Tulsa Area Command

BA Challengers: loved and needed

2012-01-27T13:55:00.000-06:00

When a developmentally disabled child ages out of high school, what is a parent to do? Where can the child be with their peers, stay out of trouble and be actively involved in life? My 21-year-old daughter Meredith is developmentally disabled and luckily her dad and stepmom found her the Home of Hope in Vinita. She seems to love it there; she works in a sheltered workshop, lives with peers and enjoys a therapeutic riding program. In the photo, she’s wearing the Cleopatra costume she picked out herself and her Special Olympics t-shirt. (She’s always had my sense of style.) In Broken Arrow, the place for kids and adults like Meredith to be is The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club Challengers program. Challengers was started about 25 years ago and for the last seven years it’s been headed by athletic director Shelley Cramer Persinger. Club director Janis Fraley said that Shelley is “amazing” because she’s built relationships with the Challenger Kids and built trust with their parents. Apparently Shelley dreams it up and makes it happen. Last November, Shelley created the “Red Carpet Dance.” Challengers dressed up and walked their dates down the red carpet, had their pictures taken by a professional photographer and danced in a gym. Except for football, Challengers play the same sports as other club kids: baseball, basketball, swimming, karate. Janis says that the Challengers program gives the kids a sense that they belong and that they are needed. Aren’t those things we all need? My answer is yes!

-Sallie

Kid art: love it

2012-01-20T09:14:00.001-06:00

I love children’s art, so seeing the Boys & Girls Club art exhibit at Philbrook was a treat. For a peek at the artworks and a list of kids who won ribbons see this post. You might be wondering about this colored-pencil sketch titled “Sallie.” It was not in the show. It hangs in my condo. It’s a portrait that a child drew of me, apparently during my pink-haired phase, a phase that I don’t recall. Now I’m going to pretend to be a Philbrook docent and go into educational mode. First, why don’t we know the identity of the artist? It’s because two people claim to have created it. My niece and namesake, Sallie Whitkamper, claims she drew it when she was just learning how to print her name. My 18-year-old stepdaughter Carly claims she drew it as a portrait of me and labeled it with my name. Her two older sisters say that she indeed spent at least a year drawing arms that looked like wings, and that should be proof enough that she was the artist. My husband Gary says he doesn’t care who drew it, he just wishes I would wear the outfit more often. The girls point out that I could save a lot of money on tops. I don’t care who created it either, I just love that it’s a happy drawing and I’m wearing a big smile. And those great-looking shorts.

-Sallie

Kids art exhibit

2012-01-18T16:30:00.008-06:00

Every year the Boys & Girls Clubs of America search their local clubs for top young artists to compete in nationwide art contest. And every year, all year, members of clubs paint, draw, sculpt and color artwork to enter in the competition.

For two years, the young artists have exhibited their works at the Philbrook Museum. Read that sentence again. PHILBROOK. This is a museum with a Picasso. I can only imagine the thrill of being about five years old and having one of my creations shown at Philbrook. The kids are familiar with the museum because of “Rock Philbrook,” a day during Boys & Girls Club summer day camp when the kids from all six local clubs look at exhibits, listen to a concert and create some art themselves.

Still, I like to imagine a typical boy of about 10, with crazy wild hair, holes in his pants and scabs on his knees saying to his favorite teacher, “My painting is on display at Philbrook. Would you like to come to the opening?” (In my mind, that boy looks a lot like my son, who is now 25.)

About 30 people came to the opening. First, second and third place ribbons were given in four categories; painting, sculpture, mixed media, and drawing. Philbrook staff members judged the show and everyone who placed will be able to enter their artwork in the Boys & Girls Club regional contest with hopes of being selected for the national contest. From a bird bath to a robot sculpture, there was so much variety and creativity in the show it was hard to pick the ones to photograph, but I gave it a shot. Enjoy a sampling from the show!

-Sallie

Happy Martin Luther King Day

2012-01-16T16:21:00.000-06:00

When it comes to Martin Luther King, Jr., the kids at the Mabee Red Shield Boys & Girls Club know their stuff. At least the girls do – I couldn’t get any of the boys to talk to me. The kids were honored to be asked to ride on the Cox float in the parade and I hopped on at the last minute, I thought. Then we all waited an hour for the float to start moving. It was ok, though, because the temperature was mild and Cox employees kept us entertained. One Cox guy did the Cupid Dance and blew giant gum bubbles. Everyone was entertained by Digi, the Cox mascot, whose handler seemed worried that he/she would be blown down by the brisk wind. And there were dogs – one with four tiny boots and a Swarovsky crystal-studded collar.

Here’s what the kids answered when asked what they could tell me about the late Dr. King:

Kerrey, age14, “He was awesome.”

Kaitlyn, age 10, “He was a minister who preached the word and died at 39.”

Camryn, age 11, “He won a Nobel Peace Prize and is the only person who has a day named after him who wasn’t a president.”

Madison, age 9, “He did non-violent marching because he wanted peace in the world. “

Chrinasia “Nay Nay” age 6,”He fought with peace. He changed America because he helped Africans and Americans to get along.”

And my personal favorite from Mallorie, age 6, “ He was trustful and did not like meanness. He turned the world upside down.”

-Sallie

Remembering Walt

2012-01-11T16:36:00.000-06:00

From left: Walt Helmerich III, Billie Barnett, Major Roy Williams, Rik Helmerich.

Along with thousands of other Tulsans, it is with great sadness that I mourn the death of Walt Helmerich III, a lifetime member of The Salvation Army Advisory Board and a friend. The Helmerich family has been a supporter of The Salvation Army for at least 40 years, maybe longer.

I’m told that for many years Walt would pick a day and along with a friend, he would drive to all of the facilities of the Tulsa Area Command, including the six Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs. They would tour the clubs, noting things that needed to be repaired, then Walt would donate the money to have it done. The driving tour was a tradition that Walt started, and in recent years his son Rik, an Advisory Board member, has continued.

While repairs at Boys & Girls Clubs may seem minor compared to other financial support the Helmerich family has provided, it was very meaningful to the Boys & Girls Club staff members to see that someone as important as Walt cared about their needs. In the same spirit of showing support in a personal way, every Christmas Walt and Peggy would attend our Advisory Board Christmas luncheon, whether the temperature was at zero degrees or in the forties.

The Advisory Board Christmas luncheon is always held in the warehouse where all the toys and food are stored. For several years the Helmerich family would let us use a warehouse that they owned, free of charge. This past Christmas luncheon was the first Walt had missed in many years, and we missed him. Walt and the Helmerich family were among the first supporters of the William Booth Society and the younger family members are continuing the tradition. Every year, Walt and his family would donate the money for at least one table at our annual Booth dinner and attend the event.

While I am grateful to Walt and the Helmerich family for their monetary support, it is his gentlemanly presence and dignity I will always remember. Walt Helmerich III was a man of integrity and honor. I will miss him greatly.

Major Roy Williams, Tulsa Area Commander

Gifts and Giving

2011-12-25T10:05:00.001-06:00

At this time of year, I get really excited about presents. Don't you? I love to buy them, to give them, and to open them! And when I finally pause and remember that God already gave us the best gift, I get even more excited! This is His gift: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).

What can we give in return after having received God's best gift? Matthew 10:8 is one of my absolute favorite scriptures in the Bible. It says "Freely you have received, freely give." This verse is not talking about actual presents, but about your talents, abilities, and spiritual gifts. It reminds me of what was given to me, how many blessings I truly have (health, home, family, a great church, friends and a job), and then nudges me again and again to "give." Sometimes it's giving time/volunteering, sometimes it's money and other times its an act of service.

During this Christmas season, I encourage you to take time and search your heart, really listen to that still small voice. What is it that God is asking of you? What can you give? Then, say "yes."

Donate Today or text TULSAVOL to 27138 to get a monthly volunteering reminder from us.

God Bless,

Rhonda McDaniel, Volunteer Coordinator

Random acts of kindness

2011-12-16T16:10:00.004-06:00

A few days ago a reporter asked me if we had experienced any random acts of kindness this Christmas season. Yes, Yes, YES!!! Here’s a quiz: What do these groups have in common? Tulsa Belly Dance Academy, Celebrity Attraction’s “The Addams Family”, CFSII , Social MediaTulsa and dog owners. You guessed it: they have all donated toys, treasure and time to The Salvation Army this holiday.

Thanks to Social Media Tulsa

& Captured Charms Photography

When the Belly Dance Academy held its holiday performance, they discounted admission for people who brought toys to donate to us. Celebrity Attractions is offering a pre-sale on tickets to the musical “The Addams Family” and will give us $5 from every ticket sold. The 200 employees at CFSII adopted 300 Angel Tree families. Social Media Tulsa hosted several meet ups to collect toys, then sorted toys for their “Tweet for Toys” event. I cannot leave out Morgan Caywood, the wonderful young woman who three years ago started the Bark Park Toy Drive, when dog owners (and their dogs) gather at a Bark Park and collect toys for us. Two of the three years Morgan and her friends have endured dreadful weather and the perennial question “Are we supposed to bring a toy for a dog?” The list above is really the short list, because people call every week offering something we need, even if it’s just a word of encouragement. Random? Yes! Kindness? Yes! More to come? Yes, yes and yes!

-Sallie

Shout Out to KHITS

2011-12-14T15:01:00.000-06:00

Carly Rush is a good sport. Anyone who used to listen to Carly in the mornings on the late, great KBEZ knows that. KBEZ has changed to BOB FM and Carly is promotions director for BOB and K-HITS 106.9 FM. For the second year, Carly has headed the Stuff the K-HITS RV Campaign. Carly parked the K-HITS RV at area Walmarts from Monday to Friday last week and welcomed people who donate toys. I caught up with the KHITS RV Friday in Owasso and it took me 20 minutes just to find a parking place on the back 40.

Monday, under my excellent parking supervision, Carly started to drive the RV into our toy warehouse until Rick Thompson, our savvy maintenance manager, told me it was too tall. It meant Carly had to take the RV all the way around the building again, and the driveway had turned into an obstacle course of vans, trucks and a giant Ryder truck. She made it and I asked teenage volunteers to unload the hundreds of toys while Carly and I drank coffee and ate brownies. The Christmas season at The Salvation Army is what I call ‘crazy busy’ but it’s all worth it, especially when I can have a few relaxed minutes with a friend who cares so much about people who need help. It makes it all worthwhile. Thank you K-HITS and thank you Carly!

-Sallie

Angels at American

2011-12-12T16:21:00.002-06:00

American Airlines’ announcement of bankruptcy hit home with me – my husband Gary works for AA. Yet I was surprised when I got several calls from reporters asking if we’re worried about getting AA’s support during Christmas. It never crossed my mind to worry. Every year for the past five years AA employees have adopted 1,000 angels from our Angel Tree. With more than 8,000 kids to buy toys for, AA puts a major dent in our shopping list. And the best thing is that they start early! I was so surprised to run into Wendyl Griffin in our warehouse early last month – he delivered three truckloads of toys from AA before it was even December. Today, out at the maintenance base, we thanked AA in front of the media. AA managing director Paul Creider told reporters how much the Angel Tree program means to employees. Jeff Buckingham from AA Communications told me that he always rings bells with his son’s Boy Scout troop. Today Wendyl will deliver more truckloads of toys – not one less toy than AA donated before filing for bankruptcy. The company may be bankrupt but the hearts of AA employees are doing just fine. Thank you, American Airlines.

-Sallie

Bedlam. Really.

2011-12-12T09:47:00.003-06:00

It was a more than a week ago, and everyone is still talking about the Bedlam game, so I’m going to talk about it too. I went to a Bedlam Watch Party with the best food in Tulsa: Hot wings, spinach dip, chili, cookies… you name it, we had it. Ginormous TV: check. Cheering and shouting: check. People in pajamas: check. TV reporters: check. My party was at the Center of Hope and my hostess was Cathy Kumm, an amazing woman who during the week heads up our Emergency Financial Assistance program. Cathy hears a lot of sad stories during the week, and sometimes she has to tell people who apply for financial assistance that they don’t qualify. It’s a tough job and Cathy deserves all the fun she can have. So six years ago, she started hosting a Bedlam party at the Center. She did it as a volunteer, it’s certainly not in her job description. Cathy’s idea was to help guests at the center by giving them an experience they would likely have if they had a home. Her grandsons started helping her host it as young children and now they are teens. More than 80 guests came Saturday night, and their ages ranged from newborn to elderly. I invited reporters and during interviews Cathy told them she received a lot more from hosting the party than she thought she gave. “It warms my heart,” she said. Mine too.

-Sallie

Merritt’s Bakery Makes Holiday Giving So Much Sweeter

2011-12-08T12:32:00.003-06:00

I’m new to the world of fundraising and started working as the Director of Fundraising for The Salvation Army of Metro Tulsa right before the busiest time of the year: Christmas. It’s been amazing to see how much our community is willing to help those in need, but one company is stepping up big this holiday season.

Merritt’s Bakery is known for its delicious cookies (the thumbprint cookies are my favorite – and the most popular), yummy cakes and other wonderful pastries. The holidays are the busiest time of year for Merritt’s, but that’s not stopping the company from helping the Salvation Army in Tulsa.

Merritt’s will be a drop-off site for our annual Toy Drive. People can bring a new, unwrapped toy to any of Merritt’s three stores and simply drop it in the box located near the entrance.

The bakery will also have a couple of red kettles located on counters inside each store. If you have a few dollars, or some leftover change, drop it in one of those kettles. The red counter kettles will be in stores from November 17th-December 24th.

But that’s not all. Merritt’s Bakery is also providing fifteen dozen donuts a week to our bellringers during our Kettle Campaign. Our bellringers stand on their feet for hours. If it’s raining, snowing, or the weather is bitter cold, our bellringers will still be outside, standing, ringing those bells. The donation from Merritt’s Bakery is a great way to say thanks to these bellringers who are working hard to help the needy this holiday season.

All of this comes after a partnership with Merritt’s Bakery this summer for “Donut Day.” The event benefitted The Salvation Army and raised funds for our essential programs!

Thank you Merritt’s Bakery. It is this type of generosity that reminds us what is important this season: helping EVERYONE have a good holiday.

-Carrie Salce

My first bell ringing experience

2011-12-02T16:14:00.001-06:00

Me!

This year marks my third Christmas with The Salvation Army. (Those who work here judge seniority by this and not the number of years actually worked.) My first year I volunteered sorting toys at the Joy Center and counting our kettles. Both were real eye-openers to the generosity of our volunteers and donors. My second Christmas I wanted to try something new so did the toy sorting, kettle counting and added in the Angel Tree experience at the mall. I should have written an entire blog about how much I learned there! This year I knew what I wanted to do, and this week I did it!

Rhonda & Matt

I was a bell ringer! I spent three hours ringing the bell in front of the Reasor's at 17th and Yale. A number of the staff at my office did too (thanks Rhonda & Matt, Paula, David, Carrie, Arnie, Ann and Rick)! I did a morning shift and two in the evening. I have a renewed respect for anyone who does it. Below are a few of my random thoughts for you to enjoy.

Smile at your bell ringer and don't be scared to strike up a conversation. So many people said kind things for me and it made me feel wonderful, I enjoyed a lot of the conversations I had.
You don't have to apologize to a bell ringer if you don't have change. Just double up next time (kidding!!).
Standing in front of all those people spreading a little Christmas cheer felt really good (if it was a little cold)!

Carrie and Rocco

Kids who put money in the kettle are the cutest. One employee told me that an older little boy came up to the kettle with his toddler baby sister. He dropped his coins in the kettle no problem and a big smile on his face. His little sister reached up as high as she could and struggled to get her coins into the slot. "It's her first time," the older brother explained. It's never too early to learn how to put money in a kettle!

You have lots of great moments ringing a bell, sign up individually or as a group today!

~Lindsay

Shout out to Tulsa Gold & Silver

2011-12-01T13:05:00.001-06:00

The first Salvation Army Tulsa Area Command was formed in 1906, so it’s not surprising that our connections reach far and wide. Recently, a historic Salvation Army connection and a lot of generosity resulted in great partnership. When our new special events and fundraising director Carrie Salce had just about given up finding a sponsor to match our kettle income for an entire Saturday, she opened her e-mail and found a message from John Davis, the owner of Tulsa Gold & Silver. He pledged to match ALL kettle donations up to $10,000 on Saturday, Dec. 3! There was more than a little excitement in the development department and hugs all around. John’s generous check could not have come at a better time. (I’ve found that life’s events often unfold that way.) It turns out that John’s wife, Rachel, is a longtime friend of one of my favorite coworkers, Elaine Story. Elaine is a lifelong Salvationist who grew up in a Salvation Army Corps (church) in West Tulsa. Rachel’s parents were officers at the West Tulsa Corps when Rachel was a teenager. When she was older, Rachel and Elaine worked together at the Salvation Army Tulsa City Command, which later became the Tulsa Area Command. So when you’re out and about Saturday and see Tulsa Gold & Silver’s signs on the kettles, remember your gift will be DOUBLED and give generously! Also, if you don't mind – visit their store on 41st and Memorial and thank them for us!

-Sallie

Calendar guys to attend luncheon & fashion show

2011-11-30T12:55:00.000-06:00

The excitement is building for the 58th Annual Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Christmas Luncheon & Fashion Show to be held a week from yesterday. Beth Dennis, chair of the fashion show, and Judy White, manager of Miss Jackson’s, were guests on Good Day Tulsa yesterday and I got to hang with them at KTUL-Tulsa’s Channel 8 while waiting for their segment. KTUL is on top of Lookout Mountain in west Tulsa. Once, on my drive there very early in the morning, I picked the wrong street to take me up the mountain and I ended up in someone’s driveway. It was so isolated and wooded, I felt like if I went a few more feet I was going to run into a still. I’m from Southwest Virginia, so I know what I’m talking about. Anyway, Beth is so conscientious, she always has Carolyn Schutte, another auxiliary member, drive her to KTUL because Carolyn knows West Tulsa. Beth and Judy showed off a $2,000 diamond necklace donated by Moody’s Jewelry that will be auctioned. One of the most unusual items to bid on has to be dinner at a fire station with some of Tulsa’s finest firefighters. Two of the Tulsa Fire Department calendar models will be at the luncheon to encourage bidding on the dinner. I’m picturing a frenzy of bidding over the ~~firemen~~ dinner. You can be part of the action too – just call Jackie Pizarro at 918-369-9117 to make your reservation. See you there!

-Sallie

Girls swim an AMAZING number of laps in Broken Arrow

2011-11-23T14:07:00.000-06:00

There are so many kids of staffers at the Broken Arrow Boys & Girls Club that it's hard to keep them straight. But I’ll try, because two of them did something really outstanding recently and I want to congratulate them. The Aquatics Program staff at BA consists of Shelley Cramer, athletic director and Donna Burdick, aquatics director. These women along with club director Janis Fraley dreamed up an event thtat not only honored veterans on Veterans Day but encouraged them to stay heart healthy. The women named their event the Liquid Cardiothon, which I thought sounded like something a college fraternity would sponsor, but hey - they know what works in Broken Arrow! The idea was to have someone active in their indoor pool from 11 a.m. on Veterans Day to 11 a.m. on the following Saturday. Donna called me the following Monday, still excited about the event. She said they had someone coming or going from the club all hours of the night. But back to the children of staffers: Shelley’s daughters Neriah, 15, and Miai, 12, each stayed in the pool for all 24 hours. Neriah swam 1,700 laps and Miai swam 800 laps. I still can’t believe it – it’s all I can do to swim 20 laps! Congratulations girls – you rock!

-Sallie

Call in the Marines!

2011-11-22T13:17:00.002-06:00

I’m still trying to catch my breath. Last week the number of people who have signed up for Christmas assistance climbed to 8,896. But as the numbers ramped up, so did the Tulsa community. Thursday, our longtime supporters, KTUL-Tulsa’s Channel 8 and Bank of Oklahoma, kicked off a toy drive to provide gifts for the forgotten angels – the kids and seniors people don’t adopt from the Angel Trees.

An hour later, we kicked off the Red Kettle Campaign at the Reasor’s on 15th and Lewis. We had wanted to honor veterans at our kick off and Jason Wolfe, a combat-decorated Army vet who counsels homeless veterans at the Center of Hope helped us out. I had lined up a retired Marine who still had his dress uniform to “guard” the Giant Red Kettle, but he had a last-minute conflict. But, just before the kick off began, TWO young Marines in their dress uniforms turned up! Steve Lehto of Reasor’s gave us a check for $5,000.

At 5:30 a.m. the next day, Jim Carey and Natalie Cash of K95 FM’s Cash & Carey Morning Show started “Occupy Krispy Kreme” and adopted out 400 angels. Their original goal had been 200 angels but by 9:30 a.m. they ran out of angels. We were happy to bring them 200 more and they found homes for all of them!

On Saturday, we held the Angel Tree Opening Ceremony at Tulsa’s Promenade and Woodland Hills mall, which KOTV-Channel 6 has sponsored longer than anyone can remember. Rich Lenz and LeAnne Taylor selected their angels from the trees and the Brass Band played. Thank you, Tulsa – 10,048 people are going to have a Christmas because of you!

-Sallie

OCCUPY KRISPY KREME!

2011-11-17T21:00:00.000-06:00

Natalie Cash and Jim Carey, hosts of the Cash & Carey Morning Show on K95.5 fm, will lead a new protest movement Friday called “Occupy Krispy Kreme.” They will stay at Krispy Kreme from 5:30 a.m. until 200 “angels” are adopted from The Salvation Army Angel Trees or until 5:30 p.m., whichever comes first. The Angel Trees have tags with the first names of thousands of kids whose parents have signed up for Christmas assistance from The Salvation Army.

A General Assembly will be held at 9 a.m. Friday at Krispy Kreme, located at 10128 E. 71st. St. “We will discuss all issues pertaining to the Occupy Krispy Kreme movement, including but not limited to…adopting angels and eating donuts,” Cash said. “We’re exercising our First Amendment right to assemble peaceably on the grounds of Krispy Kreme and we’re prepared to occupy this ground until we adopt out every Angel on the Cash & Carey Salvation Army Angel Tree,” Carey said.

The Salvation Army never supports political causes but is making an exception for this event. “Starting a new protest movement is a tough job, but Cash and Carey will meet the challenge,” said Major Roy Williams, Salvation Army Tulsa Area Commander. “Occupy Krispy Kreme is a protest everyone should support.”

Cash and Carey are encouraging the police to converge on their Occupy Movement. “We will not resist. We will give you donuts and thank you for your hard work,” Carey said. Unlike other “occupy” movements, Occupy Krispy Kreme has a clear purpose. “Every kid deserves a Christmas present,” Cash and Carey said.

Help! We’re serving 4,200 families this Christmas!

2011-11-17T08:09:00.002-06:00

This summer, about the time our neighbor Yale Avenue Presbyterian Church put up a sign saying “Satan called. He wants his weather back,” we started accepting applications for Christmas assistance. Families came to the warehouse in our new headquarters. And came, and came and came. Mothers with babies. Mothers with toddlers in strollers. Mothers with toddlers we wished were in strollers. In all, we will be providing for 4,200 families this Christmas. That’s 700 more families than we helped last year. Here’s how you and your friends can help: drop money in a red kettle – our bell ringers go out to 100 stores today and will be there until Dec. 24. Drop a new unwrapped toy in a collection box at any of the 36 Bank of Oklahoma locations. You’ll also find toy boxes at Woodland Hills Mall, Tulsa’s Promenade mall and at the BOK Center during events. While you’re at the mall, adopt an Angel from our Angel Trees. You have until Dec. 12 to get your toy back to the mall. Click to donate online, or call K95.5 Friday during "Occupy Krispy Kreme" to adopt an Angel. You can text JOY to 85944 and make a one-time donation of $10. Or give the old fashioned way by mailing a check to Salvation Army, PO Box 397, Tulsa, OK 74101.
And watch this blog for more opportunities to help us help the people who really need it this Christmas.

-Sallie

United Way celebrates

2011-11-11T16:42:00.000-06:00

A bunch of us from the office attended the great “reveal” for the Tulsa Area United Way last night, and oh, what a night! It was in the new Lorton Hall at TU, which is beautiful. TAUW director Mark Graham pointed out that the artwork lining the halls was done by TU students and mentioned a print by Picasso in the same sentence. Campaign chair Jim Bender from Williams didn’t let him get away with that. “Every day I learn something new about Tulsa, and tonight I learned that Pablo Picasso graduated from TU. He’s a good painter too,” Jim said. We were all laughing and revved up as we waited to see how Mark would do the reveal. Picture a pregnant woman in a white t-shirt with a giant dollar sign. She came up on stage followed by eight people, young and old, with numbers on their t-shirts. As it turned out, each person had been helped in some way by a United Way agency. Then Mark brought his 85-year-old mother on stage and told how she and his father had been helped by three United Way agencies. He said that everyone on stage “looked like you and me, because they are you and me.” It was the perfect thing to say.

Every day I work for the Salvation Army I think, ‘but for the grace of God, there go I.’ Mark wore the number four and a young man to his left wore a two. The 24 million dollar goal was reached and thousands of people will be helped in 2012. Thank you to everyone who worked on the campaign and the United Way.

-Sallie

Sapulpa Boys & Girls Club instructors get creative

2011-11-09T12:46:00.000-06:00

I love water aerobics. There’s just something so relaxing about being in the water with a bunch of friends. And unlike Jazzercize, for example, where instructors have bodies like beauty pageant contestants, in every water aerobics class I’ve taken, the instructor has had a body more like mine. I like that, and apparently so do 31 water exercisers in Sapulpa. The water aerobics classes taught mornings on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Boys & Girls Club, used to have about eight to 12 students. Then volunteer water aerobics teacher Darlene Roberts and head lifeguard Mary Swan told class members that if they could get attendance up to 30, they would hold a drawing for five free classes. Last week, there were 31 students in the class and the ladies are hopeful the trend will continue. However, the doubled class size has created one problem: each student needs two water noodles and they’re down to just a few. I’m confident Mary and Darlene won’t let it slow the class down. These women have creativity and drive to spare.

-Sallie

Learning Smart Moves

2011-11-04T16:27:00.002-05:00

Since I’ve been blogging about drug addiction and the Salvation Army, here, here and here I’ve learned about the importance of prevention. I also learned that we now have a national expert on kids and drug prevention among our staff, Greg Parker. Greg became a national trainer for the Boys & Girls Club Smart Moves program this summer. He’s one of six specially trained Smart Moves instructors and the only one in the country from The Salvation Army. Smart Moves instructors teach kids 5 to 15 to make healthy choices and avoid using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

The younger kids do fun activities related to the subject, such as drawing pictures of their families and creating collages. But what I found the most surprising is that the primary activity for the 13-15 age group is journaling. At the Sand Springs club, kids spend an hour every Thursday afternoon writing in their journals. Then while the kids watch, the instructor locks the journals up until the next Thursday. Nobody gets to read them. I would have loved having that kind of privacy at that challenging age -- to know that I could write anything, absolutely anything, in my journal and my mother couldn’t read it! Greg and I talked about how much easier it is for kids to talk to adults at the club about their issues when they’re also writing about them in their journal. Sounds like a smart program to me.

-Sallie

Project Able helps recovering addicts rebuild their lives

2011-10-31T13:33:00.001-05:00

I got to know John Oak when he was completing Project Able, a program at the Center of Hope that helps homeless people who are clean and sober get back in the workforce and in their own home. John stopped by to visit me last week and when I told him I was working on a story about meth addiction, he told me his story. He said he started using alcohol and pot when he was 14 and dropped out of school at 15. I’ve noticed that this is the age many addicts get started. John said he moved on to cocaine and acid, started cooking meth when he was 29 and immediately became addicted. His life became a roller coaster ride of incarcerations and rehabilitation programs that didn’t work. But in 2006, he started a prison rehab program called First Step, and began his recovery. I was surprised that First Step didn’t have a spiritual component, but still worked. John said it was the desire to build a new relationship with his father that allowed him to focus on his recovery and rebuild his life. He got out of prison in 2008 and showed up at the Center of Hope “with nothing but the clothes on my back.” He joined Project Able. He went back to work for his old employer, riding his bike the twenty miles from the Center to work and back five days a week. I admire that. John saved up enough money during his two years in Project Able to make the down payment on a new mobile home, where he now lives. Congratulations on your new life, John. You’ve worked hard to earn everything you have. Now it’s time to enjoy it!

-Sallie

In praise of three gentlemen

2011-10-28T09:15:00.001-05:00

Last week one of my coworkers told me a story that made me think that chivalry is not dead, that there are men (other than my husband) who are true gentlemen. The story was that after the Women’s Leadership Council toured the Center of Hope, the head of Social Services, Ronn Glosson, stood in the parking lot to make sure the visitors got safely in their cars and on their way. What I didn’t see was that he also stayed in the parking lot until the last female staff member drove away (It was Lindsay and she was checking voicemail and playing with her iPhone, she felt guilty when she realized he had been waiting for her to leave). He went beyond what was expected of him because that’s who he is. I thought I would blog about it as soon as I had a small collection of stories about gentlemen, never dreaming that I’d meet the next one two days later.

A radio show host was recording an interview with last year’s top bell ringer, Samuel Folks. Samuel is 60, soft spoken and mannerly. He revealed that he had been on the first all-black youth baseball team in Tulsa that was allowed in an all-white league. When the interviewer asked him if he had experienced racial injustice, he replied “I’ve found that when you’re looking for racial injustice you’ll find it. When you’re not looking, you don’t find it.” I can only guess that even as a youth, Samuel handled himself with dignity whether he was treated with dignity or not.

My third brush with a gentleman happened the same week at a celebration of Dick Williamson’s 40 years with TD Williamson. Dick is not only on our advisory board, but also on the National Salvation Army board. He also volunteers extensively. His company’s motto is “Integrity, Initiative, Interdependence.” Employees characterize him as a “servant leader,” and I can see that in his humble style and quiet leadership. I first met Dick when he taught a Sunday School class I attended 15 years ago. In eight days, I’ve gathered enough information for a post that I thought would take months to do. Thank you, gentlemen, you enrich life for all of us.

-Sallie

Positions Available

2011-10-26T15:25:00.001-05:00

Sapulpa Corps: We need help!

In The Salvation Army, we call our churches “Corps” and our Corps in Sapulpa needs a new social service worker. If you like to help people, are great with paperwork and like a lot of variety in your work life, this could be the job for you! The social service worker will help clients with food, lodging, clothing, furniture and financial assistance. This staff person would need to have a good sense of keeping information confidential and also work well with all kinds of people. You need to know basic computer skills too. If you’re interested in a job that can challenging but also very fulfilling, please send your resume to Paula Looper, Human Resources Manager at: paula_looper@uss.salvationarmy.org Just think of all the people you can help!

The Salvation Army is also looking for Bell-Ringers for their annual "Red Kettle" campaign. Civic groups, churches and schools are also encouraged to volunteer. If interested, please come and fill out an application at The Salvation Army Tulsa Area Command at 924 S. Hudson or call 918-587-7801 to set up an appointment. Positions being filled now, call today.

National advocate for the homeless stops in Tulsa

2011-10-21T14:51:00.001-05:00

Mark Hovarth was in Tulsa today as part of his tour to end homelessness. Mark is known to social media fans as @hardlynormal and for his blog, invisiblepeople.tv. Center of Hope Case Manager Gale Baker gave him a tour of the Center of Hope and lined up shelter guests for him to film. When Mark interviewed several of our guests from the Center, he told them that he is homeless, yet I noticed he was driving an expensive car, was staying at the Hyatt Regency and wearing an expensive-looking jacket, so I asked about it. He said everyone does. He said that people don’t have to suffer to relieve suffering. It turns out that the Hyatt Regency donated his stay and GM gave him his car to help him with his cause. That's so generous!

Mark seemed impressed by the size of the Center of Hope and the scope of our programs. I had read about his many accomplishments with helping homeless people and asked him what he considered his greatest contribution. He said he never would have expected all the remarkable things that have happened so far, such as someone donating land for a garden to feed the homeless and a college donating two full scholarships to those facing homelessness. He said he’s not going to predict because his greatest accomplishment is yet to come. He said he does the best he can with the gifts God gave him and God takes care of the rest.
Safe travels, Mark, come see us again.

-Sallie

Women's Leadership Council

2011-10-19T15:43:00.003-05:00

I saw something at the Center of Hope that touched me yesterday. I was at a meeting of the Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) of the Tulsa Area United Way. The Women's Leadership Council is a new organization of business and community leaders who have a passion for improving the lives of those less fortunate in the Tulsa area.

The women in WLC are leaders in philanthropy, business and both. Center of Hope director Arletta Robinson took the group of 20 to the second story to see the men’s dorm. It took two elevator rides to fit in the whole group. I was waiting with the women for the second elevator when in walked a couple with two strollers. One stroller held an infant, the other a toddler, a little boy who clearly wanted to be out of the stroller. A woman with our group on the elevator saw the family and looked absolutely stricken. The words “so sad!” slipped out of her mouth before she could stop them, but thankfully, the parents were so busy keeping the little boy under control, they didn’t hear. For the rest of the tour, I saw the same woman fighting tears. Most people don’t know that families stay at the Center of Hope. But when they see that they do, it changes their impression of who we serve forever.

-Sallie

Christmas coming to Sand Springs

2011-10-18T13:46:00.000-05:00

Are you in Sand Springs? Do you know someone in need in the area? We will begin Christmas assistance registration on Monday, Oct. 24 and will continue through Oct. 27 from 9a.m.-5p.m. daily. Parents will need to bring photo ID's for all the adults in the household, Birth certificates for each child in the home, proof of all income and expenses and clothing sizes for each child.

We are also looking for a few good Sandites to help us raise vital funds via the Red Kettle Campaign. Volunteers/groups wishing to sign-up can contact Captain Patrick T. Gesner by email at patrick_gesner@uss.salvationarmy.org or by phone at (918)245-2237 ext. 1611 to check available dates and times. Individuals looking for some extra cash for the holiday season can also apply to work full-time or part-time as bell ringers for this campaign. The dates of employment will be from November 17th through Christmas Day.

-Captain Gesner

Make Your Mark, Help Feed the Hungry

2011-10-17T14:04:00.001-05:00

Did you know that in the U.S., 49 million people go hungry every day? Did you know that, together, people like you and I can make a difference? This week is a national volunteer week for youth and Saturday, October 22nd is Make a Difference Day for all Americans. The Salvation Army and our Boys & Girls Clubs are joining over 1,400 others pledged to help the issue of hunger in America during Make Your Mark Week and Make a Difference Day.

Join us by donating non-perishable food items during a food drive this week, October 16-22nd. All food raised will go to needy families in the Tulsa Metro Area. You can drop off non-perishable food items at any Boys & Girls Club (Broken Arrow, Sand Springs, Sapulpa or Tulsa) or the Area Command Office (924 S. Hudson, Tulsa). Having trouble finding us, call 918-587-7801.

Read more about Make Your Mark Week and Make a Difference Day.

-Rhonda, Volunteer Coordinator

Baseball team plays Dodgeball at West Mabee

2011-10-17T13:22:00.002-05:00

When I reached the doors to the gym at the West Mabee Boys & Girls Club it seemed as if the room could hardly contain the shouts of pure, unbridled joy. And that was just from the grownups. The ORU Golden Eagles baseball team had come to play with the West Mabee kids and there was shouting, screaming and peals of laughter. The game was Dodgeball, but not your mother’s Dodgeball.

The 33 baseball players combined with 22 club kids to form two opposing teams. Then about 20 different colored balls were lined up in the middle of the gym, a whistle blew and it was mass mayhem as both teams rushed to grab a ball and throw it at someone. That’s all I can tell you about the rules. It did seem like one of those games where size didn’t matter, I decided, as one very little girl threw the ball at one very large baseball player. I don’t think her aim was intentional, but the guys in the stands roared with laughter as he winced in pain. I had not realized that ORU sends volunteers to West Mabee every Wednesday to help with their homework. The club’s program director Latrica Baldwin said it was the first time the baseball team had come to West Mabee and the kids loved it. If they had half as much fun as the adults, it was a great afternoon.

-Sallie

Getting clean at the ARC

2011-10-12T16:46:00.001-05:00

It is not hard to see why Reggie Kelly believes his greatest skill is working with people. He’s a large, muscular man with a contagious smile. It is hard to see him as the crack cocaine addict he says he used to be, so caught up in the violence of the drug community that he was once dragged on the ground behind a truck for so long that stripped the skin off his body and left him with a crushed ankle. He says his ankle is held together with three pins and his life is held together with a structured lifestyle, accountability to peers who are recovering drug addicts and belief in Christ. In previous posts, I’ve written about meth addiction, but The Salvation Army helps people with all kinds of addictions. Reggie lives and works as a resident manager in The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC), along with 70 other men recovering from substance abuse.

Before I started to work for the Army, I had long been a shopper at the ARC Family Store on 45th and Peoria. I had no idea that when I donated or bought something at the store, I was helping men recovering from substance abuse. The men work 40 hour weeks at the stores, and in the evenings, they participate in Bible studies and a Christian 12 Step Program called Celebrate Recovery. Reggie says he has been convicted of drug-related felonies seven times and served five different prison terms. But unlike the men I had heard about who are court ordered to the ARC, he checked himself in to work out the issues that he said had haunted him since before he first started using alcohol and marijuana at 15. He proudly told me that he has been clean and sober for 10 months. His advice to kids about drug use? “Don’t start. Drugs are not a solution to whatever you’re going through. Get into a church and learn who Jesus Christ is. He is the solution.” Thank you, Reggie, for sharing your story. I wish you the best in your recovery and your life.

-Sallie

Voices of Hope – come back!

2011-10-06T14:05:00.001-05:00

In talking with Gwen Bess, another thing I learned is that Voices of Hope is in limbo. You might have seen the story about Voices of Hope on the Tulsa World website. The choir started because some Center of Hope guests wanted a singing group and asked Gwen for help. She found a music director and they used the Center chapel for practice. The choir performed in churches and for a Christmas lunch attended by 600. Gwen said even choir members who are still around the shelter stopped coming to practice. I felt disappointed, but even more disappointed than me is a Jenks High School junior named Michael. He saw the story on the World’s website and had planned to make a film about the choir for a class. He filmed a choir practice in May and it turned out so well that his teacher was looking forward to entering his film in the “Sundance of student film competitions” which Jenks has placed in before. To watch their winning film, go here and enjoy. In the mean time, here’s a message to Susan and Stormy and Big John and Evelyn: Come back to choir. There’s a kid who was counting on you!

-Sallie

Embracing a chatty style

2011-10-06T13:21:00.000-05:00

A friend sent me a cartoon yesterday that perfectly captured this stage of my writing career. It was a sketch of an old dog saying “I think it’s time to learn some new tricks.” My new boss, friend and fellow blogger, Lindsay Sparks, asked me to give up my former newspaper-reporter-writing style for this blog, including abandoning some rules in my beloved Associated Press Stylebook. “I’m destroying your world, aren’t I?” Lindsay asked me yesterday. I’m quoting her because it’s also time to give up quotes, according to Lindsay. “According to” is also something you won’t be seeing again on this blog.

One thing keeps echoing in my head, one sentence in “The Elements of Style”, by William Strunk, Jr. and E. B.White, which I had to memorize as a senior in high school. “Do not affect a chatty style.” But another sentence is echoing even more loudly, and it’s from the old dog: “It’s time learn something new.” After all, I don’t want the next cartoon e-mailed to me to be a sketch of a dinosaur – remember what happened to them?

-Sallie

The Center of Hope: Serving without Discrimination

2011-10-04T15:55:00.001-05:00

Meth addiction is a real problem, no doubt about it. There are signs and symptoms just like any other disease. According to Arletta Robinson, director of the Center of Hope, it’s impossible to compile statistics about the number of guests at the Center who may be addicted to methamphetamine. The only way Center of Hope case managers know that a guest has used or is using meth is when they ask for help and admit that they use meth. “However, that’s ‘self reporting’, so not even that is reliable,” Arletta said. “We don’t conduct urine testing, because we serve without discrimination. As for looking for physical traits that are red flags for meth use, such as tooth loss, that would be profiling, and we don’t do that. What if the guest lost their teeth in an accident?” Arletta said. What we do know is that when a guest self reports meth use and wants help, we work with many different Tulsa agencies, (including our own Adult Rehabilitation Center, ARC) to get them help. And while the guest is working with other agencies to get help, we offer them food, shelter and a listening ear.

How do the case managers and other staff members at the Center of Hope listen to stories of drug abuse, and disastrous choices guests have made and still serve with compassion rather than judgment?

"It’s a mind frame,” case manager Gwen Bess said. “All of us have made mistakes, made stupid choices. People tell themselves they’re not going to get addicted. You can’t know what someone has been through in their lives. They have pain and they self medicate. Some survive their past and some don’t. It takes compassion, objectivity and empathy. That’s what I mean by a mind frame,” Gwen said.

Coming up next learn about how Tulsa agencies are stepping up to help and what we are doing as a community.at I mean by a mind frame,” Gwen said.

-Sallie

Meth Addiction and The Salvation Army

2011-09-23T14:19:00.000-05:00

Did anyone else see the story on CBS News Tuesday evening about TV commercials reducing teenage meth usage in Montana by 63%? That’s an astounding reduction. The TV ads have been running for six years. They’re very graphic and disturbing – apparently disturbing enough to have an effect. How does this relate to the Salvation Army? Some of the teens who get hooked on meth can sometimes turn into homeless adults who we help at the Center of Hope – our shelter and social services center. And our ARC Family Stores support the Adult Rehabilitation Center where all kinds of substance abuse issues are addressed. Last Christmas a 30-something woman at the shelter thanked me for serving food that she could chew with her gums, as she had no upper teeth. I asked her how she lost her teeth at such a young age. “Meth,” she said. I claimed ignorance and she promptly educated me. “One of the ingredients of meth is battery acid,” she said, making it clear. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be posting interviews with Salvation Army staff members and their thoughts about meth addiction and how we help people who are affected by it. Stay tuned...

-Sallie

Meet the blogger - Lindsay

2011-09-15T16:20:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! I'm Lindsay Sparks, Development and eMarketing Director for The Salvation Army here in Tulsa. What the heck does that mean? I edit and post everything you see on our blog, Twitter and Facebook. I also am responsible for overseeing the development team here in Tulsa, that includes: PR Director-Sallie, Volunteer Coordinator-Rhonda, Fundraising Director-Carrie, Donor Assistant-Ann and Grants Manager-Rosemary. We are a very busy energetic team!

My past jobs have all been in the non-profit sector except for a short stint working for the State of Oklahoma, which is technically non-profit but with a different tax status and bigger budget. I LOVE what I do for a living, no doubt. My path began at OSU where I graduated with a degree in Journalism with an emphasis on Public Relations from the School of Media and Strategic Communications. I started doing PR, I transitioned into marketing and eventually found myself fundraising. I ended up with The Salvation Army in 2009 after a devastating layoff from another non-profit. I never thought that such a hard time could turn into an amazing opportunity but it did!

So what do I do for fun? If it is summer and I'm not working you can find me at the lake. The rest of the time I'm probably running around with my book club or hanging out with my cat at home. I love to play on Pinterest, read great books, enjoy my friends and family and my all-time favorite thing is traveling. That's a little about me, nice to meet you!

~Lindsay

Hooray for Day of Caring!

2011-09-13T15:32:00.000-05:00

Day of Caring got off to a great start with luchadores greeting participants at the door of the Exposition Building at the fairgrounds. But participants were also greeted warmly at the six Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs, Area Command and the Citadel Corps. Our site directors think about projects they need to have done all year long and it’s exciting to see months of preparation come to fruition. Some major projects were: BOK employees painting the exterior of Area Command, TD Williamson employees painting murals at the BA Boys & Girls Club and a pouring a concrete wheelchair ramp at the North Mabee Boys & Girls Club. Walmart employees painted the BA locker rooms while rocking out to music. All of the Boys & Girls Clubs hosted heroes who cleaned out storage rooms and sheds. There were at least two “first times” that we learned of: University of Tulsa employees got to all be together for the first year by doing four jobs at the Sand Springs Boys & Girls Club and the Citadel Corps participated for the first time when IBM downtown employees painted the chapel. Stay tuned for some facts and figures about Day of Caring that are still coming in.Thank you, thank you, thank you to all the companies who helped us. We are blessed to have you volunteer!

-Sallie

3,000 people to register for Christmas assistance

2011-09-08T15:15:00.003-05:00

Three thousand people have received their letters scheduling appointments for Christmas assistance registration, according to Major Kathy Williams, Coordinator of Women’s Ministries and Christmas coordinator. Scheduling an appointment to register is the only way people can receive gifts for children and the elderly at Christmas, Mrs. Williams said. The appointments start Wed.,Sept. 14 at the new headquarters at 924 S. Hudson Ave. (see map below) and people are asked to enter on the west side of the building. Applicants need to bring the following items to the appointment:

Their appointment letter
Photo ID for the person applying for assistance
Birth certificates for all eligible children, 0-12 years of age
Pant, shirt, shoe sizes and toy choice for each child
Current proof of all income identification that states how much you receive, such as current paycheck stub, food stamp verification, TANF and Social Security
Proof of current address, such as utility bill or lease.

Last year, we gave 34,000 Christmas presents to 3,000 people. As you can see, it’s a huge undertaking but with help from our experienced staff and wonderful volunteers, we’ll get the job done!

View Larger Map

Tiny Dancers

2011-09-01T14:37:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday night I got to participate in a special dance recital at the Center of Hope. Children for the Center's Supportive Housing Program have been practicing every Monday since March with volunteer dance instructors Maria Stevenson, Heather Fick, Jessica Rhodes and Kilee Hammer. This was their first opportunity to show off what they have learned and it was fantastic.

The eight children participating tapped and danced to "I Feel Good" by James Brown and the audience, including myself, was captivated by their eagerness to perform. Because of their dedication and hard work they got two special rewards last night, a pizza party before the recital and an after-party in the BOK Suite at the BOK Center for a Tulsa Shock basketball game!

Kelly Maricle a Case Manager for the Supportive Housing Program was thrilled with the kids' performance, "It was their night to shine and tap dance their way into the audience's hearts! These kiddos were so proud of themselves and deservedly so. I went home at the end of the night feeling so blessed to have the job I have."

The Supportive Housing program provides semi-permanant housing for individuals and families who are trying to become independant once again following a variety of circumstances that lead to homelessness. The program focuses on teaching life skills and promoting self-sufficiency.

Congratulations David, Dominique, D'Anna, Diamond, Ashton, Kierra, Braylah, and Taylor -- You were awesome and I know there are many great things in your futures!

~Lindsay

Positions Available at the Center of Hope

2011-08-25T15:20:00.000-05:00

Baggage Room/Laundry Attendant

Brief Description of Duties and Responsibilities:

-   Supervises and assists guests in the Baggage Room area
-   Maintains the cleanliness of the Baggage and Laundry rooms
-   Accept guests baggage in the afternoon/evening upon arrive, store in Baggage Room
-   Dispense baggage to guests as they depart in the morning
-   Maintain the cleanliness, order of the Baggage Room, including disposal of unclaimed baggage.

Special Knowledge, Skill and Ability Requirements:
-   Ability to get along with a verity of personality types,
-   Ability to meet attendance requirements
-   Ability to read, write, and communicate in English language
-   Ability to perform continuous walking, stooping, reaching, and standing
-   Working knowledge laundry equipment

Education and Experience Required:
-   High school diploma or GED
Or
-   Any equivalent demonstration of training or experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities

Case Manager
Brief Description of Duties and Responsibilities:

-   Provide Case Management services to families at the Center of Hope
-   Conduct interviews, assess needs, establish goals and case plan, and make appropriate in-house referrals
-   Coordinate with and arrange for services from area agencies including health/mental health care, vocational rehabilitation, alcohol/drug abuse counseling, literacy training.
-   Adult basic education, and other appropriate services
-   Assist in the development of a comprehensive case management plan for each program participant.

Special Knowledge, Skill and Ability Requirements:
-   Ability to work with people of all races, creeds, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and develop a trusting relationship
-   Case management certification a plus (or ability to obtain case management certification)

Education and Experience Required:
-   Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services field preferred (or related field)
-   Two years experience working in the case management field

Kitchen Assistant
Brief Description of Duties and Responsibilities:

-   Assist in preparation and serving of meals
-   Clean kitchen equipment and wash dishes
-   Sweep, mop and wax floors
-   Clean refrigerators, freezers, ice machines, coffee makers, stoves and ovens
-   Stock foods, beverages and supplies
-   Empty trash cans

Special Knowledge, Skill and Ability Requirements:
-   Ability to assist in the preparation and presentation of meals
-   Ability to wash dishes and kitchen appliances
-   Knowledge of cleaning practices, methods and techniques

Education and Experience Required:
-   High school diploma or GED
-   One year experience working in a kitchen

If interested, please send letter of interest or resume to Arletta Robinson, 102 N. Denver -Tulsa, OK 74103, FAX: (918) 582-4363, or email to: arletta_robinson((at))uss.salvationarmy.org
(August 31, 2011).

Ballet or Football? Mabee Red Shield kids explore the arts

2011-08-16T15:37:00.000-05:00

About 40 kids from the Mabee Red Shield Boys & Girls Club received a rare treat Wednesday when they got an inside look at the Tulsa Ballet. After watching the dancers practice a dance for their first performance in the fall, the resident choreographer and principal dancer, Ma Cong, talked about his life in ballet and answered the kids’ questions. The first one was “Do you think football or ballet is harder?”
Ma answered “ballet”, but talked about some of the difficulties of football.

"What inspired you to learn ballet?"
Ma said he grew up in China and from the time he was very young, his mother took him to lots of dance festivals where he fell in love with dancing and ballet. He said the Tulsa Ballet dancers are from 14 different countries.

The third question was from a boy who looked about 12.
“With all the girl dancers around, are there any that you like?” Ma answered that he liked all of them because they were so talented and dedicated to ballet.

The Red Shield kids toured the rest of the Tulsa Ballet’s headquarters on South Peoria, including the practice rooms and the wardrobe room where most of the Nutcracker costumes are stored. In the practice room, a staff member demonstrated the five basic feet positions of ballet and let some kids volunteer to try them, including a boy, about 12. Like Ma, he seemed to like all of his fellow female dancers. Someday, he may ask himself: ballet or football? At Mabee Red Shield, the odds favor football, but the kids are blessed to be learning about both.

-Sallie

Positions Available

2011-08-11T09:45:00.006-05:00

Seasonal Positions
Brief Description of Duties and Responsibilities:
-    Assist with registration of families for Angel Tree Program
-    Assist in training volunteers for Angel Tree Program
-    Provide additional support and working with the public specifically for Christmas assistance program to
      Tulsa families
-    Monitor and supervise volunteer workers at Angel Tree location at malls

Special Knowledge, Skill and Ability Requirements:
-    Knowledge of general office practices and procedures
-    Knowledge of effective and efficient record keeping
-    Knowledge of the English language
-    ability to maintain the confidential nature of the work
-    ability to follow instructions, plan and organize daily work and work under limited supervision

Education and Experience Required:
-    High School Diploma or G.E.D.
or
-    Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities

Licenses and Certifications:
-    Valid driver’s license

If interested, please send resume to Mardina Blackshire, Area Command Human Resources, or email to mardina_blackshire{at}uss.salvationarmy.org by (August 23, 2011).

Director of Fundraising and Special Events

Brief Description of Duties and Responsibilities:
-          Plan, develop, implement, administer, and evaluate all fundraising programs for Tulsa Area Command, including capital campaigns.
-          Solicit donations and develop relationships with donors, corporate sponsors and foundations
-          Plan, develop and coordinate production of fundraising special events
-          Coordinate donor relations activities.

Special Knowledge, Skill and Ability Requirements:
-          Knowledge of the principles and practices of individual, corporate, foundation and special events fundraising
-          Knowledge of donor records management and administration
-          Ability to make presentations to civic groups, companies, schools and churches
-          Ability to communicate effectively with Divisional staff, donors, Advisory Board members, corporations, foundations
-          Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) certification preferable

Education and Experience Required:
-          Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing or a related field, with specialized training in fundraising management highly desirable
-          Three to five years experience of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, fundraising management, and special events

If interested, please send resume to Dennis Henderson (interim HR Manager), Area Command Human Resources, or email to Dennis_henderson{at}uss.salvationarmy.org by August 23 2011.

It's Corporate Angel Time

2011-08-10T15:22:00.000-05:00

I know it seems early in the year to bring up the topic of Christmas, however for The Salvation Army Christmas is really just “around the corner.” We want to begin our planning now, so we know that we are…“DOING THE MOST GOOD” for our community.

We begin taking applications for Christmas assistance in September, this allows us plenty of time to make sure all our angels are ready for adoption before the holiday season hits! (If you know someone in need of assistance they can call 918-587-7801 for application information.)

The way our Corporate Angel Tree Program works is simple. You request the number of angels you would like to make available for adoption to your staff or coworkers. You pick these angels up from us beginning November 1, 2011 and then display them so that your staff has the opportunity to pick out and adopt an angel. They shop for gift(s) for their angel then return them to you to be delivered to our Christmas Joy Center by December 12, 2011. The gift(s) are then distributed to the needy in our community at our Christmas Joy Center.

We need your help! In 2010 we distributed 22,238 toys to 3,419 families with children. Businesses and folks such as yourself generously gave from their hearts so that these children would have a good Christmas.
Please consider getting your company or organization involved in our Corporate Angel Tree Program this year, to find out more call Tracy at 918-587-7801. She can tell you all the details.

Merry Christmas!

~Lindsay

Angel Tree Volunteers

2011-08-10T09:21:00.000-05:00

Guidelines for Salvation Army

ANGEL TREE Volunteers

First of all, “thank you,” for volunteering your time to assist at The Salvation Army Angel Tree! With the help of friends like you, we are able to assist thousands of needy Tulsans this holiday season. We hope that this experience will be a blessing to you.

The information contained in this blog will assist you in working at the Mall. Please refer to this brochure should you have any questions.

Please return the brochure to the Coordinator at the end of your shift. They will be passed along to the next volunteer. This will help us cut costs and serve more of those in need.

Sign in on the “Volunteer Sign-In Form.” It is very important that we have your name, address, telephone number and hours worked. This allows us to acknowledge your gift of time with a personal thank you.

Wear the smock provided. As a volunteer it is important that you are easily recognized as an official representative of The Salvation Army. Please give the smock to your relief volunteer at the end of the shift.

To schedule more volunteer shifts, call the Volunteer Coordinator at 918-587-7801x113. Should you have any issues feel free to call Salvation Army Staff members, listed on the back page.

Guidelines for Assisting Shoppers:

1. Choosing an Angel
Choose an Angel- Shoppers may select as many tags from the tree as they wish. However, shoppers under 18 years of age must have an adult with them in order to select an Angel.

2. Purchase a gift
All gifts have to be new. The donor does not have to purchase every gift suggestion on the list. They may purchase however much or little they can afford to purchase. We have asked the parent to list a toy choice that is $30 or less.

3. Return the Angel Tag and gift
Gifts should be returned unwrapped. However, wrapping paper and ribbon may be included with the donated gifts. It is important to include the angel tag with the gift.

Gifts must be returned no later than December 13th so that sufficient time is allowed to get them organized. Distribution of the gifts begins on December 17, 2011. The Angel Tree booth will be open 10:00 am-9:00 pm daily through December 17th.

Processing Returned Gifts
Place the gift(s) for each Angel in the clear plastic bag provided. If possible, all gifts for an individual child should remain together in one bag. Put the Angel tag inside the bag. Close the bag with a ziptie.

Write the Angel number or tape the top part of the Angel tag to the gift that is to large to fit inside the clear plastic bag.

Place the secured bag in the big box. The Salvation Army staff will be by once or twice a day to pick up the returned gifts.
Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Questions? Call us!
Rhonda, Volunteer Coordinator: Cell 918-282-5417

Major Williams: Cell 918-851-3577
Tracy: Cell 918-724-7290

Holiday Volunteers - FAQ

2011-08-10T09:13:00.001-05:00

Are you looking for a way to give back this holiday season? With Christmas and Thanksgiving fast approaching we are looking for volunteers to help us provide for the less fortunate this blessed time of year. Below is a list of our current opportunities.
You can sign up individually or as a group HERE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Angel Tree Locations: Promenade Mall (lower level by indoor playground) and Woodland Hills Mall (lower level by Macy’s).

Bell Ringing Locations: Tulsa Area Command schedules via the online sign up form and through this blog page for all Tulsa locations and Catoosa.

Note: The Broken Arrow Boys & Girls Club (918-258-7545) schedules for BA locations, Sand Springs Boys & Girls Clubs schedule for Sand Springs and Owasso locations (918-245-2237) and Sapulpa Boys & Girls Club schedules for Sapulpa (918-224-4415).

Christmas Joy Center Location: 924 S. Hudson, Tulsa, OK 74112 (on 11th Street between Yale and Sheridan. We are located in a large warehouse building on the North side of 11th. Parking is on the West side of the building)

Schedules: If you registered electronically, your schedule will be e-mailed to you. That is the only copy of your schedule available for you to see. If you've lost your schedule, please check your e-mail inbox before contacting us. If you cannot locate your schedule, contact Rhonda McDaniel, 587-7801 x113.

What to Bring: Please leave all personal belongings in your car or at home.

Information on Holiday Volunteer Opportunities

Angel Tree Booths

Description: Receive and process toy donations for Angel Tree families. **Families are welcome through Dec. 9th (ages 6 and older). Age 6-15 must have adult supervision.

Date/Time: November 15-December 18 (Monday-Saturday: 10AM-2PM, 2PM-6PM or 6PM-10PM, Sundays: 12PM-3PM or 3PM-9PM)

Location: Promenade Mall: 41st and Yale; or Woodland Hills Mall: 71st and Memorial

Volunteers Needed: 4 volunteers per shift.

1. Q: What do I do at the Angel Tree Booth?

A: Volunteer Guidelines will be provided for you on site. All you need to do is help shoppers pick out an angel, put new angels on the tree as needed, accept, count and label gifts received.

2. Q: What types of gifts are accepted?

A: New, unwrapped gifts are accepted. The Angel lists clothing sizes and toy suggestion. All gifts have to be new. The donor does not have to purchase every gift suggestion on the list. They may purchase however much or little they can afford to purchase. We have asked the parent to list a toy choice that is $30 or less.
3. Q: Do we accept used items at the Angel Tree Booth?

A: The angel tree is a donation of “New” items. While we do not encourage donors to bring used items, some may bring them anyways. In the spirit of Christmas, we graciously take these items, pack them separately and staff will take them to The Salvation Army Thrift Stores.
4. Q: Do we take receipts? Do we write receipts?

A: Receipts are given only upon request, and we cannot record the dollar amount on the receipt. We do not recommend leaving the store receipts with the donated gifts, especially if they have a credit card number listed.
5. Q: Where do the gifts go that the Angel Tree collects?

A: Every Angel represents an actual person in Tulsa County, who registered for Christmas assistance and met low income guide lines. They go to children ages 0-12 and to elderly ages 62 or older. A staff member of The Salvation Army will pick up the toys at your location and deliver them to the Christmas Joy Center, where families will come pick them up.

6. Q: Are monetary donations accepted?

A: Monetary donations are not accepted at the Malls. Taking an angel from the tree means that person is agreeing to purchase gifts for the individual listed on the angel card. If someone wishes to make a large monetary donation, just give the donor the business card (available on site) of the Volunteer Coordinator. If they wish to give a cash donation, they can put it in a red kettle located at several Mall entrance doors.
7. Q: Will I get a break during my shift?

A: Yes, you can take as many breaks as you need. We ask that you stagger your breaks when there is more than one person at the booth. We do not provide snacks or drinks; however the mall has a great food court.
8. Q: How can I be the best volunteer while at the Angel Tree Booth?

A: Smile, have fun, and remember all the people you are helping this Christmas! Also, remember you are representing The Salvation Army when sitting at the Angel Tree booth, please dress modestly (casual is okay) and be polite.

~~Food~~ Sorting Opportunity Closed

Description: Help give families a food filled holiday. Help organize canned goods for needy families. ** Families and Groups (age 6+) are welcome. Ages 6-15 must be supervised. Your group MUST have 1 adult per every 6 children.

Date/Time: December 3rd (9AM-1PM)

Location: Joy Center 924 S Hudson, Tulsa, OK 74112

Volunteers Needed: 150

~~Food Packing~~ Opportunity Closed

Description: Help give families a food filled holiday. Pack food into baskets for needy families. ** Families and Groups (age 6+) are welcome. Space is limited for young children on this date, due to heavy lifting needs. Ages 6-15 must be supervised. Your group MUST have 1 adult per every 6 children.

Date/Time: December 10th (9AM-12PM and 1PM-4PM)

Location: Joy Center 924 S Hudson, Tulsa, OK 74112

Volunteers Needed: 150 per shift

Bell Ringer

Description: Be a part of our Christmas Kettle Campaign to raise funds for needy families, ring the bell. **Families and Groups (age 6+) are welcome. Ages 6-15 must be supervised. Weekend help is especially needed. No more than two (2) people at a kettle. Groups may use one-two people per hour to ring the bell.

Date/Time: November 18-December 24 (Day Shift 10:00AM to 5:00PM and Night Shift 5:00PM to 8:00PM) We especially need volunteers to work on Saturday.

Location: Various locations, throughout Tulsa and most surrounding communities.

Volunteers Needed: 1500

• Please read the bell ringer Do’s and Dont’s Guidlines.

Gift Sorting

Description: Volunteers are needed every shift to play elves at the toy shop by sorting and organizing toys.** Age 16 and older.

Date/Time: December 5- December 16 (Monday-Friday) 1:00PM-4:00PM

Location: Joy Center, 924 S Hudson, Tulsa, OK 74112

Volunteers Needed: 10 people per shift.

Christmas Distribution

Description: Spread the cheer and volunteer on the day that families pick up their gifts and food baskets. Volunteers will greet families, help families to their car, prep food baskets (heavy lifting), and help with crowd control.**Age 16 and up only; No exceptions. Please come dressed for the weather.

Date/Time: Saturday Dec.17th; Monday, Dec. 19th; and Tuesday, Dec. 20th (Morning Shift: 8:30AM-12:30PM; Afternoon shift: 12:00PM-4:30PM)

Location: Joy Center 924 S Hudson, Tulsa, OK 74112

Volunteers Needed: 100 volunteers per shift

~~Thanksgiving Day Meal Server~~ Opportunity Closed

Description: Help serve the Thanksgiving meal to guests at the Salvation Army Center of Hope. **Due to the population served at this location, children under the age of ten (10) may not volunteer (and may not attend with their parents). All minors 10 years and older must be accompanied by an adult.

Date/Time: November 24 (Shift 1: 10:30AM-12:30PM & Shift 2: 12:15-2:15PM)

Location: Center of Hope, 102 N. Denver (The entrance is by the flag pole on the North side of the building.)

Volunteers Needed: Shift 1: 35, Shift 2: 25

~~Christmas Eve Meal Server~~ Opportunity Closed

Description: Help serve the Christmas Eve meal to guests at the Salvation Army Center of Hope. **Due to the population served at this location, children under the age of ten (10) may not volunteer (and may not attend with their parents). All minors 10 years and older must be accompanied by an adult.

Date/Time: December 24 (Shift 1: 10:30AM-12:30PM & Shift 2: 12:15-2:15PM)

Location: Center of Hope, 102 N. Denver (The entrance is by the flag pole on the North side of the building.)

Volunteers Needed: Shift 1 setup: 35, Shift 2: serving: 25

• If you have any special circumstances or would like to discuss additional volunteering opportunities, contact Rhonda McDaniel (rhonda_mcdaniel@uss.salvationarmy.org)

Boys & Girls Club Kids Rock Philbrook

2011-08-09T14:17:00.000-05:00

More than 250 kids from our Boys & Girls Clubs attended “Kids Rock Philbrook Day” last Thursday. In the morning, the kids were treated to a concert by a classically trained pianist, an opera singer and the Arthur Thompson African Dancers. Kids swarmed over Philbrook’s front lawn for lunch while drummers from Jeff Porter Percussions called and drummed rap and African music. The afternoon was spent touring the villa and taking in exhibits. Philbrook’s docents, specially trained volunteers, taught the kids important points about exhibits varying from ancient artifacts to contemporary sculpture. It was a very interactive experience for the kids, as the docents had as many questions for them as they did for the docents. I had a great time and probably learned as much as the kids!

-Sallie

Go, run, shop!

2011-08-05T15:38:00.000-05:00

Old Navy at Woodland Hills Plaza (across the street from the mall on 71st Street) has just finished it new Remodel and will be having a "Grand Reveal" for customers on August 5th, 6th and 7th.

The great news is, Old Navy will be contributing 5% of their sales for the weekend to Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Tulsa, and the Reveal is on Tax Free weekend!

The "Pre Party" is Friday, August 5th, from 5pm to 8pm and you can print the coupon below to get an extra 20% off! Plus there is no-tax on your purchase!

From store manager Robert Pearce-"I am proud to work for a company that likes to give back to the community and Boys and Girls club is a perfect choice. As a kid growing up, I spent many days at the Boys Club. I played baseball, basketball and football on Boys club teams. Without the Boys club, my small town in Arkansas would not have had any recreation for children."

~Lindsay

NOTE: The coupon is good TONIGHT ONLY but the store will donate 5% of sales all weeked to the Clubs, so make this your Old Navy of choice for the weekend! Happy Shopping!!!

Tulsa’s Homeless Coping with Heat with Help from Center of Hope

2011-08-03T13:10:00.001-05:00

By Zach Gray Tulsa World

According to the Tulsa World, July wasn't just Oklahoma's hottest July on record, but it was the hottest month since 1895 when records were first kept. The Center of Hope is one of three Tulsa Cooling Stations, which means it’s always cool and open to visitors, and they can always get a cup of cold water. “You know how they say in real estate the three most important things are location, location, location? In the hot weather it’s hydration, hydration, hydration,” said Arletta Robinson, director of the Center of Hope homeless shelter and social services center. Thankfully, Arletta has not seen an increase in calls to EMSA for heat-related illnesses or increased reports of disagreements at the Center of Hope. But she has noticed some heat-related changes at the Center. “People come in to get out of the heat at all times of the day and night and our lobby is always full. We’re refilling our water thermoses very frequently, even at two in the morning,” she said. Overnight stays rose slightly in late July from averaging 250 people a night to 275. “We’re making an impact on helping the city’s most vulnerable citizens, and it will continue,” Arletta said.

-Sallie

UPDATE: You can text "TULSA HEAT" to 85944 to make a $10 donation and the gift will be doubled, thanks to the generosity of Mr. Henry Zarrow. If you have a smartphone you can also scan the QR code to the right!

The Center of Hope

2011-07-29T14:35:00.001-05:00

Today I wanted to take a minute to talk a little bit about our Center of Hope, many know it as the "homeless shelter" but really, it is a full service social service center. Here is some great information about some of the programs offered there EVERYDAY!

Did you know?

The Center of Hope is the largest homeless refuge in NE Oklahoma with a capacity for over 500 and has separate living areas for single men, single women and families. Three daily meals are served for shelter guests.
Nightly chapel services are available. Participation is voluntary.
Primary physical and mental health care services are provided at on site clinics.

We offer Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA)

Utility assistance (electric, natural gas, propane and water/sewer services)
Limited prescription assistance is provided following the same application requirements for EFA. A current original prescription must be submitted with application.
Restricted Travel Assistance is available to send “stranded” travelers safely back to their homes and employment. Application for Travel Assistance does not guarantee assistance will be available or approved.

Our Supportive Housing program helps to reduce the number of permanently homeless in Tulsa by:

Teaching effective financial management
Fostering healthy nutritional habits
Strengthening families through parenting development
Establishing solid family structures and values
Developing desire to seek lifelong learning opportunities
Acquiring, stabilizing and maintaining housing.

The PATHWAYS program has the goal to help those facing homelessness follow a clear path to self-sufficiency.

Step One – Genesis

The Genesis Program is designed as a starting point and is the guest’s opportunity for a new beginning.

Step Two – Joshua/Ruth

The Joshua/Ruth Program is designed to move the guest towards desiring and obtaining a fulfilling successful life.

Step Three – Josiah

The Josiah Program is designed to eliminate obstacles that guests experience which hinder progress towards housing stability.

Step Four – Gideon

The Gideon Program is designed for guests who work full time and are preparing to return to permanent housing.

Goliath – This program complements Steps One through Four and is exclusively for guests struggling with addictions by focusing on proper treatment opportunities and recovery that leads to lifelong sobriety.
Abraham – A Family Focused Program

The Abraham Program is a life skills class designed for families, which provides guidance towards appropriate individualized housing placement in either on-site Supportive Housing or permanent housing.

Project Able is a program for single individuals who are HOMELESS and are willing to work towards self-sufficiency through employment education and skills training. It includes:

Two-year supportive program (transitional housing)
Comprehensive assessment of individual needs
Individualized case plan developed by the individual and case management team
Group sessions to specifically target problem areas
Education and job training opportunities
Intensive case management services including client-linkage, advocacy and coordination of services
Assistance with basic necessities .

I hope you learned something about the Center of Hope that you didn't know! Have a great weekend!

~Lindsay

Keeping kids busy!

2011-07-20T12:16:00.001-05:00

Almost everyday, I get the opportunity to talk to the staff at our 6 local Boys & Girls Clubs about what they are doing this summer, and I am blown away!! I wanted to share a short list of things the kids at some of the clubs have been doing in the last week or so.

At the North Mabee Club they had 100 kids show up for the first day of football practice! They also visited the Blue Bell Creamery in Broken Arrow and sent four of their kids to Space Camp at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum. Today they are going golfing, tomorrow they will go skating and on Friday bowling! Think that is already a lot? They are also keeping up with their new vegetable garden and the kids have been picking cucumbers, squash and peppers!

Broken Arrow also has a pretty big list of activities! They have had an art day, went to Laser Quest, Dave & Busters and the water park in Muskogee! They even took a trip down the turnpike and spent a day at Frontier City! The list of "fun days" I got from Janis Fraley, Broken Arrow Unit Director, includes: Olympic Day, Bike Day, PJ Day, Splatter Day, Eat all Day-Day and so many more. Those kids are having some fun!

Sand Springs has not missed out on any of the fun, their kids visited Woolaroc, went to Incredible Pizza, visited the traveling planetarium dome, went roller skating and had a 50's day! Their upcoming events include going glow-putting and a 70's day! The Club is also hosting about 12 basketball games a week in the evenings and football practice just started!

In Sapulpa this week they have already taken 65 kids to the public pool and went skating with the Sand Springs kids. Today is "Ready, Set, Chill" day, the kids are wearing their PJ's all day and just "chilling out." They will be watching movies on the wall in the gym (their drive-in) and enjoying popsicles and popcorn, just a lazy camp day to escape the heat (I think I'm going to sneak over and join them)! Tomorrow they will be playing Laser Quest and on Friday it is Water Wars!

Doesn't it sound like these kids are having a great summer? Remember, our Boys & Girls Clubs are open year-round and depend on donations to help make sure ALL our programs are available to ALL children. To donate $10 to support The Salvation Army, text "TULSA" to 85944. Your gift will be used to make sure our programs are always available to those in need!

~Lindsay

Glass Flowers Bloom for Mabee Red Shield

2011-07-11T16:26:00.002-05:00

About 20 kids from the Mabee Red Shield Boys & Girls Club recently learned how to create glass flowers at the Tulsa Glassblowing Studio. Young Rembrandts art teacher Miss LaDonna arranged for the Club’s older kids, counselors, counselors-in-training and staff to take the class.

The Glassblowing Studio is a non-profit organization, and it covered the cost of the kids’ tuition with scholarships. The class started with a professional glass artist demonstrating how to heat a metal rod with some glass on the end in a furnace. The students then dipped the glowing glass into different colored glass chips to form the stem. Afterward, the glass went back into the fire to melt the chips. In its heated state, the kids shaped petals with giant tweezers and pulled the glass to create a stem. Then the glass flower was put in a kiln to cool over several days. Students retrieved their artwork later to take home. Many thanks to Tulsa Glassblowing Studio staff for giving Mabee Red Shield an experience they will always remember!

-Sallie

July 8-9: “Invisible People” to Feature Photos of Center of Hope Guests

2011-07-05T08:50:00.000-05:00

It’s not every day that our homeless guests staying at the Center of Hope are asked to model for a photo shoot, but that’s what happened about a month ago. Shadia Dahlal, a founder of the Tulsa Folkloric Dance Theater, was familiar with the Center of Hope because her son lived there last year. She was inspired to bring Tulsa’s homeless issue to the forefront through theatre, dance, and music in the Dance Theater’s annual production. In “Invisible People” large photographic portraits of the guests from the Center of Hope will be used as a backdrop during the performance. Shadia said she wanted to use “real people, living in Tulsa” for the photographs and we supported her effort. To thank the many guests who posed for photos, Shadia gave them keepsake portraits and a ticket to see the performance. To order your tickets for “Invisible People” go to http://www.tulsapac.com/ticketoffice.asp.
-Sallie

BA Welcomes New Officers

2011-06-30T15:29:00.003-05:00

Captains Mike and Lori Lucas started their new assignment in Broken Arrow last week and they are thrilled to be in BA. "Everything is so easy to find and I like all the amenities,” Capt. Lori said. Both Captains are also excited about working with the experienced and knowledgeable staff at the B. A. Boys & Girls Club. The Lucas family moved to the BA Corps after being the officers in charge of The Salvation Army in Ponca City.

The Lucas family includes Hannah,10; Mark, 9; Jacob, 7 and Gracelynn, 13 months. The couple had tried for years to have birth children, but each of four pregnancies before Gracelynn ended in miscarriage. They began the complicated process of adoption while serving in Ada, and had an instant family when they adopted a sibling group who was in foster care. “The process went so unexpectedly fast, it was a God thing,” Capt. Mike said. And just as amazing was when Capt. Lori gave birth to Gracelynn on June, 7th, 2010, whom they nicknamed “Miracle Baby.” The three older children are enjoying Day Camp at the Boys & Girls Club and Club Director Janis Fraley held a surprise open house at the Club last week to introduce the couple to the community. Welcome to the Tulsa Area Command, Lucas family. It’s good to get to know you!

-Sallie

Stay Cool at the Center of Hope

2011-06-29T13:38:00.000-05:00

With temperatures in the triple digits and little hope for relief, here’s a reminder that The Salvation Center of Hope at 102 N. Denver is designated by the City of Tulsa as an official Cooling Station. That means anyone can stop by for a cool drink of water and sit in the air-conditioned lobby 24/7. The Center’s front desk employees have not seen many new guests coming in to cool off yet, but as air conditioners break down, this could change. Although the Center of Hope is a homeless shelter and social services center, a person does not have to be homeless to use its services during extreme weather. Remember, drink plenty of water and watch for signs of heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, feeling weak and/or confused, dizziness, nausea, headache and fast heart beat. Stay cool!

-Sallie

Buffalo Wild Wings Helps Tornado Victims

2011-06-27T12:50:00.002-05:00

Buffalo Wild Wings® Grill & Bar announced on June 22 that it will donate 10 percent of non-alcoholic sales to The Salvation Army’s Tornado Relief Fund. Tulsa location in Broken Arrow and Tulsa will be participating in this great event!

“We are always looking for ways to give back to our local community and hopefully help our guests as well,” said Kathy Benning, Buffalo Wild Wings® Executive Vice President Global Marketing & Brand Development. “By offering 10% of sales on June 29 to The Salvation Army, Buffalo Wild Wings and our guests are supporting our friends and neighbors. We are confident that our combined efforts will greatly help the lives of those impacted by the recent horrific tornados.”

Over 400 restaurants are participating nation-wide including both Tulsa area locations. Guests can visit any participating Buffalo Wild Wings® on June 29 and 10% of the food sale will benefit The Salvation Army Tornado Relief.

“Buffalo Wild Wings’ dedication to service is a blessing. Through this partnership, Salvation Army caseworkers and disaster response personnel will serve even more survivors as they rebuild their lives and homes.” Jeff Jellets, Territorial Disaster Coordinator for The Salvation Army.

Customers unable to visit a restaurant can also donate online at www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.

Personally, I love Buffalo Wild Wings! It has been too long since I visited one so I am super excited for this opportunity to enjoy my favorite wings and help The Salvation Army at the same time. So, get a group together for lunch or load up your family for dinner, just go! I promise you won't be disappointed!

~Lindsay

Mabee Red Shield Leaders Honored

2011-06-24T10:28:00.001-05:00

It’s not often a person gets to be the warm-up act for sixties music legend Chubby Checkers, but that’s what happened Sunday. Well, kind of. Mabee Red Shield Boys & Girls Club Director Jerome Smith and Red Shield Athletic Director Sam Berry both took the stage at the Jazz Depot to be honored for their contributions to youth and music. The awards ceremony was the last in the Juneteenth celebration, held Saturday and Sunday. Leon Rollerson, MC and originator of the event, said Jerome’s work with the young people at the North Harvard Club was outstanding.

“A lot of people talk the game, but you do the game. You’re telling kids, not hundreds, but thousands of kids through the years, ‘we’re here for you’ and you are,” Rollerson said. When he recognized Sam, he said that 10 years ago there were 10-15 gospel groups performing in Tulsa and now there are only four or five. “You are the last of the gospel singers and you’re passing it on to the kids,” he said. Rollerson teased the audience by pretending to introduce several celebrities during the event, then saying they couldn’t make it to Tulsa. So by the time Chubby Checkers was introduced, the audience was prepared to be let down. Instead, Mr. “Let’s Do the Twist” took the stage to wild applause. But for The Salvation Army, parents and kids, Jerome and Sam deserve the most applause for hanging in there, year after year. No one-hit wonders at Mabee Red Shield! Congratulations Sam and Jerome!

-Sallie

Good Turnout for Fun Day

2011-06-22T10:34:00.004-05:00

Approximately 150 visitors, parents and kids showed up at the Mabee Red Shield Boys & Girls Club Saturday for “Fun Day,” according to Jerome Smith, the Club’s Director. The purpose of Fun Day was to showcase the many activities the Club offers to attract new members. Participants were offered a variety of activities including sports, arts and lunch. Despite temperatures of 97 degrees, football enthusiasts learned new moves in a mini clinic while the StarZ Dance Team performed in the gym. North Mabee Athletic Director Kenny King flipped burgers on the grill and kids had their faces painted by Young Rembrandts representatives. Parents talked to reps from the Boy Scouts, H&R Block, Pratt College and Mary Kay. Young kids enjoyed a Jupiter Jump while moms and grandmas listened to Red Shield Athletic Director Sam Berry and a member of his gospel quartet sing gospel music. Many thanks go to KJAMZ 105.3 radio for promoting Fun Day on the air. And thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make Fun Day a smashing success!

-Sallie

Wanted: Couch Potatoes

2011-06-17T15:58:00.002-05:00

To get couch potatoes off the sofa and into fitness, the Broken Arrow Boys & Girls Club has begun an “After Hours Sports” program at the Club on 1400 W. Washington. On Mondays from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., all ages can play volleyball. Tuesdays, also 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Men’s League meets for basketball. Kids ages 13 to 16 get to play basketball on Thursdays, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Friday evenings, all ages play rugby from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. All of the Sports Night programs cost $2 a night and participants must be a member of the BA Club to attend.

Boy Scout Troop 995: Heroes in BA

2011-06-06T10:12:00.001-05:00

You might have seen them serving food at the BA Bouncin’ Barbecue. Maybe you were there when they conducted a flag ceremony at an awards dinner. They might have handed you a cup of water at the BA Family Triathlon. They are the members of Boy Scout Troop 995 and they are heroes to the Broken Arrow Boys & Girls Club. Just ask a Challenger kid. The Challenger program is designed for developmentally disabled kids to participate in activities at whatever level they can. Troop 995 members help the Challengers in their swimming and art classes.

From left at the Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast are: Lt. Russell Clay; Alex Walker, Troop 995 member and State Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year; Tammy Pinley, Scout Leader; Janis Fraley, BA Boys & Girls Club Program Director.

Troop 995 leader Tammy Pinley added up the troop's volunteer hours and estimated 300 hours, but that’s probably low. “The troop gives The Salvation Army a tremendous gift of time, especially when you consider that they are in school most of the day,” said Rhonda McDaniel, volunteer coordinator. Last Christmas, Tammy and another leader, Mike Hall, put in five Saturdays, 12 hours each day, taking hot chocolate and snacks to the Scouts while they served as bell ringers last Christmas. They raised $9,000. Only one Troop 995 member could attend the recent Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast because the rest were in school, so here is your shout out: The Broken Arrow Salvation Army loves you and could not do the good they do without your help!

-Sallie

National Doughnut Day

2011-05-24T15:55:00.003-05:00

Every year National Doughnut Day is celebrated across the country but what many people don’t know is that The Salvation Army is the reason for the holiday and for making doughnuts an American breakfast staple. This year, The Salvation Army and Merritt’s Bakery are teaming up to celebrate National Doughnut Day on Wednesday, June 1st!

It all started back in 1917 when a Salvation Army lassie, Helen Purviance and a fellow officer Ensign Margaret Sheldon used a small frying pan, simple dough and a wine bottle as a rolling pin to make crullers to feed to the homesick boys on the front lines in France during WWI. The fresh aroma drew a long line of soldiers to their tent and soon they were serving 9,000 doughnuts a day, along with the other “lassies” in the trenches. The Salvation Army lassies quickly became known as “doughnut girls” and the simple doughnut became a symbol of all that the Salvation Army was doing to ease the hardships of the frontline fighting man. The soldiers returned from war with a new favorite snack, the doughnut and breakfast was forever changed!

In honor of National Doughnut Day on Wednesday, June 1st Merritt’s Bakery will be giving a FREE (1) doughnut with any drink purchase, while supplies last. Salvation Army officers will be in stores, with the famous red kettles that morning to greet the community and wish everyone a happy doughnut day! To honor The Salvation Army, Merritt’s Bakery will also be providing doughnuts to feed the homeless staying at the Center of Hope on Wednesday morning.

What is so special about National Doughnut Day in Tulsa? We are celebrating early; many celebrate the holiday on the first Friday in June and not the original date of June 1st! So this is your first opportunity to celebrate doughy doughnut goodness in 2011. You can win a $50 Merritt’s gift certificate! Just become a fan of The Salvation Army on Facebook and “like” the National Doughnut Day photo for a chance to win! Plus, well we already mentioned you get a FREE DOUGHNUT right?

We hope that you all can join in and support the Salvation Army and enjoy a free Merritt’s doughnut (while supplies last)! Donuts offered will include: Yeast Raised- Glazed, Chocolate Glazed, Maple Glazed
Cake Donuts- Applesauce, Blueberry, Cherry, Chocolate Sprinkle, Chocolate Cake with Glaze, Chocolate Chocolate, Cinnamon Crunch, Cinnamon Sugar, Coconut, Maple, Plain Cake, White Sprinkle, White with Chocolate icing, Butterfinger, Toffee, Oreo, M&M, Caramel Apple and Powdered Sugar!

Visit Merritt's at one of their three locations:

Midtown
15th & Harvard

South
71st & Garnett

Riverside
101st & Riverside

I'm super excited, aren't you?

~Lindsay

Get to know our Midtown Worship Location - The Citadel

2011-05-24T11:01:00.000-05:00

Come by and learn about all the programs and worship opportunities that are available at The Tulsa Citadel!

~Lindsay

Midwestern Tornado Relief

2011-05-23T14:50:00.001-05:00

The Arkansas-Oklahoma Division is responding to storms across the Midwest. The Tulsa mobile feeding unit was dispatched last night to the Joplin area with Captain Warren Jones from our Sapulpa Corp and one volunteer ready to serve. In Joplin, they will serve alongside other officers and volunteers to help all of those in need. Please continue your prayers for all of those affected.

To give a gift to support relief efforts text the word JOPLIN to 80888, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or give securely online here.

New “Mabee Baby” Honored with Trip to Disney World

2011-05-20T13:14:00.000-05:00

The National Salvation Army honored North Mabee Boys & Girls Club member and McLain High School senior Ramone Malone and his family recently by giving them a complimentary weekend trip to Disney World and showing a video of Ramone’s life at the National Advisory Organizations Conference. The video illustrated how Ramone had overcome obstacles in his life with support from the North Mabee Club.
After the video, Ramone and Major Roy Williams stood on stage in front of 2,000 people and Ramone thanked the Salvation Army and the North Mabee Club for helping him. He received a standing ovation. The stage had been occupied by former first lady Laura Bush and her daughter Jenna the day before. Ramone has been accepted to North Eastern Oklahoma State University in the fall and is looking forward to studying business. Long-time North Mabee Club Director Mrs. Jo Bright said Ramone is a “true Mabee Baby”, her nick name for former members of the Club who have become outstanding adults. “Time spent, lessons learned and appreciation shown has been Ramone’s history here at the Club. He was always willing to help, try new things and he worked hard to be the best he could be,” Mrs. Bright said.
Congratulations to Ramone, his mother Christi and eight-year-old brother Ja'Shaun, who is also a member of the Club. It was great to see you at Disney World and watch you represent Tulsa with dignity and grace. I hope you had the time of your life!

-Sallie

Ramone was also featured in this National Salvation Army commercial seen on television across the country this past holiday season!

Mary's Letter

2011-05-16T13:53:00.003-05:00

This letter was sent to our Center of Hope and I wanted to share. It is always nice to know that our work each day touches lives and makes a difference :) Mary applied for utility assistance and an $80 payment kept the water on in her home. Utility assistance programs like this keep many from becoming homeless. ~Lindsay

Dear Salvation Army,

I am writing you this letter to thank you so much for helping me with my bill. At that time I was needing help BAD! I am very thankful for you all and your help. You paid my water bill, thanks very much for your assistance. I say again, from the bottom of my heart God bless you and your caseworkers and workers and their families.

Know that God loves each one of you.

Mary

PS. Remember you're always in my prayers, always. Just remember you help a lot of people Salvation Army. Smile.

Breakfast Celebrates Volunteers

2011-05-13T12:57:00.000-05:00

It was a beautiful spring morning when the Tulsa Area Command honored its volunteers by treating them to breakfast and giving them their Presidential Awards.

Volunteers from four of six Boys & Girls Clubs and the Center of Hope came to the Central Center at Centennial Park to hear comments from Major Roy Williams and each of the Tulsa Area Command directors who count on their volunteers. “Without you, we could not do what we do,” Major Williams said.

The variety of volunteers was impressive; an 88-year-old Aquatics teacher, four ladies from US Cellular who translate Spanish at the Center of Hope and a lady who rings bells five days a week at Broken Arrow Walmarts.

Volunteer Coordinator Rhonda McDaniel told the story of the Presidential Awards, which are divided into bronze, silver and gold categories, and are signed by President Obama.

Congratulations to all our volunteers. We appreciate you more than you could ever know!
-Sallie

Women Helping Women through Golf

2011-05-09T09:06:00.000-05:00

Warm hearts and cold hands filled the dining room at the Fourth Annual Women Helping Women Golf Tournament held at Meadowbrook Golf Club Monday. It was 40 degrees at the shotgun start of the tournament, but the “saving grace” from the cold was the lack of wind and rain, Michael Dishman, Salvation Army Special Events Director said. The women’s tournament raised $50,000 that will help women and children staying at the Salvation Army Center of Hope homeless shelter and social services center. After playing golf, 14 women’s teams settled into the club dining room for a delicious lunch of warm taco salad. Advisory Board Chair Billie Barnett said that the Center of Hope helps an average of 60 women and 60 children every night. She thanked tournament chair Sandi Pittman for her dedication to taking the event “up to the next level.” The women had such a good time at the club that they have already scheduled next year’s tournament at Meadowbrook June 4, 2012. With a little luck, they won’t need to wear warm up suits next year! Thanks to everyone who braved the cold to do the greatest good for women and children who need it the most.

-Sallie

Claremore Kids Skip Prom to Paint Playground

2011-05-06T13:39:00.000-05:00

Many thanks to Matthew Patrick who recently skipped his prom at Claremore High School to paint playground equipment at the West Mabee Boys & Girls Club. Matt brought a group a friends from the "Next Generation" youth group from First United Methodist Church of Claremore. Members included: Nakylan Walker, James Jones, Tommy Howe, Jose Ibanez, Jaime Willis, Paige Fingerle, Nicole IbanezCassandra Scott. A reporter and photographer from the Tulsa World were also on site to get the story of this amazing group of kids.

Thank you to Matt and your amazing friends - you did a great job!

Sallie

Happy Easter

2011-04-21T13:20:00.001-05:00

Are you and your family looking for a place to celebrate and worship this Easter? Join us in Sapulpa, Sand Springs or Broken Arrow!

The Sand Springs Corps will be combining for a "SonRise Service" at 8 a.m. with the Sapulpa corps at their building (1721 S. Hickory). Afterwards, there will be a breakfast at 9 a.m. at the Sapulpa Corps for attendees.

The Sand Springs Corps will then be hosting their Easter Celebration service at 11a.m. at their facility (4403 S. 129th West Avenue) in Sand Springs.

The Sapulpa Corps will open a Good Friday Prayer Station Service beginning at 1 p.m on April 22. On April 23rd they will have an amazing Youth Easter Rally with musical entertainment by “Consumed by Fire” a local Christian Rock Band. On Easter, they will have the early “SonRise Sevice” (see above) as well as their main Easter Service at 11 a.m. at their facility (1721 S. Hickory) followed by a lunch and Easter egg hunt!

Broken Arrow Corps is conducting their annual Community Easter Egg Hunt at their facility (1400 W. Washington) on Thursday April 21st at 5:30 (ages 0-12) with 5 prize baskets per age group. Easter Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Sunday morning.

Easter is a great opportunity to find a place to worship that meets your spiritual needs. We hope that you will join us. Hoppy Easter :)

~Lindsay

In Sand Springs, Tuesdays are totally fit and totally cool!

2011-04-20T10:18:00.003-05:00

The problem of childhood obesity is in the news every day and one Boys & Girls Club in the Tulsa area is rising to the challenge of doing something about it. “Totally Fit Tuesdays” at the Sand Springs Boys & Girls Club make it fun for kids to eat healthy, stay active and learn to reduce stress. Program director Nathan Nevers said he is already seeing results. “We’ve only taught the program for two months, but I can see a change in attitude. Kids are getting more involved in playing,” Nevers said.

Nathan said kids who used to think that exercise had to be strenuous to be good for them are learning that any kind of activity is not only good for them but fun. Every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Nathan and program aides Mary Bechtold and Jennifer Bryant divide sixty plus kids into three rooms where they teach three twenty-minute sessions about nutrition, fitness and relaxation techniques. Of course, Boys & Girls Clubs are well known for organized sports, but on Totally Fit Tuesdays the kids play games in which kids of all ages and sizes can feel competent, such as jumping rope.

In the healthy eating segment, the kids learn healthy habits from “teeth to feet” such as flossing and general hygiene. Mary makes learning fun with such games as “Healthy Bingo.” Kids put puffed wheat morsels on the Bingo cards and get to snack on them after each game. In the relaxation room, Jennifer has the kids start with stretching, then calmly sit in a Yoga-style position while she gives them ideas to think about. “Everyone think about the decisions you made today,” she said. “Were they good decisions? Would you do anything differently?” At the end of relaxation, some of the kids seem ready for a nap, but they snap out of it to play outside while waiting for their parents to pick them up.

Totally Fit Tuesdays recently won the state award for “Outstanding Fitness Program” award and Greg Parker, the Sand Springs Boys & Girls Club unit director, received the award given by the state Boys & Girls Club for “Outstanding Contribution to the Profession.” But the kids are the real winners In this program. “My goal for this program is simply awareness. So many kids simply aren’t aware of how important it is to develop healthy habits. And the younger you can start, the better,” Greg said.

-Sallie
P.S. -Ten minutes into the Healthy Eating track of Totally Fit Tuesdays it’s obvious what isn’t being taught in school anymore.

“What is an example of a brown vegetable?” asked program aide Mary Bechtold. One boy who looked about six years old was the first to raise his hand, and waved it excitedly while his classmates were struggling to think of the answer.

“Chocolate pudding!” he said.

If only it were so. On the other hand, it’s obvious some parents are trying to teach about and serve nutritious foods. During the green vegetables discussion, one little girl was very enthusiastic about bok choy, which she said she eats with Mexican beans.

But some family members aren’t so helpful. Consider the little boy whose big brother told him kiwis are furry because they’ve gone bad. And one can only guess how another young boy became so mixed up about what cantaloupe. “I think it’s when people eat other people,” he said.

Thank you, Mary, for hanging in there! -Sallie

2011-04-14T11:28:00.001-05:00

Happy National Volunteer Week! This is a week of Celebrating People in Action. The Tulsa Area Salvation Army saw 122,300 hours of volunteer action 2010. The dollar value and savings generated from these volunteer hours is well over two million dollars. That’s incredible, and just imagine the lives changed with all those hours given. We have the best volunteers!

Here’s what we are doing to honor our volunteers this week:

1. Thank You Posters: You’ll find bright posters saying “thanks” at all The Salvation Army locations this week. These posters were made especially for us by a local Girl Scout Troop of volunteers.

2. The Center of Hope: Every volunteer that comes in this week will receive a heartfelt thank you card and a 100 Grand candy bar. They are worth 100 Grand to us!

3. North Mabee Boys and Girls Club: The club will host their 18th annual Daddy's Invitational Tournament (DIT) run by alumni; Rocky Bright. This event will be filled with celebrating volunteers. Each year volunteers play a game of basketball, and the kids of North Mabee referee.

4. West Mabee Boys and Girls Club: The club will host a Volunteer Awards Ceremony Friday, April 15th at 7:00 p.m. to honor volunteers, spotlighting basketball coaches.

5. Area Command: This week the directors of each Boys & Girls Club and the Center of Hope homeless shelter will hand out invitations that read like a proclamation and looks a lot like the Presidential Proclamation for Volunteer Week. Selected volunteers are invited attend a Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast to be held May 12th. More than 100 volunteers with The Salvation Army will be awarded the Presidential Volunteer Award for their service at the breakfast.

6. Overall: We will spend a lot of time this week one-on-one just saying a personal “thank you” to volunteers.

If you are a volunteer in our community THANK YOU. To learn more about volunteering with The Salvation Army CLICK HERE.

Women Helping Women

2011-04-12T16:29:00.001-05:00

It is time!! Get your team together for this great annual event. The tournament will be an 18 hole, 4-person scramble format. Participants may select their own teams or allow our staff to place them. Sponsorships are still available from a $125 hole sponsorship to the $10,000 title sponsorship. To view the tournament brochure, click here. If you have questions about signing up a team ($500) or individual ($125) call Michael at 918-407-6885. I was very lucky to attend last year and I can assure you, a girls day on the golf course is full of fun!

~Lindsay

Mabee Red Shield Member to be a Duke Scholar

2011-04-08T15:46:00.001-05:00

The Salvation Army Mabee Red Shield Boys & Girls Club congratulates Dishon Liamore and his mother, Jessica, for Dishon’s PERFECT SCORE on the OCCT math exam and the resulting invitation to join the Duke University's Young Scholars Program. In addition to doing his homework at the club, Dishon often helps other club members with their homework - especially in math. All of the club staff, including Jerome Smith, unit director; Sam Berry, athletic director; Jamecia Marshall, program director; Miss LaDonna, Young Rembrandts teacher; and program aides Chasity McBride and Niva Grayson send Dishon their best!

-Sallie

Batter Up!

2011-04-08T13:18:00.000-05:00

Spring sports are in full swing at the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs with T-ball and Coach Pitch baseball already underway at three clubs. The first game of the season is Monday with North Mabee playing at O’Brien Park at 6 p.m.

At the Mabee Red Shield Club, Athletic Director Sam Berry has kids ages four through six playing T-Ball and ages seven to nine playing Coach Pitch. For more information, call the club at 918-834-2464.

West Mabee Club Director Jamar Giddings has 15 kids playing T-ball. He’s still accepting kids in the program and said that if he gets any more, he’ll split the kids into two teams. He can be reached at 918-582-4237.

The Sapulpa Boys & Girls Club’s T-Ball team for ages four through six has been practicing and their first game is Sat., April 16. In late April, Sapulpa will start baseball and softball tournaments for all ages. For more information call Athletic Director Teresa Bowers at 918-224-4415.

North Mabee Athletic Director Kenny King said he hopes to have three teams this year with pre-K thru second graders playing T-ball, fifth and sixth graders playing Coach Pitch and Middle School students also playing Coach Pitch. For more information, call the club at 918-425-7534.

-Sallie

Tulsa Boys & Girls Clubs Honored at State Banquet

2011-03-31T12:12:00.000-05:00

Jean Smith was named Outstanding
Administrator for Boys & Girls Clubs
in Oklahoma

Alex Walker (see below) isn’t the only one who walked away with some wonderful awards given recently at the annual Youth of the Year Boys & Girls Club State Banquet in Oklahoma City. Jean Smith, administrator for all the Tulsa clubs, won the Outstanding Administrator award for the state. “Jean totally deserves this award. She always goes above and beyond her responsibilities. Plus, she’s a great sounding board for me to run ideas by,” David Litterell, Tulsa Boys & Girls Clubs Executive Director said.

Greg Parker won Outstanding Contribution
to the Profession and his "Totally Fit Tuesdays" won
Outstanding Fitness Program

Greg Parker, Unit Director of the Sand Springs Boys & Girls Club, won the Outstanding Contribution to the Profession award and a program his staff created won the Outstanding Fitness Program award. “Totally Fit Tuesdays” in Sand Springs addresses the issue of childhood obesity by teaching kids about nutrition, staying active and handling stress. Totally Fit Tuesdays was created and is taught by program aides Mary Bedhtold, Nathan Nevers and Jennifer Bryant. “The younger you can teach kids about healthy habits the better,” Greg said. Let’s hear it for Jean and Greg!

-Sallie

18th Annual Daddy's Invitational Tournament

2011-03-30T15:24:00.000-05:00

We hope you will join us for this great annual event. Click image to enlarge!

Tulsa Kid is STATE Youth of the Year!

2011-03-30T09:45:00.000-05:00

Broken Arrow's Alex Walker, Oklahoma's Youth of the Year,
with Governor Mary Fallin

For the first time in over a decade, a young person from a Tulsa area Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club has won the state Youth of the Year contest, qualifying him for the regional competition. Alex Walker from the Broken Arrow Boys & Girls Club competed with kids from six Oklahoma clubs to take the honor. After being selected as Tulsa’s Youth of the Year, Walker had to wow the judges at the state level. All of the Youths of the Year gathered in Oklahoma City last Tuesday to hear Governor Mary Fallin make a speech and meet the other young people. Walker, an Eagle Scout, distinguished himself with good grades, involvement with the BA club and many community activities. “But what made Alex stand out here at our BA club was how the other kids responded to him. He is a leader and has compassion for those who need extra help. Alex has a servant’s heart and wants to make a difference in someone's else's life,” Janis Fraley, BA unit director said. Congratulations Alex!

-Sallie

Chili Yum Yum

2011-03-28T11:05:00.002-05:00

Click to enlarge. Hope you can join us!

Eat Pancakes for a GREAT Cause!

2011-03-25T11:59:00.003-05:00

Celebrate Boys & Girls Clubs, Volunteer!

2011-03-22T16:30:00.000-05:00

It's National Boys & Girls Club Week! Every year across the country hundreds of communities celebrate all that Boys & Girls Clubs are doing for local youth. This year, why don't you celebrate by volunteering at your local club?

Want to play with kids, make a difference, and do the most good? Come volunteer at a Boys and Girls Club. There are 6 Boys and Girls Club locations in the Tulsa area to chose from. Call the Volunteer Coordinator, Rhonda McDaniel, at 918-587-7801 x113 for more information.

Boys & Girls Club Locations:
Mabee Red Shield - 1231 N. Harvard, Tulsa;
North Mabee - 3001 N Cincinnati, Tulsa;
West Mabee - 2143 S Olympia, Tulsa;
Broken Arrow - 1400 W. Washington, Broken Arrow;
Sand Springs - 4403 S. 129th West Ave., Sand Springs;
Sapulpa - 1721 S. Hickory, Sapulpa.

Opportunities for Individuals:

Bus Ride Along- Connect with and encourage kids before and/or after school while on the Boys & Girls Club bus (no driving necessary).
Commitment: School Year (at least once a week)
Hours: 1-2 hours either before or after school, starting 30 minutes before the beginning/end of day. Hours vary based on school.

After School Program Volunteer- Help coordinate projects and play with children during the after school programs.
Commitment: minimum of 1 day per week for 2 hours.
Hours: 3:30-5:30

Summer Day Camp Counselor- Be a model for team work and help campers have FUN in a safe environment.
Commitment: First Day of Summer to Last Day of Summer (must work at least one day a week for a half day or more)
Hours: 8AM-6PM (flexible)

One Time Opportunities for Groups:
Clean-Up Crews- help keep the clubs beautiful and safe for kids.
Commitment: One day, average 2-4 hours

Youth Outreach Groups- bring your youth group to do a skit, drama or teaching and/or just to play with the kids for a half or full day during summer day camp.
Commitment: One day, minimum of 2-4 hours

To sign for any of these opportunities, call 918-581-7801 x113 or e-mail Rhonda.

Systems Manager & Tutors Needed!

2011-03-16T14:58:00.004-05:00

Positions Available, read below for more information!

~~Systems Manager~~
Full-Time

Monitors, troubleshoots, and maintains the day-to-day operations of all Tulsa Metro locations to keep computer hardware and software at an optimal level of functioning. Plans and performs installation of new computer equipment. Coordinates schedules and leads training classes and provides individual training sessions for end-users. Researches and purchases new PCs, peripheral equipments and applications. Monitors, troubleshoots and maintains the telephone systems, fax machines, copiers and postage meter and security systems.

Special Knowledge, Skill and Ability Requirements:
Knowledge of the principles and practices of computer programming logic. Knowledge of operating system and data base capabilities, installation and maintenance. Knowledge of the capabilities of microcomputers and peripheral devises. Operation and application knowledge of the following: MS Windows Operating Systems, XP, Lotus Notes, Vista & Windows 7, knowledge of MS office including Access, printers/copiers troubleshooting, software and phone systems maintenances. Ability to meet attendance requirements and to read, write and communicate the English language. Lifting up to 50 lbs, travel, walking, and standing.

Education and Experience Required:
Two years college or technical school degree in Computer Science or related filed. Three years progressively responsible experience selecting, installing, troubleshooting and repairing a variety of computer information systems and computer environments common to the Salvation Army. Or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

ACT Program Tutors (Math ~~& English~~) North Mabee Boys & Girls Club
Appx. 6 hours per week

Brief Description of Duties and Responsibilities:

Prepare high school students for college entrance exams by tutoring reading comprehension, composition, math, science, and grammar skills; provide peer counseling, basic skills testing, and evaluation
Assess students’ testing strengths and weaknesses
Teach good study habits and test-taking skills
Teach research strategies for identifying appropriate colleges, trade schools or vocational training, and identifying appropriate scholarships and financial aid
Assist students to apply and qualify for National Merit and National Achievers scholarships
Use technology and the Internet to support studying, tutoring and research
Compile statistical data on attendance, academic progress and test scores

Special Knowledge, Skill and Ability Requirements:

Ability to teach youth in a classroom setting
Ability to motivate youth and manage behavior problems.
Self-motivated and creative
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Strong computer skills
CPR and First Aid certification

Education and Experience Required:

Four-year teaching degree in Math or English from an accredited college or university

If interested in either position, please send resume to Kyky Kanyiki at Area Command Human Resources, 924 S. Hudson, Tulsa OK 74112 or email to kyky_kanyiki@uss.salvationarmy.org

Youth of the Year Announced

2011-03-12T13:40:00.002-06:00

I was honored to attend the Youth of the Year event on Thursday night. The nominees were amazing and Mr. Alex Walker from the Broken Arrow Boys and Girls Club was the winner, earning a $2,500 scholarship! Ms. Niva Grayson from Mabee Red Shield Boys and Girls Club was the runner up earning a $1,000 scholarship. I will update this blog on Monday will all the info about other nominees and the amazing keynote speech by Sean Kouplen of Regent Bank, but for now- enjoy the pictures!

~Lindsay

College Expensive, Scholarships Help

2011-03-09T13:42:00.001-06:00

As the parent of two kids in college, I’m familiar with the high cost of tuition and the importance of scholarships. The fun part as a parent was reading the kids' essays - I sometimes learned things I had never known! Two our girls won small scholarships to OSU and OU. Kids at our six Boys & Girls Clubs have been writing their essays and making speeches as part of the Youth of the Year competition and the winner will be revealed at the banquet Thursday. The kids are judged on character, leadership and personal development. These kids have to show that they’ve “turned their aspirations into actions” according to Michael Dishman, who is coordinating the event. The young person who is selected will be awarded a $2,500 Presidential Freedom Scholarship. The judges will also look at what personal obstacles the kids have overcome to achieve success. Stay tuned to see who wins!

-Sallie

EVENT: Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year Banquet, Thurs., Mar. 10 , 6 p.m., Tulsa Community College Creative Center, 910 S. Boston Ave, Tulsa. For tickets call Michael Dishman, 587-7801.

Spring Break at Boys & Girls Clubs

2011-03-04T14:58:00.002-06:00

Spring break is right around the corner! As usual our Boys & Girls Club directors have been super busy planning for a full week of activities! All six clubs will be offering affordable programs for kids who need a safe, fun and educational place to go. If you have been interested in getting your child involved in a Boys & Girls Club this is a great way to meet the staff and members at the club nearest you! Day Camps below are offered March 14-18, 2011.

Sapulpa will be offering a “Crazy” Day Camp consisting of fun activity days like: crazy hair, crazy socks and crazy outfit days! Campers can be dropped off each morning as early as 6 a.m. and must be picked up by 6 p.m. The cost is $80 for the first child (discounts for additional children). Field trips are included but children will be required to bring their own sack lunches. 1721 S. Hickory, 918-224-4415

Mabee Red Shield will offer field trips to Oklahoma City and roller skating as a part of their Day Camp. The cost is $60 for the week and they will be open from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. I have heard that their “Fun Day” at the club on Thursday is going to be a blast! 1231 N. Harvard, 918-834-2464

North Mabee will offer a fun Day Camp as well. Field trips are currently being planned but you can bet they will be fun, just like all the other year-round activities at this Club! The cost will be $35 and kids will need to bring their own lunches. Children can be dropped off after 7:30 a.m. and picked up before 5:30 p.m. 3001 N. Cincinnati, 918-425-7534

West Mabee will partner with the staff at Mabee Red Shield for skating and the big trip to Oklahoma City. They are also planning to go to the movies one day! The cost for this camp will be $40 and kids can be dropped off after 8 a.m. and picked up by 6 p.m. 2143 S. Olympia, 918-582-4327

Broken Arrow will have lots of exciting activities for kids to do rain or shine. Two of the field trips are included in the $95 fee which is movie and skating. They are going Park Hopping on Tuesday and they need to bring a sack lunch and drink. Children must be a member which is $35.00 for a year. If they only need one or two days that week it's $25 per day, non members add $2. Kids can be dropped off as early as 7 a.m. and need to be picked up by 6 p.m. They need to bring a sack lunch, swim suit and towel. 1400 W. Washington, 918-258-7545

Sand Springs is offering their Day Camp from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at a cost of $90. Kids will enjoy playing indoors and out at this great facility. Children should bring a sack lunch and must be dropped off after 7 a.m. and picked up before 6 p.m. Field trips will include a trip to go roller skating and a movie outing.4403 S. 129th W. Ave., 918-245-2237

This is just a brief synopsis of what each Club is doing, make sure you call for more details if you are interested!

~Lindsay

United Way: Helping All Kinds of People, Including Me

2011-03-02T16:12:00.000-06:00

Arletta Robinson, director of
the Center of Hope, was selected
to give the invocation.

The fact that the United Way helps all kinds of people was abundantly clear at their annual luncheon held last Wednesday. Photographs of people of all colors and ages decorated the tables to illustrate the theme “The Faces of Giving.” TSA was represented in a photograph of Major Roy Williams on the stage backdrop. His smiling face was also on the program cover. Have you ever been helped by a United Way agency? My family has. My family is a typical middle class family but we've been helped by at least two United Way agencies. One is the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges, where I try to work out twice a week. I've worked out with a physical therapist because it's covered by my medical insurance, but I choose to go to the Center because they're better. Same thing with Youth Services. Many years ago, one of my children was having typical teenage problems. Because we have medical insurance, we could have gone to almost any counselor in Tulsa, but we found the most talented one was at Youth Services, a United Way agency.
Check out the United Way's agency list here, and you may be surprised how many great non-profits you'll find, maybe even some that you've used.
How many of you have been helped by a United Way agency? How many of you have been helped by the Salvation Army? I’m not asking for true confessions here, just the facts! How about sending some comments?

See more photos from the United Way, here.

-Sallie

TSA Area Command Moves

2011-02-28T15:53:00.000-06:00

Last week was our first week in our new building at 924 S. Hudson, the warehouse we used for the Christmas Joy Center, and it’s great to be settled again! Veronica Ramirez, our multi-talented business manager, orchestrated the move and it went amazingly well. We saved tens of thousands of dollars by packing and moving ourselves. Our awesome maintenance staff did all the heavy work. The Penloyd company used to be in this building, and we are temporarily located in their old offices. We’re taking bids for a build out in the warehouse for our permanent offices. Penloyd made glass display cases for Dillards and other glass products, so we have a beautiful round glass door, glass brick and etched glass walls. Lindsay and I are in an office that was carved out of the former warehouse break room and freshly painted. It features a mirrored column, come visit us and we’ll give you a tour! Bring cash :)

-Sallie

Fun on Facebook

2011-02-23T10:21:00.000-06:00

Wow, it has been a crazy week but we are all settled in our new building at 924 S. Hudson! Sallie will be writing a post all about that adventure in a few days. Right now I wanted to update you about a fun game on Facebook that raises funds for our Emergency Financial Assistance program. American Electric Power (AEP/PSO) has designed a "match" game that allows users to raise money for their Light a Life program by playing a simple game. With a fun Valentine's Day theme the game shows you exactly how much money will be donated because you took the time to play.

Since 1986, PSO customers have had the option of donating a little extra on their electric bill and that money is donated to its Light A Life energy fund program, which is administered by The Salvation Army.

I played a few rounds (yes, this particular internet game counts as work) and I raised nearly $5.00 in just a few minutes, plus the game changes each time you play, so it doesn't get easy or boring. Come on readers, I know you will all check your Facebook multiple times today alone, why not take the time to help us out financially each time you do so? The Make a Match game will be up until the end of the month and AEP/PSO will donate up to $5,000 to Light a Life. This money is desperately needed as the early February blizzard has resulted in very high gas/electric bills for local residents who struggle to make ends meet.

“If you Make a Match at the PSO Facebook page, the company will make a contribution to help low-income customers who have difficulty paying their electric bill,” said Tiffini Lyda Kelley, PSO Community Affairs manager.

So, go play Make a Match and raise some money!

~Lindsay

Army of Stars to Be Held March 12

2011-02-21T13:23:00.001-06:00


Captain Patrick Gesner with autographed Dallas Cowboys football

It's time again for Sand Springs annual Army of Stars Benefit. This event will feature KOTV-Channel 6 anchor and veteran news man Scott Thompson as the keynote speaker. Scheduled for Sat., Mar. 12 the event will be held to raise money for the Sand Springs Boys & Girls Club, which offers sports, after school care and arts education for local youth.

Last year, the inaugural year for the event, more than $16,000 was raised. These funds supported programming for hundreds of members throughout 2010. Teressia Kehr, the event chair, said the goal is to raise $20,000 this year. The event will feature a live auction, which will include a Dallas Cowboys laser engraved autographed football from the Gene & Jerry Jones Family Dallas Cowboys Charities.

The dinner will be held at the Boys & Girls Club, 4403 S. 129th West Ave in Sand Springs. The Army of the Stars will start at 6 p.m. so guests can enter the silent auction. A live auction will also be held and the event will end around 8:30 p.m. To make reservations or to sponsor this fun event, call the Sand Springs club at 245-2237.

~Lindsay

BA Fashion Show to be Held Feb. 25

2011-02-10T11:38:00.002-06:00


2009 Models from Broken Arrow's Annual Fashion Show

At The Salvation Army of Broken Arrow, we are getting ready for our Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon to be held on Fri., Feb. 25th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Forest Ridge Golf Club, 7501 E. Kenosha, in Broken Arrow. We’ve named this year’s event Petals & Purses, and it will feature fashions from Maurice's and other local shops. The clothes will be modeled by local celebrities from TV and radio stations. We will also feature silent auction items, including floral arrangements. Tickets are for sale at the Salvation Army of Broken Arrow, 1400 W. Washington. The cost is $50 per person. Table sponsorships are also available upon request. All proceeds will benefit The Salvation Army of Broken Arrow. Please contact Samantha Grammer or me at the Broken Arrow Salvation Army at 258-7545 for additional information.

-Lt. Jamie Clay

TSA to Assist with MVP Weekend

2011-02-08T13:16:00.001-06:00

The Salvation Army Tulsa Command will assist with the Felix Jones “Running Back to Make a Difference” foundation’s MVP (Most Valuable People) Weekend, scheduled for June 23-25. The foundation supports an ACT prep course at the Salvation Army North Mabee Boys & Girls Club. The announcement was made at the first MVP Host Committee meeting, chaired by Damario Solomon-Simmons, another North Mabee alumnus, who is an attorney for Jones.

The meeting was also attended by North Mabee alumni Rocky Bright and Gordon Marshall , and TSA grant writer Rosemary Brown. This is the third MVP weekend that Jones, a running back for the Dallas Cowboys and alumnus of the Salvation Army North Mabee Boys & Girls Club, has held. The purpose of the weekend is to raise money and awareness to benefit Tulsa’s inner-city youth. TSA will provide public relations support for the weekend and breakfast for the high school athletes who participate in the football training camp held Sat., June 24.
-Sallie

How to instantly lose 20 lbs.? Have your picture taken with four large (and very nice) athletes! Damario played football for OU, Marquay played basketball for ORU, Rocky played football for OU and Marshall played football for TU.

Shelter Prepares for Next Storm

2011-02-07T20:01:00.003-06:00

Center of Hope Food Services
Manager Shannon Deever is
keeping her spirits up
despite the storm.

Center of Hope employees who had stayed overnight at the shelter last week finally got to go home over the weekend, if only to do laundry and gather their overnight gear to prepare for the next storm - due Wednesday. All things considered, staff and guests are coping well with 300 plus people staying overnight and feeding more than 1,000 meals every day. The center is prepared to feed people for another week, regardless of the weather, said Arletta Robinson, Center of Hope director. But donations are needed for replenish the pantry staples that have been used up.

Saturday and Sunday, KJRH-Channel 2 ran a story about texting donations to us for replenish the pantry. “At home, you replenish your pantry a little at a time. We don’t have that luxury here,” Arletta said. One challenge has been that the truckloads of fresh food that are usually delivered weekly couldn’t make it last week. “We all got really excited when we saw the milk truck today,” Arletta said. Although supplies are getting low, spirits are holding up well. Arletta said that she has received only two reports of guests fighting or complaining about each other. “Homeless people aren’t stupid. This is killer cold and they know they have to pull together,” Arletta said.

Text “TULSA” to 85944 to make a one-time $10 donation to the Tulsa Salvation Army. Make sure you confirm your donation.
-Sallie

Center of Hope Coping Well with Storm

2011-02-04T14:50:00.001-06:00

On Day Four of Snowpocolypse 2011, the Center of Hope staff members and guests continue to cope with the winter weather by working together, said Arletta Robinson, director. "We're operating with a skeletal staff who are staying overnight at the Center of Hope and working in shifts. Also, with the bad weather our guests have stepped up and are helping in any way they can," Arletta said. Our food supply at the homeless shelter and social services center is also holding up well, although we could use some donations to replenish the food we’ve used up. "We plan ahead for situations such as this, so we have plenty of food. Thursday we served 1,300 meals," Arletta said. The number of overnight guests has also risen, with 368 the highest count since the storm started.

I often get asked if we could use donations of blankets, coats and food. We already have blankets for our guests, but we could use some coats. We'll make sure the people who need them get them. We can't use donations of small cans of food (like we collect at Christmas) because it takes more staff members to open them, but we can always use donations of food in bulk. If you’d like to donate, remember you can text "TULSA" to 85944 to donate $10 and we will Do the Most Good with your gift. Stay warm!

-Sallie

Salvation Army Prepares for Winter Storm

2011-01-31T16:07:00.007-06:00

Photo courtesy of www.thesouthernfamily.net
Aubree Southern

Salvation Army facilities in metro Tulsa and Sand Springs are preparing for the winter storm that is expected to bring record-cold temperatures and precipitation to the area tomorrow.
The Center of Hope, the largest homeless shelter in northeast Oklahoma, is prepared for record numbers of overnight guests. An average of approximately 300 people stay at the shelter every night. Almost 1,000 hot meals are served every day at the shelter on average. Cold weather and precipitation are expected to greatly increase these numbers over the next few days.
The Salvation Army mobile feeding unit based in Tulsa is prepared to serve 5,000 hot meals a day. The Salvation Army Sand Springs Corps and Boys & Girls Club is on standby to open as a warming station and can accommodate up to 100 overnight guests if needed. Supplies are ready to be picked up at the Emergency Operations Command at 924 S. Hudson by Salvation Army units as far as Muskogee. Warming stations will be open at Salvation Army facilities across the state, including in Stillwater, Bartlesville and Lawton. Stay warm!!
-Sallie

Share this information:

Warming and shelter available at 102 N. Denver
Tulsa, OK (918) 582-7201

and

Warming and shelter at 4403 S. 129th W. Ave

Sand Springs, OK (918) 245-2237 (Call first)

Salvation Army & Cox, a Great Team

2011-01-28T15:57:00.001-06:00

If you watch cable TV you have likely seen this commercial already. Captain Patrick Gesner appears in a 30 second public service announcement (PSA) thanking Cox Communications for helping the Tulsa community through The Salvation Army. Cox employees rang bells during the holidays for a week last year, and they help The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club year round.

-Sallie

Bell Ringers Accept Trophies

2011-01-27T13:12:00.000-06:00

A family eating dinner at the Center of Hope. A little girl getting her first ballet lesson. A homeless person sleeping in a warm bed instead of under a bridge. What do all of these people have in common? They are being helped because someone rang a bell for the Tulsa Area Command of The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army Kettle Campaign not only helps fund Christmas gifts and food for 3,000 needy families, it helps funds programs throughout the winter. The Kettle Campaign raised $608,000 in 2010, more than seven percent higher than the $565,000 goal. The city’s top bell ringers recently gathered at the Tulsa Area Command to receive recognition for their exceptional efforts. They were congratulated by Captain John Robbins of the Citadel Corps and by Rhonda McDaniel, volunteer coordinator. The first place winner for the One-Day-One-Door competition, Johnny Wasovich, was out of town for the ceremony but it was announced that he raised $934. A high point in the ceremony was when Jimmy Ober, a Tulsa firefighter, co-presented the traveling trophy for bell ringing to Cpl. Scott Anderson of the Tulsa Police Department. The two organizations have developed a pattern of exchanging the trophy every year. Click "Read More" to see photos of all our winners!

1. Evan Wilbanks raised $595 through the Midtown Rotary in the One-Day-One-Door Competition.

2. Dr. Anthony Chayana, pastor of the International Gospel Center, accepts the trophy along with church member Jennifer Yeager. The church raised $710, second place in the One-Day-One-Door Competition.

3. The Kiwanis Club raised $1,521. Larry Henry accepts the trophy.

4. Salvation Army Advisory Board member Lou Ann Smith accepts the award for the Advisory Board which raised $1,698.

5. Tina Miller accepts the trophy for the Downtown Rotary that raised $4,101.

6. Tulsa Firefighters Local 176 representative Jimmy Ober presents the traveling trophy to Tulsa policeman Cpl. Scott Anderson. The TPD raised $908.

7. Megan Gaither, representing the Tulsa Talons, accepts the trophy for winning the Sports Celebrity contest. The Talons raised $275.

8. Members of the Union High School Football Team accept the trophy for raising $997.

Feeding the Need

2011-01-24T10:56:00.002-06:00

Last week the national office of The Salvation Army released a survey of our food programs across the United States. The 2011 Feeding the Need report contains info from more than 30 of our feeding programs, large and small, across the country. I read the report and instantly emailed the Center of Hope Director to find out how our needs in Tulsa compared to the national report. The answer? We are doing better, but not that much better.

If you want to read the full report you can do that here.

First, the recession officially ended in June 2009. If you feel like that was the month that things got better for you and your family, please comment below and count your blessings. To the rest of us, that date probably doesn’t mean much. I was laid off in July 2009 from a previously thriving non-profit, so the June date holds irony for me. The impact of this recession is still being felt by many in our country. Salvation Army food programs nationwide have seen an increase in new clients, ranging from middle-class families to the working poor, in addition to younger generations looking for work.

This wave of younger people and families looking for help has been noticed locally. At the Center of Hope, our shelter in Tulsa, the number of families checking in each day has been unusually high. The family sleeping quarters at the shelter are always full with many families having to separate into men’s and women’s dorms due to the lack of family spaces available. Last year at our shelter we had an average of 276 visitors staying in our shelter each night. This means that we had 100,847 overnight stays last year. This equals a 6 percent increase over 2009 and a 42 percent increase since 2006.

The increase in those seeking shelter has resulted in an increase in food needs as well over the past few years. Last year the Center of Hope served 297,316 meals. That is about 825 meals per day. In 2006 we were serving an average of 555 meals per day. This represents an increase of 49 percent for our food programs. This number astounds me because overall financial support has decreased not just in Tulsa, but across the country.

In 2010, nearly 60 percent of Salvation Army programs saw donations remain flat or decline from all funding sources, including government, public and private sources. Our 2010 fiscal year isn’t complete in Tulsa, but our funding streams are not increasing at the same level as the need for services. Kettle money was up at Christmas, so was the Neediest Families drive; however the amount of donations we receive in the mail was stagnant compared to previous years.

One thing I have noticed is the type of volunteers we are getting has changed. Nationwide, 23 percent of programs reported that volunteering rates increased in 2010, a sign that many Americans are beginning to donate time and talent instead of money. To me, this has translated into seeing older, professional volunteers giving more of their time in our offices. Over the last few months, we had one volunteer with a Masters degree who was unemployed work 40 hours a week for us. Amazing.

My summary of the report and our local perspective is this: it isn’t really getting better yet but I am very proud of all that The Salvation Army is doing nationwide to help. Although funding overall to The Salvation Amy was down 8.4 percent in 2009, our programs and services continue to respond to the need without decreasing quality or quantity. National Commissioner William Roberts noted in the report that nationally we served 64 million meals to the needy last year and we will continue to do so, even if it means going beyond our limits. That is the Doing the Most Good attitude we are so proud of at The Salvation Army!

~Lindsay

Life after Christmas...

2011-01-06T14:41:00.005-06:00

First of all, for all of you who check out our blog frequently and have noticed the shortage of posts recently, sorry. Life after Christmas around here is a time for catching up and resting (a little). That does not mean we haven't been busy though! Below is a recap of some recent news:

The Tulsa Women's Auxiliary raised more than $90,000 at their "Fantasy Christmas" luncheon. Well done ladies!

We lost a longtime employee. Wes is greatly missed.

The Neediest Families Fund had the most successful year ever. Thanks to the Tulsa World for featuring so many families in need.

The police and fire departments volunteered for a bellringing throwdown. Congrats to the Tulsa Police for their 2010 victory. Volunteers gave us 5,512 hours of their time this holiday season.

Brad Johnson from LawnAmerica spent 138 days walking the Appalachian Trail and raised $105,000 for Tulsa charities including us. Thanks Brad!

Major Roy Williams thanked Tulsa for their generosity on Christmas day.

Nearly 100 volunteers served hundreds of Christmas Eve meals.

Our #Tweet4Toys Twitter campaign got national recognition for using social media for social good.

Thousands of children are had a merry Christmas this year thanks to the Salvation Army's Angel Tree.

The Salvation Army mourns the loss of the 2009 Arkansas Oklahoma Division Man of the Year, Eddie Story.

From myself and the entire staff here at the Tulsa Area Salvation Army we hope you had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We are grateful for you.

~Lindsay

One Volunteer's Experience

2010-12-23T14:41:00.000-06:00

Merry Eve of Christmas Eve, everyone!

It’s been exactly one year since I volunteered with The Salvation Army over Christmas, and the experience is still as rewarding as ever. On Monday, I helped with Christmas distribution of Angel Tree presents, food baskets, and Toys for Tots. More than 7,000 Angel Tree gifts were donated and distributed, and more than 3,500 families were blessed with food baskets to supply their family with enough food to last them one week.

Every year, distribution is one of the events The Salvation Army organizes to help provide for thousands of Tulsa families during Christmas. Angels are chosen off of the tree, Tulsans go out shopping, toys are dropped off and sorted, food baskets are packed, and families come to get presents for their kids. Without the volunteers, the companies who donate the food, and the Tulsans who pick Angels off of the tree, none of it could be possible.

It is so cool to see the smiles on parent’s faces when they receive presents, stocking stuffers, and a Christmas dinner for their family. Without everyone stepping up and giving their time, many in Tulsa would go without. One of the best quotes of the entire weekend was from a mother, “I get all of this food? All of it? All of it is for me?” And she only received all of it, because of The Salvation Army and its volunteers.

So thank you, Tulsa ! I want to extend a sincere thanks to everyone who came out to help. And I’m sure all of the parents who are wrapping presents and preparing Christmas dinner would say the same.

I made a quick video from distribution, so you can see the behind the scenes like I did.

Happy Holidays,
-Liz

Half Krugerrand Found in Tulsa Kettle

2010-12-22T14:54:00.001-06:00

A gold half Krugerrand was found yesterday in a Salvation Army kettle.The coin, made of a half ounce of gold, is valued at $680. The kettle was located at at Reasor’s Foods at 15th and Lewis. Up until last year, a Krugerrand (an African coin made of an ounce of gold) was dropped in a Salvation Army kettle in Tulsa for the last 15 years. No one ever identified the person who contributed the Krugerrands. Last year, it was found in a kettle in Oklahoma City.

This coin was different from former Krugerrands given in Tulsa in that it was wrapped in a paper with “Merry Christmas” at the top, and typewritten lines from “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens underneath. In past years, the Krugerrand has been wrapped in a dollar bill.

“We are thankful to whoever the generous peron is who gave us the half Krugerrand, because every year Tulsans watch for it to appear in a kettle. But we are also thankful to every person who drops a coin or bill in the kettle,” said Major Williams. The Salvation Army bought gifts and food for 3,500 Tulsa families with contributions from the kettles and Angel Trees this year.

-Sallie

Thank you Monte Cassino

2010-12-10T14:51:00.000-06:00

We are so thankful for the 6th grade students at Monte Cassino who raised $12,000 to spend on angels from our Angel Tree. The kids even did the shopping themselves, amazing.

Check out this great story from the Tulsa World.

Merry Christmas!
~Lindsay

Cowboys & Mustangs Go to Orlando

2010-12-08T16:34:00.000-06:00

1. Families, friends and supporters gave The Mabee Red Shield 6th Grade Cowboys and North Mabee 5th Grade Mustangs a great send off to the AYF National Championship Games in Orlando.

2. Three generations of the Hobson family.

3. Mabee Red Shield girls made signs.

4. Some parents and siblings rode the bus to Orlando with their star athlete.

5. John Williams, Sr. and his son Jayson are taking the trip with Sixth Grade Cowboy Jonathan Williams. Other parents drove and flew to Orlando.

6. Mrs. Jo Bright, left, director of the North Mabee club, sent tutor Peggy Newsome so the athletes could keep up with their school work.

7. There were some excited boys on this bus.

8. Spirits were high among (clockwise from top) Joshua Dunbar, Jaylen Johnson, Jerrmain Moore and Tre-vion Folks, North Mabee 5th Grade Mustangs.

9.The bus driver was a good match for the teams - she said she had driven a school bus for 8 years before working for the bus line.

-Sallie

Stuff the KHITS RV with Toy!

2010-12-03T16:39:00.003-06:00

UPDATE:
Thursday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mikey B. with KHITS Morning Show will park their RV in the Owasso Walmart parking lot to make it really easy for shoppers to put a toy in the Stuff the KHITS RV promotion. Friday, Nard & Smigga will ask drivers, shoppers and anyone near the Tulsa Walmart at 66th & Memorial to stop and drop off a new, unwrapped toy. This is KHITS’ way of helping ensure that all the kids whose parents have signed up for Christmas assistance get what they want on Christmas morning! The Salvation Army will help an estimated 7,000 kids, so please Stop ‘n Stuff – we need all the toys we can get!

-Sallie