By Valerie Phillips Johnson

When DeLisa Smith walked in, she looked tired from the emotional strain she had been carrying since September 2011.  September marks the month she came to The Salvation Army Brunswick Corps’ homeless shelter.  And she was as shocked as anyone to find herself there.  A mother of an 18 year old son and 20 year old daughter, she became homeless when she and her husband separated.  She is certain her 22 year marriage will end in divorce.  And life has not gotten easier since she left home.  With an associate’s degree in accounting, DeLisa worked full-time as an accountant until eight years ago when she stopped working to care for several ill family members:  her mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law, all who are now deceased.

She says the first night she moved out of her home, she spent the night at the local hospital’s emergency room because she was scared and did not want to be alone.  Her son who learned where she had gone suggested she go to The Salvation Army’s homeless shelter where she has been for the past two and one half months.  She has been steadily looking for a job but has no other work experience except accounting and finds it difficult to get a job even at a fast food restaurant with managers stating that she is overqualified.

The Salvation Army in Brunswick has taken some of the worry away by giving her safe shelter, food, and counseling to help her get through this ordeal.  Last year throughout Georgia, Salvation Army Corps and service centers provided for these same basic needs and comforts to 278,899 individuals.  For the holiday, DeLisa will learn new skills by assisting the Brunswick Corps with processing Angel Tree applications for other needy families.

Although she is very sad, she is happy to see her children at least once a week.  The separation from her children is the most difficult part of her situation.  And she worries about them more than she worries about herself.  Fortunately, they are all receiving spiritual counseling at the Army.

When asked how being homeless has impacted her, DeLisa said that it has been a real eye-opener because she had never known how many homeless people lived in the area.  Before her own devastation, she had lived a sheltered life in the family’s neighborhood.  If nothing else, she has developed more compassion for those who are similarly situated.  DeLisa also had not known much about The Salvation Army which she sees as a wonderful Christian organization that helps people find a better way to live.  She is hopeful that The Army will help her meet her goal of becoming self-sufficient in the near future.

By Valerie Phillips Johnson

Tilden and Charnette Colton have been married for 19 years and never thought the day would come when they would need the help of The Salvation Army.  The Newnan high school sweethearts met as freshmen and married after graduating, growing their family to include five children.  Even though they had almost finished raising their own three children, they found room in their hearts and home to adopt a teenage mom and her baby.  The Coltons who had dedicated much of their lives to being foster parents are no stranger to caring for other people’s children.  They now have guardianship of the teen mom and her two-year old child.  As Colton waited to process his request for Christmas assistance, he said, “We had always been on the other side of the desk giving help to others.  Now here we are at The Salvation Army sitting in the seat of those who need help.”  The biggest challenge for Colton was letting go of his pride and coming to The Salvation Army for assistance.  The approaching Christmas season convinced him and his wife to come so their children would enjoy the holiday.

Life had been good for this family for many years.  But the downturn in the economy impacted their business like it has so many others.  As an owner-operator truck driver, they reached a point of not being able to afford diesel for the truck.  The business suffered severely, and they got behind on mortgage payments and struggled with providing basic necessities for the family.

Acknowledging that the Lord has always blessed them, he knew another sign of blessing was a friend who told him about The Salvation Army which he had known little about other than the one childhood memory he had of the Army.  He reminisces that when he was a small boy, the family was very thankful for the Salvation Army’s assistance when their house burned down.  He and his family had not needed The Salvation Army for over 30 years until now.  But he was grateful to be about to call on The Salvation Army.  The Newnan Salvation Army Service Center provided utility assistance for the Coltons and gave the children toys for Christmas.  Last year, Salvation Army units in Georgia provided 155,379 individuals with utility assistance and 211,385 children received toys for Christmas.

Mr. Colton who is also the pastor of a small church says he hears God’s message in his family’s struggle.  Through that message, he is affirmed in his belief that relationships are more important than anything else and vows to keep his family together no matter what.  The other message ringing loudly in his heart is to keep loving and helping people who have it worse than he does.  In many ways, he and his family live out the mission of The Salvation Army.  Colton says, “When people lose their jobs and suffer, we all suffer.”  As he stands on both sides of the pulpit, He also acknowledges that God allows us (ministers) to go through the storm ourselves so we can grow more compassionate and know first-hand what others are going through.  It can only make your ministry stronger and more effective.  The Coltons are thankful for the blessing of The Salvation Army in their lives and urges others not to wait too long before they seek the kind of help the Army provides to thousands every day.  The Newnan Salvation Army Service Center meets the human needs of its community through the food pantry, financial assistance for rent and utilities, clothing voucher program, family store, disaster services, and spiritual support.  For more information, visit www.salvationarmyatlanta.org.

“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.”

Now that is the act of kindness and compassion, and giving even when you have nothing to give. This makes me think about the kettles I have passed and not given money to, because I “needed” the money to buy presents for my family. It’s not too late to give this holiday season. Whether it’s your time, money or resources, The Salvation Army in your community needs YOU! Click here to see how you can Be a Shield in your community…

Click here to donate now.

The story of LaShelle Rutherford reminds us that she is not just another number. She is one of 489,222 Georgians who have lost their jobs due to the economy. In fact, she was laid of just last month in October and did not know where to turn for help. Because she had never been late paying her rent before, her landlord knew there was something seriously wrong and referred her to the Columbus Salvation Army for rental assistance. There at the Columbus Salvation Army Social Services, she was assigned a caseworker who counseled her and guided her through the process of applying for assistance. Last year, through The Salvation Army Project SHARE collaboration with Georgia Power, 34,695 individuals like LaShelle received utility, housing, and food assistance after falling on hard times. A 29-year old single mother with three children, ages 14, 10, and 5, she attended the University of Phoenix for two years, but caring for her children alone stalled her progress. But she is sure she will finish her degree one day, especially with the support of her children who are very understanding and patient with their current situation. She said, “My kids know Mom is having a very hard time, but they motivate and encourage me to keep trying.” And with a tearful grin, she chuckles that even her 5-year old will occasionally offer her a dollar to help pay the bills. LaShelle smiled at what The Salvation Army means to her and her family, saying, “Without them, we would probably be homeless.” She sees The Salvation Army as a family-oriented organization that is always there supporting parents who are trying to do the best for their children. A true advocate and one who wants to “Be A Shield” for others even in her time of need, LaShelle says that she tells people about The Salvation Army every day.

Charles Cox, who has become a “regular” at The Salvation Army Rome Corps, rides his bicycle twice a week to pick up his food in installments. That’s because the bicycle’s basket can only hold so much food at one time. He has been coming to the Rome Corps for about three years and was one of 666,225 individuals who received meals and food assistance from the Army in Georgia during 2010. He is also one of the increasing numbers of highly educated persons who suffered a series of personal setbacks that ultimately rendered him incapable of managing the most basic daily tasks. “What catapulted my life into crises,” he said, “was the sudden death of my soul mate, Elizabeth, whom I counted on to keep the bifurcated parts of my soul stitched together.” A writer with a doctorate of philosophy and who reads six different languages, Charles has studied at some of the most prestigious universities in the world but now finds himself needing the assistance of The Salvation Army in Rome to help him get through each day. He admits that his schizophrenia makes life very difficult, but through the help of Corps Officers Captain Tim and Eileen Farrell and their staff, he has a steady supply of food so that he doesn’t have to worry about daily meals. He is also proud that the staff in Rome helped him get a library card which keeps him immersed in the world of art and literature which is for a scholar like himself as life sustaining as his access to the Army’s food pantry. A very forthcoming man, he volunteered an introspective thought as he was leaving and said, “I’ve suffered a lot these last 10 years, but I’m a better human being for it.” When asked if he would come to The Salvation Army this year for Thanksgiving dinner, he smiled and said he’d drop in for sure.

By Valerie Phillips Johnson

Eddie Hooks, 54, who has a slight but muscular build and plenty of tattoos, wears the face of one who has endured a lot of struggle for a lot of years.   Cutting straight to the heart of the matter, Eddie shares that he has recently completed 28 years of a life sentence in prison.  While he declined to give specifics about the conviction that resulted in his loss of freedom, he freely reflected on prison life, his adjustment to being on the “outside” and whether he has a place in society.  He has realized that he does have a place.  Now his journey will entail finding out where he belongs and what he is supposed to do with the rest of his life.  The learning curve will be very steep for Eddie as he looks back on what he has missed and shakes off a mentality that was necessary to survive and adapt to what he describes as a system that perpetuates a violent and dysfunctional life in prison.  “It’s one that breeds anger and bitterness,” he says, but he’s slowly learning to shed the armor he hid behind to protect himself.  It is now the shield of The Salvation Army in LaGrange that offers guards against threats to his new life.

Much of his guidance and support today comes from the LaGrange Corps Officer, Lieutenants Chris and Billie Powell whom he has known for almost two years.  He heaps praise on them because they have, along with Salvation Army staff become like his family.  Eddie admits that he’s not surprised that his 86 year old father would not give him a place to live after his release from prison because their relationship had long been strained.  With no home to return to, the Department of Corrections sent him to The Salvation Army LaGrange Corps for assistance in finding a home, and to complete his work-release program.  Although many of The Salvation Army’s homeless clientele have not experienced the same difficulties as Eddie, he represents one of 278,899 individuals in Georgia who received shelter assistance from The Salvation Army last year and received a second change for a better life.

Working with The Salvation Army has been the steadying force that helped him realize his value and ability to do good for someone else in need.  But that realization did not come without another run-in with the law over a DUI arrest that nearly undid his freedom.  The need to self-medicate with alcohol overwhelmed Eddie.  It was The Salvation Army though that pulled him back again and helped steer him from a self-destructive path.   The warden also saw a contrite heart and allowed Eddie to volunteer with The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program.

He has many hours of community service to complete, stiff fines to pay, and has lost his driver’s license.  Despite all of his losses, Eddie has a grateful heart, and is humbled by how many blessings he has received.  Part of his transformation is learning how to let people get close to him.  And his fiancé has taught him to forgive himself and his past, emphasizing that if you live in the past, you can’t live for the future.

Being part of The Salvation Army is personal for Eddie.  As he states, “The Salvation Army has allowed me to be part of something bigger than myself, and it’s made me realize how much I like helping people.”  The Salvation Army in LaGrange is for him, representative of the small town touch that is typical of what he describes as a closed and open place.  By that, he means that it’s a small and traditional community that also has its arms wide open and has pulled together to “keep him out of trouble and on the path to success.”  As a community, they are committed to not letting him go back.  And while the love of total strangers defies logic for him, Eddie who once denied the existence of God, now accepts the love and support from The Salvation Army as a gift from God and vows to lead a life of service that honors all that is good righteous.

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.

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

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!