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Salvation Army tradition takes a new twist at Vacaville fundraiser.
With the “hot dog boys,” The Salvation Army serving California’s Solano County put a new spin on an old classic, the doughnut girls, who served soldiers in World War I, nourishing both their bodies and their spirits.
In a national effort to raise funds for after-school and other social service programs, Sam’s Club stores partnered with The Salvation Army to create innovative fundraising campaigns for the summer months.
Sam’s Club in Vacaville was on board, and its representatives immediately began talks with Suisun City Kroc Center Corps Officers, Captains Jonathan and Vickie Harvey.
The store offered to sell hot dogs and hamburgers at its exit doors with proceeds supporting Kroc Center programs.
“The Salvation Army is grateful for service partners like Sam’s Club stores,” said Del Oro Divisional Commander, Major Douglas F. Riley. “We appreciate the chain’s willingness to think outside the box. But thank God for young men like Zacharie who spent a week representing Christ to those whom he served. That’s outside the box evangelism.”
After the initial request from Sam’s Club, The Salvation Army began contacting volunteers to staff the campaign.
Since he was on summer break, the Harveys’ son, Zacharie, volunteered his time. He spent a week staffing a table and helping Sam’s Club employees cook and sell the hot dogs and hamburgers to hungry customers.
Jonathan Harvey said, “Serving others is what we do as a family—it’s in our blood and we love it. Zacharie has grown up living a life of service to others. To him, this is natural and the only right response to the blessings in his life. My wife and I are proud of his eagerness to serve.”
Zachary is not new to volunteerism. As an officers’ child he is often called upon to help out at events and community activities. When the corps officers presented the plans for the Suisun City Kroc Center to the city council, Zacharie was there by his parents’ side, helping wherever needed. During the reception that followed, he mingled among the guests, answering questions about the center and serving food.
Regarding Zacharie’s commitment to the Sam’s Club project, Vickie Harvey said, “We didn’t have to ask him or persuade him, he was excited to participate.”
At last count, Sam’s Club had raised over $4,000 and will present a check to the Kroc Center team at the Very Cherry Red Kettle Kick-Off at the Jelly Belly Factory in November.
