Sapulpa Boys & Girls Club instructors get creative

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

-Sallie

Learning Smart Moves

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

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

-Sallie

Project Able helps recovering addicts rebuild their lives

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

-Sallie

In praise of three gentlemen

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

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

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

-Sallie

National advocate for the homeless stops in Tulsa

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

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

-Sallie

Women's Leadership Council

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

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

-Sallie

Christmas coming to Sand Springs

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

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

-Captain Gesner

Make Your Mark, Help Feed the Hungry

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

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

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

-Rhonda, Volunteer Coordinator

Baseball team plays Dodgeball at West Mabee

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

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

-Sallie

Getting clean at the ARC

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

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

-Sallie

Voices of Hope – come back!

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

-Sallie

Embracing a chatty style

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

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

-Sallie

The Center of Hope: Serving without Discrimination

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

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

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

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

-Sallie

Meth Addiction and The Salvation Army

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

-Sallie

 

Meet the blogger - Lindsay

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

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

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

~Lindsay

Hooray for Day of Caring!

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

 -Sallie

3,000 people to register for Christmas assistance

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

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

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

View Larger Map

Tiny Dancers

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

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

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

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

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

~Lindsay

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!