Moore, OK (May 21, 2013) - The Salvation Army is on the ground in Moore, Oklahoma with multiple canteens and personnel coordinating with Local and State Emergency Management to serve first responders and those affected by the tornado. We continue to provide service to hard hit areas from yesterdays’ storms which include Shawnee – multiple sites, Carney area, and Cleveland County.
Meals and hydration are being provided for first responders and those affected. Major Steve Morris, Arkansas-Oklahoma Divisional Commander has been driving around the affected area. Major Morris states “The devastation is far reaching both in human life, property and livestock loss. The Salvation Army is honored to serve and provide sustenance to first responders involved in search and rescue, coordination efforts and more. And, of course, all survivors will be provided spiritual and emotional care.”
Canteens involved in the response from Oklahoma include Central Oklahoma Area Command (Oklahoma City), Ardmore, Enid, Lawton, McAlester and Muskogee. Also, disaster response teams from Pine Bluff, Jonesboro and Hot Springs, Arkansas are en route to the Oklahoma City metropolitan area to assist in response. Personnel from across the division are also traveling to the area to form a Divisional Incident Command Team (which helps coordinate the overall response for The Salvation Army). Central Oklahoma Area Command has established a local Incident Command team for response.
The Salvation Army is ready to provide the services mentioned above for as long as we are needed. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Please follow us at http://www.twitter.com/SalArmyAOKEDS, http://www.twitter.com/CindyFullerOKC, http://www.twitter.com/SalArmyAOK and http://www.facebook.com/SalArmyAOK for additional information.
Monetary donations are the most critical need as supplies and personnel are mobilized.
• Donors are encouraged to give online at http://www.SalvationArmyUSA.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY ( 1-800-725-2769 ).
• You can also text the word “STORM” to 80888 to make a $10 donation through your mobile phone; to confirm your gift, respond with the word “Yes.”*
• Donations in the form of checks designated to Oklahoma Tornado Relief may also be mailed to:
The Salvation Army
PO Box 12600
Oklahoma City, OK 73157
Your donations make a real difference.
• A $10 donation feeds a disaster survivor for one day.
• A $30 donation provides one food box, containing staple foods for a family of four, or one household cleanup kit, containing brooms, mops, buckets and other cleaning supplies
• A $100 donation can serve snacks and drinks for 125 survivors and emergency personnel at the scene of a disaster
• A $250 donation can provide one hot meal to 100 people or keep a hydration station operational for 24 hours
• A $500 donation keeps a Salvation Army canteen (mobile feeding unit) fully operational for one day
The Salvation Army as a church follows many of the teachings of Methodism, since the Army’s founder, William Booth, was a former Methodist minister. Belief in Jesus Christ as Savior guides their evangelistic message and their wide spectrum of ministries. They profess a life of holiness and service to God and others, so that one’s life becomes a living sacrament to God.
Worship Service – In the Salvation Army Church, worship services, or meetings, are relatively informal and do not have a set order. They are usually led by a Salvation Army officer, although a lay member may also lead and give the sermon. Music and singing always play a large part, along with prayers and perhaps a Christian testimony.
Salvation Army Church officers are ordained, licensed ministers and perform weddings, funerals, and baby dedications, in addition to providing counseling and administering social service programs.
Corps community centers are the focus of the spiritual work and are organized in a military manner, using military terms throughout. The corps building is sometimes known as the “citadel.” The pastor serves as an “officer.” Members are “soldiers.” This sphere of activity is known as the “field.” Instead of joining The Salvation Army, members are “enrolled” after signing the “Articles of War.” When officers and soldiers die, they are “Promoted to Glory.”
Soldiers are disciples of Jesus Christ and are expected to accept responsibility in the work of The Salvation Army. Whenever possible, they participate in Army meetings. Soldiers may teach Sunday-school classes, play musical instruments, join the band, assist the corps officer in visitation among the poor and sick, or aid in general social work. Soldiers abstain from the use of alcoholic beverages, drugs and tobacco.
For all services locally visit: www.BirminghamSalvationArmy.org
While every disaster is unique and creates its own special needs, the core of The Salvation Army’s disaster program consists of several basic services. And while these services address many of the typical needs of a disaster survivor, Salvation Army disaster relief is also flexible. Our services are adapted to the specific needs of individuals and communities and scalable according to the magnitude of the disaster.
Phases:
PHASE 1 Emergency Preparedness
Plan ahead-We maintain our infrastructure of vehicles and personal 24/7/365. We are also
vigilant watchers of current events.
Disaster Training-We constantly train personal to respond to crisis events.
PHASE 2 Immediate Response
Emergency Communication-We have a national HAM radio network that operates without the need of modern technology that is normally destroyed during disasters. Our system helps coordinate people to get to the heart of affected areas. Then we provide:
- Food & Hydration Services
- Emergency Shelter
- Spiritual Support
- Initial Clean up
PHASE 3 Long-term Recovery
Restoration and Rebuilding
Disaster Social Service
Donation Management
National Salvation Army Week May 13-17, 2013 – Serving the greater Birmingham area since 1899
Our canteen or “mobile kitchen” will be offering FREE coffee tomorrow morning in front of Birmingham city hall. Come on by and have a cup on us. Thank you for your support!!
To The Salvation Army, National Salvation Army week is a time for us to thank all of our generous donors and volunteers who allow us to accomplish all that we do. Without their support, we would not be able to provide the wide array of programs and services that include: food for the hungry, gifts and counsel to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless, opportunities for underprivileged children, relief for disaster victims, assistance to the disabled, early childhood learning centers, camping programs for youth, seniors and veterans and much more, 365 days a year.
It all started during Dwight D. Eisenhower’s presidency. He loved The Salvation Army and what they stood for. “Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of brotherhood. In time of war, the men and women of this organization have brought to those serving their country far from home, friendliness and warm concern. In the quieter days of peace, their work has been a constant reminder to us all that each of us is neighbor and kin to all Americans, giving freely of themselves, the men and women of The Salvation Army have won the respect of all.” -D.Eisenhower
The week of November 18 – December 4, 1954 was declared by the United Stated Congress and proclaimed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to be the first National Salvation Army Week. Today, the dates have changed, but the work of The Salvation Army that was recognized has not – to serve those in need without discrimination.
Alabama Power had a clay shoot that raised $30,000 for our Angel Tree program! Area Commander Major Bob Parker was on hand to receive the check, but also to take aim and help the cause. He and Advisory Board member Bill Wood, Ed Roberson & Capt. Thomas Broome (Pictured) were proud to be a part of this great event, and for Major Parker, a chance to shoot his new gun. Hundreds of Alabama Power employees helped raise this money as they do every year. This starts the holiday season early and already means over 300 children will receive gifts this Christmas! Selwood Farm hosted this annual event with an awesome lunch and amazing amenities. All located in a beautiful setting with wonderful folks that helped so many in our area! We thank all of them for their assistance and look forward to next year! To see all pictures visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bhamsalvationarmy/sets/72157633404675184/.
The Salvation Army Angel Tree program helps over 8,000 children annually in the greater Birmingham area. Thanks to the partnership with our community, corporations such as Alabama Power and businesses like Selwood Farms, we are able to fulfill that need every year.
The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary will host a fundraiser luncheon to purchase school uniforms and supplies for children we serve in the greater Birmingham area May 22, 2013 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Vestavia Country Club. Doors open at 10 a.m. where there will be a buy-it-now & silent auction for donated items. Up for bid will be purses, jewelry and gift certificates from area businesses. Lunch will start at 11:30 a.m. and then Nashville singer and songwriter Leah Faith (Pictured) will perform award winning music for those in attendance. “We are so happy to have a well-known performer help those in need,” says auxiliary captain Kathy Parker. “Her music is a reflection of her love for Jesus and people.”
The Salvation Army serves hundreds of children in our area. Every year is a struggle to meet their school supply needs. Experience has shown that it works much better to use funds to purchase exactly what is needed, rather than collecting items that only fill part of that need. This fundraiser hopes to accomplish that. “I am always looking for ways to help,” says Leah Faith. “Proceeds from this event can help in many ways. Buy a purse, help a child, it’s that simple.” Plus you get to hear an incredible voice and meet a wonderful lady. Tickets are $35 and will go fast. To reserve yours call (205) 328-2420 ext. 214 or make out a check to SAWA and send it to: P.O. Box 11005, Birmingham, AL 35202. Please list any names of those you would like to be seated with. The check will serve as your reservation.
Leah Faith has been writing and performing since she was very young. Leah recorded her first album, Breaking Free in 2007. During the process of developing Breaking Free, Leah discovered her voice to combine messages and songs together leading her to launch Amazing Grace Ministries. In her ministry, Leah uses songs from her first album, Girl in the Mirror, Amazing and Faith, to reach young ladies every month at the Chalkville Detention Center in Chalkville, Alabama. She also volunteers as a mentor/counselor at her local Crisis Pregnancy Center and works with potter/teacher, Kim Swafford, to combine the principles of pottery with music for a heartfelt message, Potter and The Clay. Her mission is that all can know Jesus and be set free.
Come out and enjoy a stroll through Aldridge Gardens Wednesday April 24, 2013 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. for our Women’s Auxiliary membership drive. You will have the opportunity to meet current members and learn all that is offerred by becoming a member of The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary. Great food, fellowship, fun and flowers! Aldridge Gardens is located at 3520 Lorna Rd in Hoover. For more information call 205-328-2420 ext. 214.
The Birmingham Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary has over 600 members; it has great support and is among the largest in the world. “The Birmingham Auxiliary continues to thrive,” says current Auxiliary President Nancy Warden. “The Salvation Army is highly respected in our area which enables membership recruiting and opens many doors enhancing our fundraising and volunteerism.” Seen by many as the leaders of Christmas programs such as Angel Tree, the Auxiliary is a part of the entire range of assistance provided by the local Area Command. Members participate in arts & crafts, fundraising, culinary pursuits and many other wonderful volunteer programs. “They are an extraordinary group of ladies,” says auxiliary captain Kathy Parker. “They assist with needs at the local Adult Rehabilitation Center, veterans, seniors and all community outreach programs. In addition to our appointed five Standing Committees, we have an additional 27 Committees. They are talented, professional and most of all a loving group of ladies.”
Members envision a future with many more opportunities to serve others. “Our present membership still has the passion and dedication of the founders to meet the needs of others in the name of Christ through our fundraising and volunteerism,” says Nancy Warden. “They are finding personal joy and having fun as we all serve the many programs of the Salvation Army.”
In 1962, 40 women gathered for a doll show, hoping to raise money to help local children. They featured figurines used for distribution to little girls in area hospitals. It was very popular and raised enough funds to buy gifts for boys as well. Thus began the development of a committed community of women that would become the largest Women’s Auxiliary in the world. Under the direction of Mrs. Major Houston Ellis, the city commander’s wife, this organization grew to over 1,300 members. A clear purpose for these women began to immerge that same year when The Salvation Army took over the Mercy Home. It became housing for the homeless and the hub of all Army activities in the Birmingham area. It was evident plenty of needs would have to be met. To secure a strong Auxiliary for the future, their primary purpose became fundraising and volunteer services. Mrs. David Roberts, III served as the first President and had tremendous support from Divisional leaders Colonel and Mrs. Frank Longino, as well as Area Commanders Major and Mrs. Houston Ellis.
