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by Sue Schumann Warner
Christians cannot move beyond the first word of the Lord’s Prayer without sensing a stirring of soul to report for duty to help a neighbor in need. God is our Father, as well as my Father.
– Clarence Wiseman, General
A Burning in My Bones
Annual Health Fair
The Torrance, Calif. corps, led by Captains Ivan and Jennifer Wild, recently held its 12th Annual Health & Resource Fair. The corps’ Adult Day Care Center, Director Royalene Fernandez, puts on the event, which is sponsored by several local businesses and organizations. Over 500 people visited the fair, availing themselves of health screenings including vision, hearing and dental; blood sugar level; fat analysis; and iridology and herbology.
“Cycle for Success” honors two students in Phoenix
This summer The Salvation Army and Subway Kids & Sports of Arizona presented bikes, helmets and locks to two students from Phoenix’s Creighton Elementary School through the Cycle for Success program—a student who has overcome a disability and a student with an appetite to learn. Honored were two eight-year-olds, Alfredo Ortiz—who has overcome loss of vision in one eye, helps his classmates, and never says “I can’t”; and Anthony Risley—who comes to school with a smile, has a hungry appetite for learning, and “tells the truth always, even when he faces a difficult consequence.” Subway provided lunch at the presentation.
Angels bearing gifts in Hawaii
Every Tuesday, Dan and Jean Chapp arrive at The Salvation Army in Hanapepe ready to spread a touch of aloha to others. The Chapps, both retired teachers, help distribute food rations to the incapacitated elderly who are unable to pick up their food bags.
It began when they stopped by the corps, asking what they could do to help. Captain Bob Schmig knew exactly what they could do, and says they have “eased much of the burden of reaching out to the people who need help the most.”
The Chapps, who are practicing Buddhists, believe that compassion is essential, regardless of one’s religion. Their beliefs are in harmony with the Army’s teachings of helping others in need.
Army teams with Abo’s Pizza to collect coats
October is National Pizza Month and Abo’s Pizza has teamed with the Army to provide coats to Coloradoans in need when cold weather comes. The coat drive runs the entire month, with Salvation Army coat barrels located at all 15 Abo’s Pizza restaurants in Metro Denver, Greeley, Longmont and Boulder. Each person donating a coat will receive one free slice of Abo’s authentic New York Neapolitan pizza.
Dancing on the road to recovery
In Honolulu, women battling alcohol and drug addiction are finding an undiscovered outlet that helps “move” them closer to recovery. Twice a week, women in drug rehab at The Salvation Army’s Women’s Way spend an hour doing Jazzercise, a dance-fitness class. Led by Mindy Jaffee, a former State legislator, the workout enhances cardiovascular endurance, strength and flexibility.
Several months ago, Jaffee volunteered to teach a weekly class. Currently, a $5,000 grant allows her to conduct a class twice a week at the Family Treatment Services facility.
Joyce Glazer named to NAB
Joyce Glazer of San Diego has been named to the National Advisory Board. Her work in the community includes serving as past president of The Salvation Army Metropolitan Advisory Board.
“Joyce has spent countless hours working for The Salvation Army in San Diego,” stated Lt. Col. Doug O’Brien, Sierra del Mar divisional commander; “her personal commitment has made a tangible difference in the lives of the many people who seek the Army’s help.”
GILDENS TRANFER TO LAN TERRITORY
Captains Mark and Vicki Gilden have been appointed corps officers to the Georgeville Corps in Belize, Latin America North Territory. Their most recent appointment was as corps officers in Roswell, New Mex.
LA Sparks teach kids to “Read to Achieve”
Recently, Tamecka Dixon from the Los Angeles Sparks basketball team hosted a reading workshop at The Salvation Army South Los Angeles Center for Worship and Service. The purpose of the workshop was to encourage reading and scholarship along with athleticism.
Deeply committed to the community, the Sparks have been a long-time supporter of the Southern California Division.
San Diego’s Bikes for Kids
Each week, Bikes for Kids, a partnership of San Diego’s NBC Channel 7/39 and The Salvation Army, recognizes an outstanding child between ages 6-12 from a San Diego County elementary school.
One day each week, NBC 7/39’s weathercaster Whitney Southwick rides into a classroom on a new bicycle, and presents it to the child along with a helmet and lock. An Army officer gives the child a certificate of recognition and then the officer and Southwick talk to the class about why the child was chosen, bike safety and the importance of a positive attitude.
Recently Erika Madeja received a bike. Her teacher described her as a leader who works hard at her studies.
For the past 12 years this weekly-televised awards presentation encourages and influences young people. The children selected are from families who would find it difficult to purchase a bicycle.
