Mary's Letter

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

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

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

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

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!

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.

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

 

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