Women Helping Women

 

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

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!

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. 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

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

 

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

Tulsa Kid is STATE Youth of the Year!

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

 

Click to enlarge. Hope you can join us!

Eat Pancakes for a GREAT Cause!

Celebrate Boys & Girls Clubs, Volunteer!

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!

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.

Youth of the Year Announced

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Feeding the Need

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.

Life after Christmas...

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

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

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

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