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Karen Gleason, Editor
Come near to God, and God will come near to you (James 4:8 NCV).
TULARE, CALIF.—The Tulare Corps and Visalia Corps teamed to host the first ever food drive at the Tulare County Fair, in cooperation with local food bank Food Link. The promotion encouraged fair goers to bring four or more cans of food to the fair, in exchange for free admission. The effort raised 25,434 lbs of food and roughly $2,300 in cash donations, which will be divided between Food Link and The Salvation Army.
WRANGELL, ALASKA—While joining clients for lunch at the community senior center, Corps Officers Captains Ronnie and Debra Davis learned that the center rarely served dessert due to budget constraints. The Davises decided to provide dessert at least twice a week. The first time, 40 seniors enjoyed blueberry pie. Subsequent treats included cupcakes and peach pie.
SUISUN CITY, CALIF.—To illustrate the message on Sept. 23, a real Model T Ford, parked on the Kroc Worship Center platform, greeted the congregation. Corps Officer Captain Jonathan Harvey reminded listeners that just as we have to put gas in our cars, change the oil and provide general upkeep, we must maintain our relationship with God through study of his Word, prayer, worship and the infilling of the Holy Spirit.
CHEYENNE, WYO.—Recently 200 motorcyclists donated 600 toys to The Salvation Army’s toy drive. Roads closed to let the motorcycles through. The corps also has a lunch feeding program, serving an average of 100 people per day.
Lts. Doug and Betzy Hanson are the corps officers in Cheyenne.
GREAT FALLS, MONT.—At the annual Veterans Stand Down, a VA-sponsored outreach, the corps served over 500 cups of coffee, snacks and bottled water, along with 150 packs of emergency food, to veterans and volunteers. The Army provided information about available services to nearly 1,000 veterans.
A family on the verge of eviction received assistance, and a single parent veteran obtained temporary lodging while awaiting approved veteran housing.
Majors Joseph and Nila Huttenlocker are the Great Falls corps officers.
SANTA FE SPRINGS, CALIF.—On Sept.19, the corps joined “Expo Business 2012,” an event organized by the Chamber of Commerce. Salvationists shared what the Army is doing in the community with retail and industrial business owners and civic leaders. Envoys Jose and Betsy Martinez, in charge at the corps, met with potential donors and sponsors for the Army’s various programs. They also promoted social services and volunteer opportunities. Several beauty pageant contestants signed up as volunteers for the 2012 kettle campaign.
