Ballet or Football? Mabee Red Shield kids explore the arts

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

It's Corporate Angel Time

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

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

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

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!

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

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!