Hunger and the Holidays

Although we haven’t yet celebrated Thanksgiving, we are already being surrounded by the sights and sounds of Christmas. Music, advertising, decorations, gift guides; even the Salvation Army has begun its preparation for Christmas. From Angel Tree registration to Bell Ringing schedules and much more, we are well in the midst of our favorite season.

But what about those for whom the holidays aren’t that special: The homeless man crossing the street in the bustle of holiday shoppers; the mother in the grocery store among shoppers buying holiday specialties, while she cannot afford a loaf of bread or a jug of milk?

It is heart breaking to hear stories of Daniel, a single father of a 10-year-old boy who has been struggling since he lost his executive level job. He tells us he has no money and no food and that his electricity will soon be turned off. He is worried his son will spend Christmas sitting in a cold, dark house.

For Daniel, and thousands of families in our community struggling through personal economic crisis, hunger is a dark shadow, always looming. And during this festive Christmas season, it is even harder. Will this be the Christmas where there is no tree, no special dinner, no presents?

But you CAN help. You CAN hold a CANNED food drive to help stock the pantry of The Salvation Army so we can provide a basket of food to Daniel and the thousands of families who will come through our doors to receive Angel Tree gifts. Whether it is at your business, your church, your child’s school or even at your family’s Thanksgiving gathering, anything helps.

Or, you CAN hold your own private drive!

Help us turn this.....                                         

 .... into THIS!

It’s easy! As you go about shopping for Thanksgiving, your Christmas season dinners and parties or just your typical grocery shopping, pick up something extra. We need canned, non-perishable goods and we while we won’t be picky, we especially need canned vegetables, beans, pumpkin, fruit, soup and peanut butter.

Then, bring those cans of food to the west entrance of The Salvation Army Joy Center, 924 S. Hudson, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, (not Nov. 28 or 29!) through Dec. 6, you’ll be putting a little more “merry” into someone’s Christmas.

-DJ

Holiday Volunteer Opportunities 2013

Tis the season! 

 For many people the holiday season is still far, far away. But here at the Salvation Army we have been gearing up for Christmas since July! If you are like us and already have holidays on the brain, we are now accepting volunteers!

   Great for parents and kids to do together!  

Every year thousands come out and help us with a variety of volunteer opportunities, such as: Bell-ringing, Angel Tree Booths, Gift Sorting, Meal Serving, Christmas Distribution, Food Sorting, Food Packing and more.

We hope you will be one of them!

To register for any of these great opportunities click here!

2nd Annual Winter Wonderland Experience 

                            Toy Shop!                             

I am so excited to announce our Winter Wonderland Experience was a huge success last year and we are thrilled to be continuing it again this year! Every year hundreds of volunteers come through our doors during the Christmas season, but most only participate in one holiday opportunity and never get to see all of the efforts taking place to make Christmas wonderful for thousands of local families.

The Winter Wonderland Experience is a unique volunteer experience; you are able to choose how much time you'd like to give and we give you the opportunity to see what goes into creating Christmas joy for thousands in need.

Do you have a heart to serve a holiday meal, but would like to do more? Sign-up for our Snow Flake experience.

Outback Steakhouse employees serve Thanksgiving dinner!

Are you really excited about the season? Already started singing "Silent Night"? Then we have the perfect opportunity for you! Be our Snow Angel and kick off the holidays right with a wide range of holiday volunteer opportunities!

Check out the other wintery opportunities click here! to decide which best fits your holiday schedule. 

Each Winter Wonderland volunteer will receive a limited edition 2nd annual collectable t-shirt to wear while volunteering-- showing the world how special you are to us! You will also be invited to a VIP reception (in January) where you will be honored for your dedication to making The Salvation Army Christmas programs a success!

Spaces are very limited, so I hope to hear from you soon!

-Jenny

Voices of The Salvation Army

What do our voices reveal to a listener?  Do we sound friendly and empathetic or rushed and annoyed?  In this age of technology many business transactions are handled by phone.  Most times we know very little about the person at the other end of the line,and our voices play a large part in the message being conveyed.  In my position, one of my responsibilities is to receive credit card donations by phone, and occasionally I recognize a repeat name or voice almost like a past acquaintance.  A few weeks ago a gentleman called in to make a donation and we talked a little about the unusual spelling of his first name.  From his voice, I could tell that he friendly, elderly, and from Oklahoma and from my voice, he must have thought I was friendly at least.  About two weeks later, the gentleman called again to make another donation and I recognized his name which seemed to please him although he sounded a little melancholy.  He noted, “You remembered me from the last time we talked.”  We visited briefly about the strange Oklahoma weather, and then ended the call.  Last week, the gentleman called to make another donation and specifically asked for me. This time he remembered my name.  Of course, I recognized his name and voice once again.

He started the conversation by saying, “The Lord has blessed me and I want to share my blessing with you.” 

 He made his donation as usual, but then he started to tell me that he had lost his wife about eight months ago and although he had kids and grandkids he felt like a part of him was missing.   “She was the love of my life and I miss her so much.  People tell me this hurt will eventually end and I keep wondering when.”  My heart was breaking listening to his story.  I just hoped my voice conveyed the compassion I felt at that moment.  I told him if ever he wanted to talk to someone he could call me with or without a donation.  He said, “Thank you; I’ll remember that.”  I haven’t heard from him since then.

When we answer our phones, many times the calls are routine, but every-once-in-a while we encounter someone who needs to hear a genuine, “have a nice day, “ or, “we appreciate your donation,” or simply a genuine, “thank you.”  Our voices need to convey those words with sincerity because they do make an impression on those at the other end of the line.  It might make the difference between calling back with another gift to support the work of The Salvation Army or never hearing from them again, or possibly calling back to hear that someone remembered them.

-Ann
Donor Services Assistant
  

Tis the Season: Holiday Volunteer Dates!

HO HO HO! What? It’s just July, why are you talking like Santa? Well, because for us over here at The Salvation Army Christmas season has already begun and one of the most common questions we get is, when can I sign up for volunteering? Well, mark your calendars! 

We have the most-up-to-date list of our Holiday volunteer opportunities. Additional details will be announced on the September 9^th blog. 

August 19 ^th—September17 –Angel Tree Appointment Letters

September 18^th– October 11 –Angel Tree Registration

September 9-Thankgsiving Volunteer Registration Opens and additional details about volunteering will be posted on our blog!

October 1^st—Christmas Volunteer Registration Opens

November 22- December13-Angel Tree

November28-Thanksgiving Meal Service

December 2-18 –Toy Shop

December 7 –Food Sorting

December 14- Food Packing

December 19-21- Gift Distribution

If you are interested in volunteering for any of these opportunities contact Jenny McElyea, Volunteer Coordinator at 918 587 7801 or Jenny_McElyea@uss.salvationarmy.org

    ALSO: We have a large need for Spanish/English speaking volunteers! If you or anyone you know is bilingual please consider volunteering your talent this year!
-
-   --Jenny

Home Energy Aid Month Supported by PSO, Tulsa Shock

PSO, Tulsa Shock & The Salvation Army Form Team To Help Families

 Earlier this week, while it was close to 100 degrees outside, the air-conditioning unit in my car broke. It was awful!

I had to get it fixed quickly because I drive my two young kids around Tulsa everyday. It must be really difficult to sit in a home right now without an air-conditioning unit or a fan to stay cool. But this is the reality for some families who struggle financially.

            A unique partnership between Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO), the Tulsa Shock and the Salvation Army will help these families. The group is working together to raise funds for PSO’s Light A Life Energy Fund, which is administered by the Salvation Army. Light A Life provides emergency funds for those who need help paying their energy bills.  PSO and the Salvation Army formed this program back in 1986.   

            In addition, Three Tulsa Shock games in July will be dedicated to raising funds for Light A Life. A few fun surprises and events are planned for Shock fans during the games on the 19^th, 21^st and 25^th. The funds raised will be used throughout the year to help those needing assistance with their energy bills. 

Major James Taylor holds the Mayor's Proclamation

This partnership is part of Home Energy Aid Month, which brings awareness and donations to these programs. Governor Mary Fallin declared July “Home Energy Aid Month” in the state of Oklahoma. Mayor Dewey Bartlett did the same for the city of Tulsa (see pic).  PSO and other businesses in the area have agreed to match donor gifts during Home Energy Aid Month. 

PSO continues to be a community leader when it comes to helping neighbors. Without PSO’s support, it would be difficult for the Salvation Army to assist as many families. The Tulsa Shock is also showing loyalty towards its city by reaching out to help thousands of kids and families.  We appreciate having three Shock games to promote our mission. 

 It’s comforting to see so many people working to improve metro Tulsa! 

- Carrie

Boys & Girls Club Golf Tourney has new title sponsor!

Jim Glover Chevrolet Makes Huge Commitment to The Salvation Army        

Jim Glover Chevrolet is known as one of the most reputable Chevy dealerships in the state.  The dealership’s commercials are some of the most popular on TV, especially in the Tulsa area.  But Jim Glover Chevrolet also gives back to the community and shows a lot of generosity toward The Salvation Army and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Tulsa. 

Jim Glover Chevrolet is the Title Sponsor of the 14th Annual Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Tulsa Charity Golf Tournament. By doing this, the dealership is ensuring more kids get exposed to a safe, positive and nurturing environment by attending one of our six Clubs.

            $1,000 = Provides a Club membership and scholarship for one child to the after school               
                           program for an entire school year.

            $2,500 = Purchases snacks for 40 kids for six months.

            $5,000 = Pays for 142 Boys & Girls Clubs memberships

In addition to being the Title Sponsor of our Golf Tournament, Jim Glover Chevrolet is providing a car as a hole-in-one prize: the 2013 Camaro 2SS Convertible, valued at $45,000!! During our 2012 Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary tournament, we had a golfer hit a hole-in-one and received a free trip, so maybe someone will drive away in this new car!

This isn’t the first time Jim Glover Chevrolet has shown generosity toward The Salvation Army. For the past several years, the dealership has been a major Christmas supporter, donating thousands of dollars toward helping families in Tulsa have a good holiday. 

We appreciate the kindness of the staff of Jim Glover Chevrolet and appreciate all that they do to improve our community.   

-Carrie

Salvation Army helps people stay cool

Home Energy Aid Month raises money to help people pay for utilities

The Salvation Army has many programs that can make a huge impact on people’s lives. One of my favorites is Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA), which helps those who are facing financial challenges pay their utility bills.  We consider this a homeless prevention program.  It’s even got the attention of Mayor Dewey Barlett and Governor Mary Fallin who have declared July Home Energy Aid Month in Tulsa and the State of Oklahoma.

Home Energy Aid Month raises awareness of the program while helping us get more donations to ensure we can help everyone who needs it.  During the summer months, the funds we have to run this program start running low.  Some people have to choose between paying their gas/electric bill or their rent or food.  Each household can only receive assistance one time per year so the assistance does not create dependency, only offers them a hand up. The Salvation Army never pays all of the bill either, the customer must pay some of it.

EFA is funded primarily by donations to Public Service Company of Oklahoma’s Light A Life program, Oklahoma Natural Gas Company’s Share the Warmth program and Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company’s Lend A Hand program. We have several events planned for HEA Month including:


 *Bean Chowder Chowdown – Thursday, July 18th, 11am-1pm - For the second year in a row, the Center of Hope (102 N. Denver) will host the Bean Chowder Chowdown. For $7, people can get a bowl of bean chowder (recipe made famou sby Tulsa Public Schools), plus cornbread and a drink. Cinnamon rolls will also be available for an additional fee. This year, we are encouraging people to order take-out to get more businesses to buy for a group of people.

*PSO & Shock Partnership - July 19th, 21st & 25th – The Shock and PSO will hold various activities and fundraisers throughout these games to bring awareness to PSO’s Light A Life program and  Home Energy Aid Month. PSO is also providing 150 tickets to Boys & Girls Clubs members to the 25th game.

*Westlake Fan Discounts – The three Tulsa Westlake Hardware stores will donate several dozen box fans to The Salvation Army and hopes its customers will do the same. Westlake is offering discounted box fans for $16.99 in their stores for customers to buy and donate to us The promotion will run July 1-14.


-Carrie

Charity Golf Tournament scheduled for July 22

Felix Jones with North Mabee Mustangs

Tulsa Metro Salvation Army Boys and Girls Clubs will benefit

Some of the best professional athletes in Oklahoma first learned how to play their sport in one of our six Boys & Girls Clubs: Philadelpia Eagles running back Felix Jones and San Diego Chargers receiver Robert Meachem are just a few of them.  Now a group of businessmen and women are using a sport to raise money and awareness for our Clubs.
The 14th Annual Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Tulsa Charity Golf Tournament is returning to Tulsa County Club on July 22.  This year, golfers will get an opportunity to play on the same course as some of the best female college golfers. In May 2014, Tulsa Country Club will host the NCAA Women’s Golf Championship.
For the first time ever, the tournament will have a Women’s Division, which offers ladies-only teams a chance to win a separate title!
  

Golfers at the 2012 tournament

The Boys & Girls Clubs Charity Golf Tournament has two flights: the AM flight has a shotgun start at 8am, the PM flight begins at 1:30pm. Spots are still available in both flights.  Sponsorships ranging from a Hole ($200) to Gold ($2,500) are also still available.  A team entry is $800.  The entry fee includes a team photo, greens fee, cart, practice range, lunch, a complimentary gift and the awards celebration. Several door prizes will also be awarded, including a recliner from Mathis Brothers!
This golf tournament gets bigger and bigger each year and this is your opportunity to become a part of a great summer tradition for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Tulsa.
If you’re interested in sponsoring or entering a team, please contact me at carrie_salce@uss.salvationarmy.org or call 918-587-7801 ext. 121.

-Carrie

Passport to Manhood

Jamar Giddings is second from right.

Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club's special program popular

What does "manhood" mean to today's youth? For many boys in West Tulsa, it means toying with dropping out of school early, seeking friendship and leadership in gangs, and experimenting with drugs.

But one man is setting a different example. West Tulsa Boys & Girls Club director, Jamar Giddings, is a mentor and friend to many young men, welcoming them into his Club, but also his home.
For the past several years, Jamar (who we last saw at the Youth of the Year awards banquet with the 2013 Youth of the Year Anthony Wilson) has lead a program called "Passport to Manhood" and supplemented the lessons of the program with lots of one-on-one time, modeling fatherhood and manhood at his home and with his church family.

Passport to Manhood teaches a variety of basic life skills and lessons cover topics like:

• banking and checking/savings accounts
• hygiene
• job skills/resume
• self-esteem
• etiquette
• relationships/girls/respect, etc.

Caleb Green

The Boys & Girls Club curriculum can be tailored to a specific age group audience, which is generally either Elementary/Middle School (ages 8-12) or Middle/High School (13-18).


In addition to 'lessons' and one-on-one time, Jamar has been good to engage community members to come speak to the Passport guys. He's drawn from a variety of professions, from international sports professionals like Kelvin Sangel and Caleb Green, to Club alumni who are lawyers and bankers, like Lee Jones, formerly with BOK.

Jamar Giddings playing basketball.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Unfortunately, the curriculum that West Mabee has to work with is outdated (last purchased in 1999) and with new curriculum available, Jamar is hoping to relaunch the Passport to Manhood program and reach more boys than ever before. 

We hope to help him; just last week, I applied for a Passport to Manhood grant for all new curriculum and a program assistant. We won't hear back on the application for a few months, but we are moving forward with a basketball tournament with players from ORU to get kids over to the Club, and hopefully, get them on the right track to true manhood.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you would like to support Jamar's efforts to teach young men the art of being a man, you can call The Salvation Army Tulsa Area Command at 918-587-7801 to make a donation or donate online at: http://salarmytulsa.org/Home.

If you would be interested in speaking to a Passport to Manhood group on your area of expertise, call us! We would love to put you in touch with Jamar.

Please share this post with friends or family who may be interested in the program or in supporting the program!

-Vicki


 

Summer Day Camp packed with fun

Mabee Red Shield members at Woolaroc

Salvation Army Mabee Red Shield Boys & Girls Club ramps up program

The Salvation Army Mabee Red Shield Boys & Girls Club is almost too busy for me to keep up with. Every time I visit, I see kids having fun in a new program. Plus, Mabee Red Shield gets a lot of support from the community. For example, Ross Dress for Less Stores assisted with the Club’s Mother Day Tea and Cox Communications donated all the computers and equipment for the club to open up the Cox Technology Center this summer.

Maj.Jim Taylor learns a video game.

"The computers will go a long way in helping them to keep up their skills during the summer and keep up in school next year,” club director Jerome Smith said.

Club program Melissa Gruszeczki has several special summer classes planned. The older members get to take journalism class from program aide Crystal Mastandrea and create a newsletter which is sent home to parents. In “Sports Club,” athletic director Jason weeks coaches the older kids on teaching the younger kids organized sports.

“The older kids take it very seriously and get a lot out of taking responsibility to teach the younger kids the rules of the game,” Jason said. Program aide Anthony Hall is coaching the kids in track and field sports.

Volunteers from Ross at Mothers Day Tea

So far the club has taken field trips to the Blue Bell Ice Cream factory and Woolaroc. Fun activities scheduled for later this summer are an outing to see the Tulsa Shock play and a trip to Frontier City in Oklahoma City. I’m just sorry I missed the trip to Blue Bell – I heard there were free samples! –Sallie

Salvation Army National Doughnut Day Is Friday!

The Sweetest Celebration: National Doughnut Day

I prefer mine with maple or chocolate on top. My husband grabs the one with filling inside, while my son likes the Spongebob-shaped pastry. Everyone has a favorite type of doughnut and we have the Salvation Army to thank for the popular treat.

On Friday, June 7th, we celebrate the pastry on National Doughnut Day. This day commemorates the “doughnut lassies,” female Salvation Army volunteers who provided writing supplies, sewing, home-cooked meals, and of course, doughnuts, for soldiers on the front lines during World War I.

For the third year in a row, Merritt’s Bakery is showing its support of the Salvation Army by donating 10% of its doughnut sales on Friday to the organization. Merritt’s Bakery has three locations:  3202 E. 15th Street (near 15th & Harvard), 2832 E. 101st Street (near 101st & the Creek Turnpike) and 4930 W. Kenosha Street (near 71st & Garnett). This week, all three stores will also have small red counter kettles for people to toss their change into as an additional fundraiser.

Plan on celebrating Doughnut Day, while also making your co-workers happy by grabbing some doughnuts at Merritt’s Bakery on Friday!
-Carrie

Salvation Army Auxiliaries have busy month

Jake Law, Maj. April Taylor, Janet & Dave Rader, Maj.Jim Taylor

As we've received news today of yet another round of severe weather, I've felt a need to post something on the blog that's not related to the weather disasters. We'll keep you updated when there is news, but for now, let's take a break.

Dave Rader

The Women’s Auxiliary of The Salvation Army Tulsa Area Command and the Sapulpa Auxiliary recently held two events which went off without a hitch. I’m proud to say I had a small part in the Sapulpa event, the first event they’ve had in at least four years. It was their Spring Charity Auction & Dinner, which raised $17,000 for The Salvation Army Sapulpa Boys & Girls Club. Dave Rader, retired football coach from the University of Tulsa, was the keynote speaker. The event packed Freddie’s Steakhouse, in fact it was so packed I didn’t even get to attend, but thankfully, someone took these photos.

Majors Wendy Morris and April Taylor

The other event was the annual installation of the Tulsa Area Command Women’s Auxiliary 2013-2014 officers. In my four years as PR director, I’ve never attended such a fun luncheon for the annual installation. “Sassy Safari” was the theme and Major Wendy Morris, Coordinator of Women’s Ministries for the Arkansas-Oklahoma Division was the featured speaker. Major April Taylor and her assistant Tracy Hamilton had prepared framed prints of jungle animals for each auxiliary officer. Personally, I liked the otter the best: smart, persistent and waterproof – all good traits for an Auxiliary officer to have, especially considering that they are loyal volunteers, no matter what the weather! -Sallie