How would you like your money TRIPLED?

Of all the days you can give to the Twin Cities Salvation Army, the two most important are this Tuesday, Dec. 22 and Wednesday, Dec. 23.

For two days only, all donations made to the Twin Cites Salvation Army will be triple matched.

This unprecedented match has been made possible by three anonymous donors who pooled together $1.25 million in matching funds. It is the largest matching gift in Twin Cities Salvation Army history.

In addition to the $1.25 million challenge, local sponsors will quadruple-match donations made Dec. 22-23 at four kettle sites across the Twin Cities metro area. Check out a list of these kettle sites.

To triple your donation, do any of the following this Tuesday or Wednesday:
●Donate online.
●Mail a check postmarked Dec. 22-23, 2009 to:
The Salvation Army
2445 Prior Avenue North
Roseville, MN 55113
In the memo write “Twin Cities Match.”
●Donate at any of 400 metro area kettle sites.
●Call 800-SAL-ARMY. Designate your credit card gift "Twin Cities Match.”
●Donate stock or IRA funds. Call 651-746-3505.
●Watch Fox 9 News broadcasts for our phone-a-thon at 5, 9 and 10 p.m.

“The success of our Christmas Campaign rests squarely on the amount of public donations we receive these two days,” Leedom said. “Please give what you can.”

Help-Portrait Day 2009

For the last month or so, I had been noticing a theme in the Tweets, Facebook updates, e-mails, and blogs from some friends in the Minneapolis photography scene, all centered on a movement called “Help Portrait.” Admittedly, I ignored most of it, as I have no photography skills myself.

But then “Help Portrait Day” came and went, and I began to see the pictures from it—“Wait a minute,” I thought, “are those pictures taken at Harbor Light?” Sure enough, the Minneapolis Help Portrait Community, led by photographer Jessica Barker, had chosen The Salvation Army Harbor Light Shelter as the photo shoot location.

I was immediately interested. What is Help Portrait? I googled it and quickly discovered that the goal of this worldwide movement is simple: It’s “a shift in thinking…a movement of photographers who are using their time, equipment, and expertise to give back to those less fortunate.” Instructions? 1. Find someone in need. 2. Take their portrait. 3. Print their portrait. 4. Deliver their portrait.

What a unique way to be a blessing to someone in need. This was a real opportunity for people at Harbor Light to re-establish that sense of worth that can so often be lost when it feels like you’ve hit rock-bottom. Photographer Melissa Oholendt said of the experience, “As I spent time getting to know some of the people at Harbor Light, the common theme in the conversations wasn’t hardship or sadness—it was hope.” Offering hope and healing is what The Salvation Army has been striving to do since 1865, and we’re so thankful to the Minneapolis Help Portrait Community for partnering with us in this extraordinary way.

Check out the Help Portrait site to learn more about this worldwide movement, and to see pictures and read stories from Help Portrait Day.

It’s that time of year again?!

‘Tis the Season! Salvation Army Toy Shop starts Dec. 17, at which time thousands of Twin Cities families will begin receiving toys and grocery gift cards at National Guard Armories in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Last year I participated in my first Toy Shop. There was a bad snowstorm on my first day, which made me a little grumpy. But when I walked into the Minneapolis Armory for my shift, my attitude quickly changed because there was electricity in the air. Everyone was super cheery and happy to be helping.

Parents were shopping for their children with volunteers who were dressed up as elves or Santa. There were Salvation Army officers walking around greeting families and taking prayer requests. I felt proud to be an employee of an organization that truly does “The Most Good.” I still cannot find words to explain the feeling of giving toys to so many families.

This year the need has increased to 14,400 families needing toys for their children for Christmas. I am excited to be a part of an organization that helps make Christmas better for those in need. A big thank you to all of the companies and individuals who have donated their time and energy to this effort, it is very much appreciated!

Merry Christmas,
Krystle

Wouldn't it be great to increase your money today?

GiveMN.org is making that possible with a giving stimulus plan called "Give to the Max Day," created to increase giving to non-profits across Minnesota. Donations made to the Twin Cities Salvation Army by giving online here will be elegible for a portion of $500,000 in matching funds for a 24 hour period, ending November 18th at 8 a.m.

What an incredible opportunity to increase the amount of support you can give to The Salvation Army, by taking part in this one-day plan.

Check out this press release for the details of how this has been made possible, and give to The Salvation Army during Give to the Max Day by making a credit card gift here.

Coats for Kids 2009: The delightful and the frustrating

On Thursday The Salvation Army held its annual Coats for Kids distribution at 10 locations across the Twin Cities, where more than 8,300 coats were distributed. I work at a Salvation Army office in Minneapolis, but on the distribution day I was assigned to a location in Wright County, where we gave 376 coats to 121 families.

Being in Wright County was a different experience for me. It is way out in the country. Many of the people at this coat distribution had come from quite a distance, whereas in the city, people don’t have to commute as far. All the families we served were very appreciative of the coats we gave them. The Buffalo Rotary Club was volunteering at our coat drive, and they donated 170 pairs of snow pants to our distribution site. Parents were super excited when they saw they could get snow pants. They were a very hot commodity at our distribution site – which makes sense. Who wants to play in the snow and get super cold? Not me!

One family I registered had 10 children. I cannot imagine trying to feed and clothe 10 children. It must cost a fortune. She was very happy that she was able to get coats, hats and mittens for all of her children. Another mom came in with her daughter to get a coat and told us a bit of her story. Her daughter had just received heart surgery, and the mom wasn’t working because she had stayed in the hospital with her daughter. Because of this, her budget was tight and she needed help from The Salvation Army. She cried when she was leaving because she was so relieved that she had a coat for her daughter.

Unfortunately, some metro area offices had to turn away families because of a shortage of donated coats. This year we had more usable coats donated than ever before, yet we have an opportunity to do even better. My hope for next year is that we have more donations of used coats so that this doesn’t happen again. Children should never go without the basic necessities of clothing, food and shelter.

Saying ‘yes’ to life saves a life

Yesterday afternoon I had a choice to make—stay home after spending three days in Rochester during a leadership conference with my fellow Salvation Army officers, or go back to my workplace at the West 7th Salvation Army in St. Paul and teach Cub Scouts classes in the evening.

I chose to say “yes” to life, just as we had been challenged to do at the conference by retired General John Larsson. To say “yes” to life is to choose not to miss out on the sacred tasks God has in store for us.

After teaching my first pack of Cub Scouts, I went to the dining hall for Family Supper Club. My wife stopped me and said, “There’s a young man in the foyer who said he was just released from a mental institution. I don’t know if he should be around the children. You should go talk to him.” I did as I was told.

The 21-year-old man’s name was Mitch. His first words were, “I think I’ve gone crazy.” I asked, “Why do you think that?” He said, “I just drove here from Duluth in about 90 minutes. I was going 120 mph all the way looking for an underpass to run into to end my life. But I didn’t have the guts to do it. Then my car ran out of gas on 7th Street and I walked 12 blocks to get here.” I asked him, “What made you come to The Salvation Army?” He said, “I don’t know. I just did.”

Then Mitch began to tell his story. He had not left a mental institution, but thought he needed to go to one. He has suffered from severe depression since age 12. Six weeks ago his doctors had prescribed him a new medication. For the past two weeks he was having suicidal thoughts and felt the time had finally come to end his life.

For the next 30 minutes or so, I talked to him about life and the Lord. His response was, “If there even is a God.” Then he asked, “Do you really believe there is a God?” I said, “Not only do I believe there is a God, but I believe that He sent you here. I believe God planned for you to run out of gas down the street and I believe that He directed you to The Salvation Army. Mitch, God does not want you to die. He wants you to live.”

I told him that we needed to call his parents, otherwise I would have to call the police (for he was also considering jumping off a building). I called his mother. She said that he had left Duluth early in the day with their car and had no idea what had happened to him. When I told her the story, she began to sob. I offered to stay with Mitch until they arrived from Duluth, but his father was so concerned that he might run again that he asked me to call the police. So I did.

Before he got into the squad car with the police officer, I asked him for his car keys so that I could help his parents find their car. His parents arrived three hours later, got their car and left for Regions Hospital.

Our front desk receptionist later told me that Mitch had walked into the corps hours earlier and was hanging around waiting for something.

I am so proud that the doors of The Salvation Army were open for Mitch to come in. I am so proud that our staff allowed him to hang around the building. And I am so humbled that the Spirit of God led me to say “yes” to life so that He could save a life.

Self worth…priceless

Driving down interstate I-94 each day during rush hour traffic can be very frustrating. I try to take my mind off of the traffic by checking out the billboards that line the interstate. They change the billboards often, and it doesn’t take me long to notice that there are new ads. A few weeks ago I came across a billboard that said “Recession 101: Self worth beats net worth”.

I stared at the billboard for several seconds and read the sentence over again. Self worth beats net worth. Of course it does! It is a perfect reminder to those who have taken pay cuts or changed jobs due to the economy. Right now, many people are taking the first job they are offered, just so they can keep a roof over their head and food on the table. There are people with a Master’s degree who are applying for Bachelor’s level jobs. There are even people who are switching professions and taking major pay cuts.

The Salvation Army territorial office in Chicago graciously distributed funds to the Salvation Army units in Minnesota and North Dakota to use to help people who had been laid off from their jobs due to the downturn of the economy. Our office got a large chunk of funding. With this program, we are able to assist individuals with rent, pay a utility bill, or give several bus cards for job search or interviews. We even have Target giftcards to issue if clients need basics, such as personal hygiene or toilet paper.

One person that I helped was laid off of his job after 12 years. He relocated to Minneapolis, and was staying at an overnight shelter. He heard about the program through an acquaintance staying at the same shelter, and visited our office. He explained that another organization was helping him with his damage deposit, and he needed help with the first month’s rent because he was short due to the relocating fees. We were able to assist him with the first month’s rent, so now he is no longer homeless. We have helped a handful of people escape eviction with this funding when many other agencies will not help them due to income guidelines.

We must remind each other that your job is not who you are. It is a part of your life, but there are so many more important parts of your life that make you who you are. Family heritage, values, traditions, memories and other parts are more important than how much money you make at your job. Someone who is an executive at a large company and makes hundreds of thousands of dollars and has no support system can be one of the most miserable people on earth, while an auto mechanic who has good relationships with all of his family members and uses them as a support system can be the happiest man on earth.

Nearly escaping death...optimism at it’s finest

One of my roles as a social worker at the Salvation Army is to help disabled individuals apply for SSI benefits through the Social Security Administration. I have worked with many individuals in the past year, but there is one client that stands out as one of my greatest successes. For this blog, we will call him Joe*. Joe used to be a very hard working person before his accident in 1983. He was walking down a street and was a victim of a bus accident. One tire on the bus exploded, and as a result, the hubcap flew off toward Joe’s head. He moved his head slightly and it barely missed him. The incident gave him four broken limbs to deal with and a life long memory of almost being decapitated. Joe recovered from the accident but still stuffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

In 2006 Joe was crossing a street in downtown Minneapolis, and a delivery truck drove through a red light and hit him. He suffered fractures to both of his arms and both of his legs. In addition to this, Joe was homeless for a short period of time staying at The Salvation Army’s Harbor Light shelter. He then got into supportive housing and has been housed for almost 2 years successfully paying his rent on time each month.


We first applied for SSI benefits in August 2008. In December 2008, he was denied for two old warrants that he hadn’t known about. He turned himself into the jail and appeared in court and both were resolved. After visiting his parents in Arizona for several weeks, he came back to Minnesota and was ready for round two with Social Security. The second time we applied was in April 2009. The interview went fairly quickly since Joe had just applied several months prior. After the long wait, Joe was finally approved for SSI benefits in July 2009. He is still living in his apartment in downtown Minneapolis and loves to ride his bike and visit the local YMCA. He has been helping his daughter with school bills now that he has a little more money to live off of. He may have to have a complete knee replacement in the coming months, but he is optimistic about the outcome.

I joke with his case manager that Joe is the perfect picture of “Murphy’s Law” (anything that can go wrong will go wrong). Despite this, Joe still has a very optimistic outlook on life and attempts to live positively each day. Though his surgeries have now grown to double digits (I believe it’s up to around 13?) and he is on a handful of medications, he has made a success out of his life.

*This name has been chosen to protect anonymity. This is not the client’s real name.

the little things do count

Enjoy another great post from Krystle, one of our social workers...

I have learned that one of the most important aspects of a successful relationship with a client is building rapport. Finding commonalities has been a lot easier than I thought it would be with the clients I serve. I am very different from the majority of my clients; I am a different race, age, gender and socioeconomic status than the bulk of my clients. The majority of clients we serve are African American (Approximately 60%), followed by Caucasian (29%). Around two-thirds of our clients are male, and 77% of our clientele fall between the ages of 23 and 54. I am in my early twenties, so many of my clients are almost double my age. I have book smarts, they have street smarts.

Despite our differences, I can usually find at least one similarity with my clients. I have been working with one person on and off since I’ve started at The Salvation Army in May 2008. He works at the Metrodome and is a baseball fan, just like me. I joke around with him quite often about switching jobs with me because he has friendships with some of the baseball players, and I always tell him to say hello to Denard Span for me. Now that the baseball season is winding down, he has intensified his job search, because his position ends when the Twins’ season does.

I’ve started emailing him job leads weekly and meeting with him more often to email resumes to potential employers. I met with him yesterday and gave him several job leads. He came into my office today and said that as soon as he left my office, he received a call from a company that was hiring, and they set up a time to meet with him to fill out the paperwork required to hire him! He said that I was a big help to him, and he is excited to find out what type of work he will be doing.

It feels good to work hard with a client to find them a job that they will like instead of something that they take because they are desperate. In this case, I feel that my rapport with the client helped him to become more comfortable with me and tell me about his past work history, and life experience. He did mention that it took him quite a while to ask for help with job search and other services such as food or clothing.

Clients also teach us many things. I have learned a lot about the warehouse industry and how items are created. The client that this blog is about is from New York, and I’m planning a trip to New York City in the fall. I asked him about sight-seeing tips, and he gave me some great tips (go to Niagara Falls!). There are always commonalities among each person, whether it is the love of baseball or special memories, nearly everyone is able to connect on some level. This is the part of my job that I like best…learning who I serve, and where they come from.

An introduction...

Occasionally we'll be sharing thoughts from Krystle, a Salvation Army social worker. Hope you enjoy her perspective.

My name is Krystle Englund, and I am a licensed social worker working for the Salvation Army Social Services in downtown Minneapolis. The office that I work in serves a very unique population – homeless singles adults. We serve people who are staying in downtown in housing, or in overnight shelters. One of our most requested needs is hygiene items, and unfortunately, it is one of the items that we have a hard time keeping on our shelves. I have attempted to contact hotels, dental offices, and even my college trying to collect hygiene items for our clients. After all of the hard work that it takes to collect donated hygiene items, it feels great to have a client get excited over a nice stick of men’s Speedstick, or Dove soap, or even conditioner for some of our women clients.

I think about how much I have taken for granted in my life when a client expresses thanks for the little things. Everyday I use my head and shoulders shampoo in the shower, and a majority of our clients aren’t able to bathe daily, or wash their clothing weekly, while I have access to a shower, washing machine, stove, and refrigerator without trouble.

Our office is also unique because we are the only food shelf in our area to serve homeless individuals. Most other food shelves require mail in order to use the food shelf, and most of the homeless are not able to have mail delivered to the shelter, instead it is delivered to general delivery at the postal office. I try to stock our food shelf with easy “grab and go” type items, and things that clients do not have to prepare. Most of our items are microwaveable, and there is a microwave at the Harbor Light, where most of our clients stay. The clients seem to get excited over little things, such as having “real” milk (a half gallon of milk), instead of powdered milk or condensed milk, or they enjoy it when we throw a few granola bars in their bag as a snack. Some of the clients we serve are on medications, and they need to take their medications with food, but don’t have anything late at night before bedtime, so a granola bar or a package of ramen noodles does the job for them. As I write this, I have designated a whole drawer for “snacks” which I really don’t appreciate.

I guess the main point of this blog is for everyone to not take material things for granted. Many of us are blessed with friends and families to help us out when we are in a pinch, but many of my clients do not have those support systems in place. Just remember that the little things really do count.

Anonymous Note from a Salvation Army Supporter:

"I want you to know that during World War II, I served in the US Navy, both stateside and overseas, and whenever I saw the Salvation Army sign, I made a beeline for it. Thank you for helping so many of us get through some very tough times by providing hot coffee, doughnuts, food, and most importantly, support and care."

Leaders Launching Learners

Last August, I rose early on a Saturday morning and drove to a nearby Target before it opened. It was a few minutes past 7:30am when I hastily pulled into the parking lot. I looked toward the store's entrance and saw a sea of Salvation Army volunteers in light blue T-shirts, eagerly awaiting the arrival of hundreds of back-to-school shoppers.

This unique sight was happening all throughout the Twin Cities as 850 kids participated in the first ever "Leaders Launching Learners" back-to-school shopping event. This giant shopping spree enabled kids from families in need to shop for back-to-school supplies and clothing, as each child spent $100 with guidance from a volunteer chaperone.

As I pulled on my own light blue T-shirt and prepared for the arrival of the kids, I worried that I'd spend my morning convincing children not to spend the money on candy and other non-necessities, but that was definitely not the case. I was "assigned" a delightful 11-year old girl, who was prepared with a list of what she needed, right down to the sizes she wore. I looked around and realized all of the kids had lists. She eagerly picked out a backpack, some socks, and several outfits, before we headed for the check-out. As the cashier rang up her items, she told me, "I'm so happy. This year when I go back to school I won't have to be embarrassed or worry about getting made fun of because I'm wearing clothes that I've outgrown or using a backpack that is falling apart. I'll be just like everyone else."

I quickly realized that the idea of using the money for candy or toys was far from her mind (which was good, since it was against the shopping rules anyway). All she wanted was to have enough basic necessities to fit in. She just wanted to be a normal kid instead of worrying about money, and I was blessed to be a part of that experience.

On August 22, year two of Leaders Launching Learners will take place at ten different department stores throughout the Twin Cities, and we need over 850 volunteers to help the kids shop. Check out the website for more information or to sign up, and spread the word to others who might be interested. This is truly a unique experience that you'll want to be a part of.

Did you know...

...that we're on Twitter? What is Twitter? Twitter's self-definition is that it's a service "to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?" If you're new to Twitter, this New York Times article--"Twittering Tips for Beginners"--details the pros and cons of Twitter along with tips for getting started. Follow us at twitter.com/thesalarmy for quick updates on The Salvation Army in the Northern Division.

Salvation Army Serving after Tornadoes Touch Down in Austin

The Salvation Army has three mobile kitchens (canteens) on site providing assistance to residents and emergency workers in Austin, Minn., where a tornado touched down just before dark Wednesday, June 17. Salvation Army volunteer crews from Austin, Albert Lea and Mankato are providing hydration and are on standby at the Austin Salvation Army building to provide housing for up to 20 residents. With weather conditions expected to be hot and humid, hydration will be essential as residents wake to the daunting task of cleanup.

"There is no electricity anywhere in town," said Captain Jim Brickson, leader of the Albert Lea Salvation Army. "We have a generator available to provide lights in our Austin service center and are awaiting direction from city officials."

With no lighting available, the situation is difficult to evaluate and is potentially dangerous. "There are people outside in the dark cutting tree limbs off their houses," Brickson said last night. "It is a tenuous situation at best."

In times of disaster The Salvation Army specializes in providing mass feeding at the time of natural disasters, as well as providing financial resources to survivors as recovery efforts begin. Donations to disaster relief are used exclusively to provide assistance to residents in the damaged area. Click below to make an online donation or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Designate your gift to Austin Tornado Relief.

"Just a Spoonful of Sugar..."

Some of you may remember our Wicked fundraiser last year, which sold out in a matter of weeks. Well this year--as a fundraiser--The Salvation Army is selling tickets to the award-winning musical Mary Poppins. The performance is at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 13 at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis.

When you buy a ticket through our website for $120, $50 of that price automatically becomes a $50 tax-deductible donation to The Salvation Army (all seats are in the lower level). See our website for details on the show, buying tickets, and the option to upgrade to a "premium package."

Happy National Doughnut Day

The next time you dunk your favorite doughnut, thank The Salvation Army. While The Army may not have invented the first doughnut - that distinction is lost in history --it can certainly take credit for the popularity of the doughnut today.

A little history: In August, 1917, fighting raged near Montiers, France, as soldiers huddled in camp - hungry, weary and drenched by 36 consecutive days of rain. In a tent near the front lines, Salvation Army lassies made doughnuts by filling a refuge pail with oil made dough with left over flour and other ingredients on hand, and used a wine bottle as a rolling pin. With a baking powder tin for a cutter and a tube for making the holes, doughnuts were fried - seven at a time - in soldier's steel helmets on an 18-inch stove.

Rain fell continuously, and the water-soaked tent finally collapsed. However, the 100doughnuts made on that first day were an immediate success. Soon, as many as 500 soldiers stood in muck outside the resurrected tent waiting for the sweet taste of doughnuts and before long, 9,000 doughnuts were being made around the clock. The tent became the first 24-hour doughnut shop.

Word spread and before long, Salvation Army lassies were making doughnuts wherever the war was being fought. Doughnuts were taken to the front lines, and it was reported that some pilots even dropped notes asking for doughnuts for their troops.

The doughnut's identity with The Salvation Army stuck. Doughnuts appeared everywhere The Army did. Ever since that August day in France 92 years ago, millions of doughnuts have been provided free by The Salvation Army to fireman, rescue workers, disaster victims - anyone in need. Salvation Army lassies made doughnuts the popular wartime food, and the doughnut came to symbolize the good work of The Salvation Army.

So now that you know a little history, go out and enjoy a doughnut, appreciating the deeper meaning behind it.

Losing Homes and Ending Childhoods

As part of their "Children of the Recession" series, CBS News recently ran this story about 11-year old Tristen Clarke and his mother Rhonda, a homeless family whom The Salvation Army is helping to house in a motel in California. It's always shocking to face the fact that more and more children in America are becoming homeless due to the recession, but I found this story particularly heartbreaking because it revealed how much of a mental toll this is having on youth. Tristen worries about things that most kids his age take for granted--having enough food, a place to sleep, and even a safe place to play outside. In short, he's had to grow up too fast, and he's not alone. Reading his story reminded me of the many kids and young adults here in the Twin Cities facing the same harsh reality. Youth want to ease the burdens that are heaped on their parents in this economy, and it's mentally and emotionally exhausting.

The good news is that The Salvation Army has facilities and programs in place such as the Booth Brown House and other youth centers and programs throughout the Twin Cities to do as much as possible to provide relief. This CBS story shows that sometimes just having someone on your side can provide a sense of optimism; Despite his circumstances, 11 year-old Tristen describes himself as "lucky" because he and his mom aren't living on the street. Although they are homeless, the Salvation Army's provision keeps them from living "in a cardboard box," and he recognizes that as a blessing.

I encourage you to read his story, and also think of ways that you can be a blessing to kids like Tristen, here in our own community. Volunteering, donating, or even just taking a tour to learn more about what's happening in the Twin Cities are all small ways to make a big impact during these economically uncertain times.

A note of thanks

Just thought I'd pass along a note from someone who received help through The Salvation Army's "Spring Spruce Up" event. Thanks to all of the volunteers who helped that day!

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I want to express our deepest thanks to the crew that came to our house on Saturday, April 25th, to 'straighten our fence'.

We have been spending every weekend for the past two months in Alexandria helping my 80 year old mother move from her house into an apartment. My father passed away last year and this has been very difficult for her to get ready to downsize.

We were scheduled to have our fence done but heard on the news that it was very rainy in Minneapolis so we assumed that it did not get done. We drove up to our house on Sunday morning, tired and sore, and noticed the fence had been repaired and straightened.We were so happy! When I got out of the car and looked around, I started to cry.

Not only was our fence done but all the leaves in the yard were raked, bagged and gone, a birdhouse hanging off the fence was reattached, all my plants were uncovered, another birdhouse was repaired, the air-conditioner was uncovered, our patio furniture was uncovered and set up and even our rain gutters were cleaned out. My yard is ready for me to plant my petunias.

My husband is 70 years old with two artificial knees and I have arthritis so it is to the point that we are thinking of selling our home because we can't do the outside work any longer. So you can see what a blessing this was for us. God bless everyone involved!!

Going on vacation this summer?

Make sure to save those little hotel shampoos, conditioners, soaps and other supplies. The Salvation Army needs them to make hygiene kits for clients in our shelters.

You can drop off these supplies at The Salvation Army’s Division Headquarters in Roseville at 2445 Prior Ave North (MAP), and we'll put the kits together. Examples of some of the items that are found in a typical hygiene kit are listed below.

Men's Hygiene Kit:
Tooth Brush
Tooth Paste
Shampoo
Hand / Body Soap
Razor
Shaving Cream
Pair of Socks
Deodorant
Comb
Washcloth

Women's Hygiene Kit:
Tooth Brush
Tooth Paste
Shampoo & Conditioner
Body Soap
Razor
Pair of Socks
Deodorant
Brush
Feminine Products
Washcloth

Questions about anything? Call our office at 651-746-3400.

Tide Loads of Hope

As an organization that’s been meeting the basic needs of people since 1865, The Salvation Army can truly appreciate Tide’s “Loads of Hope” initiative which offers relief in disaster areas by providing one of the most basic needs: clean clothes. The Tide Loads of Hope program dispatches a mobile laundromat containing 32 washers and dryers, with the capacity to do up to 300 loads of laundry a day for those in need, and is now coming to the Fargo/Morehead area to help those affected by the flooding. This free service gives disaster victims and those involved in the clean-up process a chance to drop off their laundry and stop back later to find it washed, dried and folded! What an incredible opportunity for those who have been consumed with flood relief and recovery to have Tide take this burden off of them. The “Loads of Hope” truck is scheduled to arrive in the Fargo/Morehead area around Wednesday of next week, and will stay for approximately 10 days. Check out the Loads of Hope website to find out how you can help.

Thank You Volunteers!

National Volunteer Week is April 19-25, and The Salvation Army is one organization that definitely understands the importance of our volunteers! Last year more than 82,000 volunteers gave over 360,000 hours of service for The Salvation Army's Northern Division (Minnesota and North Dakota). Imagine how dramatically The Salvation Army's impact would lessen without the help of dedicated volunteers...

So to all of you wonderful volunteers: Thank you for volunteering. Thank you for helping us impact countless families and individuals. Thank you for helping those who cannot help themselves.

Speaking of volunteers, I recently had the privilege of interviewing Tim and Desta Hunt, a couple who have dedicated their retirement years to volunteering for The Salvation Army in any way they can. Their story is inspirational and I encourage you to read about it in this article.

(To learn more about volunteer opportunities with The Salvation Army, click here.)

More Than Just a Basket

To many, handing out Easter baskets might seem low on the list of priorities when it comes to helping those affected by the floods. But to those on the receiving end, these Easter baskets came with a message of hope and comfort, a message that they desperately needed to hear.

Take Oslo, MN for example. Last week this tiny town was only accessible by airboat, and the effects of isolation and helplessness began to weigh heavily on the residents. On Thursday, The Salvation Army arrived in Oslo with a surprise: Easter baskets for everyone, including the adults. This small token of love revived the community in a way that will not be soon forgotten. The Mayor of Oslo said that "a week ago our citizens were showing signs of depression and edginess, but when The Salvation Army came to town and began to give supplies and hot meals, it was enough for the whole town to come to the community center and share a meal and just be able to get out of their homes and talk to one another."

Major Ed Wilson of the nearby Grand Forks Salvation Army tells about a little boy he met while spending time with the Oslo community: "Mouth full of bubble gum from his basket and both cheeks painted--one with a lightning bolt and the other with a shark--he said to his friend, 'Man, I am really having a lot of fun here.'" Major Wilson also spoke to an 80 year-old lady of Oslo and asked her if she got her basket, "Her eyes lit up and she said yes, it is the first Easter basket that she ever received in her life." Major Wilson went on to say, "Sometimes we think that perhaps a basket is the least of things we should worry about during these times, but I think Thursday night reaffirmed how important it is that we stay sensitive to God's leading and be willing to obey. Just a basket to us perhaps, but to Oslo, it was a message from God that He cares and He can use just a basket to bring hope in a time of hopelessness."

Thank you to all of the volunteers who put these Easter baskets together and all of those who donated the candy which made over 3,700 baskets to bring hope to many who may have felt forgotten.

I was away for a week and came back to find seven boxes of lollipops in my office…

Why, you ask? Well, it wasn’t a welcome home gift from my fellow co-workers, if that’s what you’re thinking. It’s even better than that: the lollipops are just a portion of the donated candy that will be used to create 10,000 Easter baskets for the children of the Red River Valley who could definitely use a little Easter cheer right about now.

The Easter baskets will be put together tomorrow afternoon with the help of 150 volunteers, but candy donations are still needed to make this a success. (Individually-wrapped chocolate bunnies are most needed.) Read all of the exciting details and how you can help in this press release, “Easter Cheer Rolls to Red River.”

If you haven’t caught up on The Salvation Army’s involvement in the flood prevention/relief, you can browse all of the recent press releases in the news section of our website.

Great News! Check out this Press Release:

The Salvation Army Northern Division Receives $621k for Newly Unemployed

ROSEVILLE, Minn. – March 20, 2009 – The Salvation Army Northern Division has received $621,000 to assist newly unemployed persons in the Twin Cities and 15 cities across Minnesota and North Dakota.

The money will be used exclusively for families and individuals who are in crisis as a result of unemployment occurring after Oct. 1, 2008.

The money will be dispersed to 24 Salvation Army locations as follows:
- Nine Twin Cities locations will each receive $27,000.
- North Dakota locations: Bismarck ($18,000), Grand Forks ($18,000), Minot ($27,000).
- With the exception of International Falls ($18,000), 11 Minnesota locations will each receive $27,000: Albert Lea, Brainerd Lakes, Cloquet, Duluth, Fairmont, Fergus Falls, Hibbing, Mankato, St. Cloud, Virginia, Willmar.

The money came from The Salvation Army Central Territory ($414,000) and from community donations ($207,000). In February, the Central Territory reallocated $3.45 million to be used in a grant for the 225 locations it oversees in 11 Midwestern states. Each Salvation Army location could apply for grants of $12,000 or $18,000. In order to receive the dollars, they had to raise half the amount via matching donations from their community.

“The Hibbing Salvation Army, for example, raised $9,000 in community donations. This allowed them to receive the $18,000 grant, for a total of $27,000,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Sjögren, Commander of The Salvation Army Northern Division. “These grant dollars have come at a critical time. They will help struggling Minnesota and North Dakota families pay for things like gas, food and utility bills.”

To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a credit card donation, call 651-746-3400 or 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.

Happy St. Patrick's Day (one day late)!

I’ve never been a big celebrator of this holiday, though I do enjoy an excuse to wear green and be extra jolly. I’ll admit that green food coloring made its way into some of my dinner last night, just for the sake of festivity. I’ll also admit that it’s not as fun as it seems to eat green food. My celebration pales in comparison to the many St. Patrick’s Day parades that occurred or the Chicago River, which was customarily dyed green in honor of the holiday. (See right)

Today my dad, who has been a pastor for 30 years, sent me an e-mail sharing his own thoughts on St. Patrick’s Day and it gave me an entirely new perspective on the holiday:

“Yesterday was St. Patrick's Day. Here in America it seems to be a time for parties and green beer. I’ve always thought that this is strange because when you take away all the myths about him and look at the historical record, we realize that St. Patrick was really a missionary. He was from Britain, and was captured and taken to Ireland to be a slave when he was a youth. After some years there he escaped and made his way back to Britain. But in time God spoke to him and he felt called to go and take the gospel to the very people who had enslaved him. You have to love a man like that! As I thought about Patrick yesterday I thanked God for all of those who have left comfortable homes, friends, and families to go to other lands to share the gospel.”

Wow, this is entirely new to me! So I guess instead of eating green food, a better way to celebrate would have been to strive to live a little more like St. Patrick himself. I too am thankful for all of those with The Salvation Army and other organizations who are spreading the love of God throughout the world, and hopefully next time this holiday rolls around, we’ll all remember that there’s more to it than food coloring.

A Great Idea from our Neighbors in Wisconsin

This article struck me as a creative, simple way we can all help to "Do the Most Good" by "doing nothing." But before you take that too literally, read on to find out what it really means to "do nothing," and then try it right here in the Twin Cities:

Salvation Army "doing nothing" to raise funds
By Eric Little
27 February 2009
Sheboygan Press (WI)

The Sheboygan Area Salvation Army is doing nothing to raise funds in the coming weeks, and they hope local residents join their inaction.

The aid organization is in need of funds, but instead of investing in a traditional event, the Salvation Army is seeking donations through a “non-event” called A Night Without. Residents are being asked to forego a luxury item such as a dinner out, a car wash or a manicure and donate the money they would have spent.

“The plea for money is ongoing. We need money to keep our homeless shelter open and help people who are in crisis mode,” Development Director Heidi Cain said in a statement. “The needs of our clients are growing, and this fundraiser is a way for people to give in a very personal way, by going without a luxury item, or a night out.”

The idea was inspired by 7-year-old twins Ava and Emma Cinealis, age 7, who recently asked guests to bring food pantry donations instead of presents for a birthday party, Cain said.

She said the unique fundraiser saves event costs, preserving more money for use in social service programs. Donations collected from the non-event will be used for The Salvation Army’s homeless shelter, the free clinic, and the other important programs and classes that lead people toward independence.

“This is an unique opportunity for people to support the mission of The Salvation Army,” said Jeanne Kliejunas, The Salvation Army’s business administrator, said in a statement.

The Salvation Army reports an increase of at least 20 percent in the “new poor,” people who have never sought help before but have been pushed over the financial edge by the economy. There has been an increased need for rental, food, medical, and shelter assistance.

“This is an opportunity for community members to come together,” Cain said. “It is our hope that one night doing without will help those who are struggling to provide the basics in life.”

Another Opportunity to Multiply Your Potential to Help

The Twin Cities Salvation Army is hoping to receive $162,000 from its Chicago headquarters if it can raise $81,000 from the local community. This would provide nearly a quarter of a million dollars to be used to financially support community members who are unemployed due to the economic crisis hitting the nation and forcing businesses to close or layoff workers.

By utilizing these grant dollars the local Salvation Army is leveraging community support at a two to one ratio. For every dollar the community donates to the fund, the Chicago grant will kick in two dollars. Funding allocations are expected to be announced on March 20.

Supporters can donate online at www.thesalarmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks may be mailed to 2445 Prior Ave N, Roseville MN 55113. Donors should designate the funds to "Unemployment Matching Grant."

Salvation Army units throughout the state will also be applying for the funding. The Salvation Army Chicago headquarters for 11 Midwestern states has reallocated $3.45 million to be pumped directly into local Salvation Army services for families and individuals who are in crisis as a result of unemployment occurring after October 1, 2008.

“In many instances, former donors are turning to us, asking for help they always assumed was for others. This is a new population, impacted by situational poverty, who have been formerly employed and with housing,” said Colonel Carol Seiler, Coordinator for Strategic Ministry Planning for The Salvation Army in the Midwest.

This article in today's Chicago Tribune vividly depicts how more and more people across the country are seeing beyond their own need to help others. It has been inspiring to see this occurring right here in the Twin Cities, but it's good to know that Salvation Army facilities throughout the nation are providing a way for people in the midst of their own distress to help others. But enough from me, I'll just let you read it for yourself:

Laid-off Elgin man 'knows how it is'; He jumps in to help despite his own woes; Fernando Leyva

By Phyllis Benson
27 February 2009
Chicago Tribune

Who: Despite a diagnosis of cancer and losing his job and home, Fernando Leyva of Elgin couldn't sit around feeling sorry for himself. He found an outlet to help others at the Salvation Army.

What he does: Leyva is an all-around volunteer, said Maj. Ken Nicolai of the Salvation Army.

"He's such a kind-hearted person," Nicolai said. "He knows how it is. I think that's what drives him. He has an intuitive ability to say, 'Let me help you; it's not as bad as it seems.' "

A daily fixture at the Salvation Army, Leyva helps people understand the steps they need to get assistance and often takes it upon himself to go with a client to help make a payment at a currency exchange or retrieve a repossessed car.

He also helps sort and distribute food to the growing numbers looking for assistance, and he created an informational flier in Spanish for clients.

"He did it of his own initiative. It makes it easier for them and might prevent them from waiting for an hour for something that could be handled very simply," Nicolai said.

What he did: Leyva, the father of two young sons, lost his job as a mortgage broker when the housing market collapsed.

Why he does it: "We know what it's like to have a very comfortable life," Leyva said.

His wife, Cecilia, now gets up at 4 a.m. every day to stand in line with hundreds of others at temporary agencies looking for day labor work.

Seeing people coming to the Salvation Army for assistance from the window of his rented home spurred him to action. Despite his setbacks, Leyva realizes he could have it worse.

"There's all this need, I don't mind," he said.

"Gift Package of Honor"

I just have to share this great story, told by a Salvation Army social worker at our St. Paul Citadel Worship and Service Center:

“As we were opening the doors to let clients into the building for the breakfast program a young man pulled me aside and asked if we might have some flowers or something for his mom’s birthday. I said we could help him with something. We normally have plenty of unique items that comes into the food shelf and I believed we could put something together for him. I started to review the stuff in the food shelf and was reminded that I received a very nice box of dark chocolates as a gift for Valentines Day. I love dark chocolate and so does my wife, so I dismissed the thought and kept rummaging through the food shelf for something special. Then a thought hit me. ‘Why am I saving the best for me and trying to find something else for this client? God never did that to me. He always gave his best!’ So I went to my office and pulled out the prized dark chocolate box and with the collective help of the office team we put together a gift bag of special items. The best we could find. We called it ‘the gift package of honor.’ We were helping one of God’s precious souls honor his mother. As he wrote out the card to her, his heart was overwhelmed with gratitude. He thanked us for such a special gift and we thanked him for the honor to serve.”

Beyond the Red Kettle

We had a great Beyond the Red Kettle tour this afternoon at our Booth Brown House facility in St. Paul. About 20 donors, volunteers, and staff members gathered for a free lunch followed by a walking tour of this building, which houses young men and women who would be otherwise homeless. We heard incredible stories from the Booth Brown House staff about once-struggling young adults who are now on their feet, with college degrees and complete lives of their own. I love executing these tours because I get to witness the eye-opening experience our tour guests have as they walk through the building and hear about the programs. Every single time we have had a tour here, at least one tour guest pulls me aside to whisper, "I had no idea that The Salvation Army does this kind of thing." I always tell them that that's exactly why we do these tours in the first place! We want to show people what happens beyond that red kettle that you see at Christmas time, and take a deeper look into our programs.

I am thankful that The Salvation Army does have a facility like this to help youth and young adults from sleeping on the streets or "couch-hopping" because it is a need that many are unaware of. The Wilder Foundation's recent research on homelessness reveals that "on a typical night in Minnesota, there are an estimated 600 youth under age 18, and even more young adults who are homeless and on their own. These are among the least visible and most vulnerable homeless people. Most have experienced serious upheaval in their lives; about half have been physically abused." Seeing Booth Brown House first-hand is always a reminder that this need exists and it is incredible to hear about so many who have gone from homeless to complete self-sufficiency within a matter of months.

Join us on our next tour! All are welcome, and it's easy to sign up online. Check out The Salvation Army's website, and click on "Take a Tour."

"Need Knows No Season"

I know, I know: Long time, no blog. I have been out of the office, healing up after eye surgery, so please excuse my blog-absence over the last couple of weeks. When I told friends that I would be having this surgery, many of them responded with, "Oh, well it's a good thing this is the slow season for The Salvation Army." This always makes me laugh, because although Christmas is admittedly a busier time then usual, there really is no "slow season" for The Salvation Army. "Need knows no season" is a phrase often touted by The Salvation Army and its staff, and it's true that long after the bells from the red kettles have died down, need is ever-present. So while things have calmed down from the frenzied pace of the Christmas season, it's far from "slow" around here, and I am thankful that we have programs in place to help and serve those in need 365 days a year.

From crumpets to crowns...a day in the life of Lynnea

What am amazing day I had on Thursday! I started off the morning by speaking to a group of 25 women who had gathered with the sole purpose of learning more about The Salvation Army. They drank tea and ate crumpets while I shared information and my own personal stories with them, but what I really enjoyed was listening to their own stories of how The Salvation Army has helped them. Whether is was getting free coffee and doughnuts during World War II from a Salvation Army canteen, or giving birth to a child in a Salvation Army hospital, it seemed like they all had a story to share. I feel as though I learned more from them than they learned from me, but they assured me that that's not true.

That evening, I went to the Winter Carnival in St. Paul to volunteer for the 2009 Coronation, as a way to meet more people in St. Paul and to share with them about what The Salvation Army is also doing in the community. I had never been to a coronation before, and the world of crowns and princesses is completely new to me. I spent the evening meeting royalty and helping with the production of the event, and I was amazed at the kind hearts of every person who spoke at the coronation. How inspiring to see these St. Paul leaders speaking of the importance of community and working towards improving the lives of those around us.

As I watched the young women receive their crowns, I thought about how my day had shown me the deep capacity of people of all ages to serve, to love, and to help others. From my morning of tea and crumpets with women who have decades of history with The Salvation Army, to my evening with a young generation promising to work to improve the community, back to my desk at The Salvation Army where I read e-mails and newsletters about all of the wonderful work The Salvation Army is doing throughout the world, my hope for the future is strengthened more than ever.

Thank You

It has been such a pleasure to spend some time these last couple of weeks talking with those who gave to help us meet our Christmas goal. I was holding my breath throughout the Christmas campaign, hoping and praying that the struggling economy would not translate to us struggling to have the funding to provide people the help and relief they need. Fortunately, the community came through in a big way, and now that all the craziness of the holidays has died down, I've had the privilege of calling many of those who helped us meet that goal and thanking them for their gifts.

One specific supporter I spoke with told me that she had never given to The Salvation Army, and she was in a very difficult financial situation herself. She cut corners and scraped together $50.00 to donate to a charity during Christmas. After researching multiple non-profits, she decided to give her donation to The Salvation Army, telling me she decided on us because "I know you will stretch this gift to reach out to even more people in need, and that's what our community needs right now." Of course, I was touched by her generosity to give even when she was "hard-up" herself, but I was also pleased that our organization stood up so well to her research. I have always believed that it is incredibly important to be transparent to our donors, our volunteers, and the public in general, and I'm glad that we are accountable to our supporters to use their gifts in honorable and cost-effective ways.

A touching letter from a Salvation Army supporter...

When my grandfather was dying in the '40s, my grandma had three sons serving our country at the same time overseas. She searched all over for ways to get them home to say goodbye to their dad, but no one could help, they couldn’t afford to get home on their own, and they couldn’t even think about taking out a loan. Over 60 years later, my mom vividly remembers and recounts how The Salvation Army came to the rescue, and got all three brothers home to be with my grandma and grandpa. One brother was even as far away as Greenland, and The Salvation Army paid for him to come home and to return! The whole family was able to be together to say goodbye to their father (my grandfather), and it brought so much peace. I have never told that story. I never needed to because every time somebody mentions The Salvation Army my mom steps up to the plate and tells it even better. After she is gone, I will tell it for her, I promise. Go “Army.”

The Word is Out!

We officially made (and surpassed) our 2008 Christmas Campaign goal, and brought in 9 million dollars this Christmas season! I am amazed and inspired by the generosity of the community who gave to help others even though many of them were most likely in need themselves. I've talked to so many donors this season who have told me, "I realized that if I'm hurting financially, others are probably hurting even more, so I gave what I could, hoping it would make a little difference." Well, with so many people giving "what they could," a very big difference will be made in many people's lives. Please read this press release or this Star Tribune Article for details on how the goal was reached.