think of hope for those less fortunate.  Centuries ago men carried shields into battle so I naturally think of an army of warriors, but now as men and women in service to the Lord.  I believe in helping those who are hurting and have no other place to go.  The Salvation Army always reaches out to those in need of assistance of housing, helping get them back on their feet.  I know of no other organization that uses funds as wisely as the Salvation Army which is of concern to many in today’s economic climate.”