At the 'grass roots': The Salvation Army: as part of a national outreach effort with five community-service organizations, VFW's partnership with The Salvation Army gives VFW members new volunteering opportunities

VFW Magazine, April, 2003 by Shannon Hanson

In an effort to reach out to like-minded organizations, VFW has joined forces with The Salvation' Army, one of the most successful charities in the country. Its work in such areas as the military, youth activities and disaster relief makes it an obvious match with VFW and its efforts in the community.

Though many may not be aware of it, The Salvation Army actually is a Protestant church that got its start in London in 1865. Ordained minister William Booth formed the evangelical group to offer "soup, soap and salvation" to the city's slum dwellers. By 1880, the group had expanded to the U.S. and evolved into the military-like structure it operates under today, where clergy carry officer ranks and church members are soldiers.

The Salvation Army currently works through more than 9,200 centers with 45,000 employees. It is best known for its work with the homeless, the poor and drug and alcohol abusers. Its most visible campaign is the red kettle that shows up in front of stores during the December holiday season.

Started by a Salvationist captain in 1891, the program last year used 20,000 kettles to collect some $91 million for the charity. But that's not all the Army does.

"While most of America instantly recognizes the red kettles of Christmas, our work continues all year long," said Maj. George Hood, national public affairs director. "Our network of social services is extremely diverse, from the fundamentals of food, clothing and shelter to rehabilitation centers, family counseling, job skill training and transitional housing."

In addition, Hood said, the Army operates children's summer camps and, in some locations, specialized camps for senior citizens. One such camp is Ladore, a camp, retreat and conference center in Waymart, Penn., that on spiritual retreats for seniors wanting to "get away."

Funding for these services comes from fund-raisers and donations. The Army brought in $1.4 billion in private donations in 2000 and served 38 million people in 2001. With some 84% of money raised going toward charitable services (according to the Wise Giving Alliance's recommendations, no more than 35% of solicited contributions should go to fund-raising) the Army has been No. 1 on the Chronicle of Philanthropy's list of popular charities for the past nine years.

As with any charity, The Salvation Army continues to need more help. That's where VFW members can step in. And one doesn't need to be a Salvationist to join in.

"If local VFW Posts have ideas for serving their community in a direct alliance with The Salvation Army," Hood said, "they simply need to approach the officer in command in that community with the idea. We are always looking for fresh, innovative ways to create collaborations to the benefit of the community."

Like VFW, The Salvation Army is structured in several levels, beginning with four territories, which comprise 40 Divisions that break down into corps community centers. These, like VFW Posts, are the basic units of the organization, and each is supervised by a commanding officer.

And VFW members, like anyone, are welcome to join the Army's 3.5 million volunteers in service projects across the country. Phone numbers for local corps and programs should be listed in the phone book.

"The beauty of our organization is that it is `grass root,'" Hood said, "and strives to respond to the unique needs of each community." This makes it an obvious match for VFW.

For more information, contact:

Maj. George Hood
National Director of Public Affairs
The Salvation Army National
Headquarters USA
615 Slaters Lane
Alexandria, VA 22313
(703) 684-5526
george_hood@usn.salvationarmy.org

www.salvationarmyusa.org