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!

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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!  

The Center of Hope

Today I wanted to take a minute to talk a little bit about our Center of Hope, many know it as the "homeless shelter" but really, it is a full service social service center. Here is some great information about some of the programs offered there EVERYDAY! 

Did you know? 

• The Center of Hope is the largest homeless refuge in NE Oklahoma with a capacity for over 500 and has separate living areas for single men, single women and families. Three daily meals are served for shelter guests.
• Nightly chapel services are available. Participation is voluntary.
• Primary physical and mental health care services are provided at on site clinics.

We offer Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA)

• Utility assistance (electric, natural gas, propane and water/sewer services)
• Limited prescription assistance is provided following the same application requirements for EFA. A current original prescription must be submitted with application.
• Restricted Travel Assistance is available to send “stranded” travelers safely back to their homes and employment. Application for Travel Assistance does not guarantee assistance will be available or approved.

Our Supportive Housing program helps to reduce the number of permanently homeless in Tulsa by:

• Teaching effective financial management
• Fostering healthy nutritional habits
• Strengthening families through parenting development
• Establishing solid family structures and values
• Developing desire to seek lifelong learning opportunities
• Acquiring, stabilizing and maintaining housing.

The PATHWAYS program has the goal to help those facing homelessness follow a clear path to self-sufficiency.

• Step One – Genesis
• The Genesis Program is designed as a starting point and is the guest’s opportunity for a new beginning.
• Step Two – Joshua/Ruth
• The Joshua/Ruth Program is designed to move the guest towards desiring and obtaining a fulfilling successful life.
• Step Three – Josiah
• The Josiah Program is designed to eliminate obstacles that guests experience which hinder progress towards housing stability.
• Step Four – Gideon
• The Gideon Program is designed for guests who work full time and are preparing to return to permanent housing.
• Goliath – This program complements Steps One through Four and is exclusively for guests struggling with addictions by focusing on proper treatment opportunities and recovery that leads to lifelong sobriety.
• Abraham – A Family Focused Program
• The Abraham Program is a life skills class designed for families, which provides guidance towards appropriate individualized housing placement in either on-site Supportive Housing or permanent housing.

Project Able is a program for single individuals who are HOMELESS and are willing to work towards self-sufficiency through employment education and skills training. It includes:

• Two-year supportive program (transitional housing)
• Comprehensive assessment of individual needs
• Individualized case plan developed by the individual and case management team
• Group sessions to specifically target problem areas
• Education and job training opportunities
• Intensive case management services including client-linkage, advocacy and coordination of services
• Assistance with basic necessities .

I hope you learned something about the Center of Hope that you didn't know! Have a great weekend!

~Lindsay

Keeping kids busy!

Almost everyday, I get the opportunity to talk to the staff at our 6 local Boys & Girls Clubs about what they are doing this summer, and I am blown away!! I wanted to share a short list of things the kids at some of the clubs have been doing in the last week or so.

At the North Mabee Club they had 100 kids show up for the first day of football practice! They also visited the Blue Bell Creamery in Broken Arrow and sent four of their kids to Space Camp at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum.  Today they are going golfing, tomorrow they will go skating and on Friday bowling! Think that is already a lot? They are also keeping up with their new vegetable garden and the kids have been picking cucumbers, squash and peppers!

Broken Arrow also has a pretty big list of activities! They have had an art day, went to Laser Quest, Dave & Busters and the water park in Muskogee! They even took a trip down the turnpike and spent a day at Frontier City! The list of "fun days" I got from Janis Fraley, Broken Arrow Unit Director, includes: Olympic Day, Bike Day, PJ Day, Splatter Day, Eat all Day-Day and so many more. Those kids are having some fun!

Sand Springs has not missed out on any of the fun, their kids visited Woolaroc, went to Incredible Pizza, visited the traveling planetarium dome, went roller skating and had a 50's day! Their upcoming events include going glow-putting and a 70's day! The Club is also hosting about 12 basketball games a week in the evenings and football practice just started!

In Sapulpa this week they have already taken 65 kids to the public pool and went skating with the Sand Springs kids. Today is "Ready, Set, Chill" day, the kids are wearing their PJ's all day and just "chilling out." They will be watching movies on the wall in the gym (their drive-in) and enjoying popsicles and popcorn, just a lazy camp day to escape the heat (I think I'm going to sneak over and join them)! Tomorrow they will be playing Laser Quest and on Friday it is Water Wars!

Doesn't it sound like these kids are having a great summer? Remember, our Boys & Girls Clubs are open year-round and depend on donations to help make sure ALL our programs are available to ALL children. To donate $10 to support The Salvation Army, text "TULSA" to 85944. Your gift will be used to make sure our programs are always available to those in need!

~Lindsay

Glass Flowers Bloom for Mabee Red Shield

About 20 kids from the Mabee Red Shield Boys & Girls Club recently learned how to create glass flowers at the Tulsa Glassblowing Studio. Young Rembrandts art teacher Miss LaDonna arranged for the Club’s older kids, counselors, counselors-in-training and staff to take the class.

The Glassblowing Studio is a non-profit organization, and it covered the cost of the kids’ tuition with scholarships. The class started with a professional glass artist demonstrating how to heat a metal rod with some glass on the end in a furnace. The students then dipped the glowing glass into different colored glass chips to form the stem. Afterward, the glass went back into the fire to melt the chips. In its heated state, the kids shaped petals with giant tweezers and pulled the glass to create a stem. Then the glass flower was put in a kiln to cool over several days. Students retrieved their artwork later to take home. Many thanks to Tulsa Glassblowing Studio staff for giving Mabee Red Shield an experience they will always remember!

-Sallie

July 8-9: “Invisible People” to Feature Photos of Center of Hope Guests

It’s not every day that our homeless guests staying at the Center of Hope are asked to model for a photo shoot, but that’s what happened about a month ago. Shadia Dahlal, a founder of the Tulsa Folkloric Dance Theater, was familiar with the Center of Hope because her son lived there last year. She was inspired to bring Tulsa’s homeless issue to the forefront through theatre, dance, and music in the Dance Theater’s annual production. In “Invisible People” large photographic portraits of the guests from the Center of Hope will be used as a backdrop during the performance. Shadia said she wanted to use “real people, living in Tulsa” for the photographs and we supported her effort. To thank the many guests who posed for photos, Shadia gave them keepsake portraits and a ticket to see the performance. To order your tickets for “Invisible People” go to  http://www.tulsapac.com/ticketoffice.asp.
-Sallie

BA Welcomes New Officers

Captains Mike and Lori Lucas started their new assignment in Broken Arrow last week and they are thrilled to be in BA. "Everything is so easy to find and I like all the amenities,” Capt. Lori said. Both Captains are also excited about working with the experienced and knowledgeable staff at the B. A. Boys & Girls Club. The Lucas family moved to the BA Corps after being the officers in charge of The Salvation Army in Ponca City.

The Lucas family includes Hannah,10; Mark, 9; Jacob, 7 and Gracelynn, 13 months. The couple had tried for years to have birth children, but each of four pregnancies before Gracelynn ended in miscarriage. They began the complicated process of adoption while serving in Ada, and had an instant family when they adopted a sibling group who was in foster care. “The process went so unexpectedly fast, it was a God thing,” Capt. Mike said. And just as amazing was when Capt. Lori gave birth to Gracelynn on June, 7th, 2010, whom they nicknamed “Miracle Baby.” The three older children are enjoying Day Camp at the Boys & Girls Club and Club Director Janis Fraley held a surprise open house at the Club last week to introduce the couple to the community. Welcome to the Tulsa Area Command, Lucas family. It’s good to get to know you!

-Sallie

Stay Cool at the Center of Hope

With temperatures in the triple digits and little hope for relief, here’s a reminder that The Salvation Center of Hope at 102 N. Denver is designated by the City of Tulsa as an official Cooling Station. That means anyone can stop by for a cool drink of water and sit in the air-conditioned lobby 24/7. The Center’s front desk employees have not seen many new guests coming in to cool off yet, but as air conditioners break down, this could change. Although the Center of Hope is a homeless shelter and social services center, a person does not have to be homeless to use its services during extreme weather. Remember, drink plenty of water and watch for signs of heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, feeling weak and/or confused, dizziness, nausea, headache and fast heart beat.  Stay cool!

-Sallie

Buffalo Wild Wings Helps Tornado Victims

Buffalo Wild Wings® Grill & Bar announced on June 22 that it will donate 10 percent of non-alcoholic sales to The Salvation Army’s Tornado Relief Fund. Tulsa location in Broken Arrow and Tulsa will be participating in this great event!

“We are always looking for ways to give back to our local community and hopefully help our guests as well,” said Kathy Benning, Buffalo Wild Wings® Executive Vice President Global Marketing & Brand Development.  “By offering 10% of sales on June 29 to The Salvation Army, Buffalo Wild Wings and our guests are supporting our friends and neighbors. We are confident that our combined efforts will greatly help the lives of those impacted by the recent horrific tornados.”

Over 400 restaurants are participating nation-wide including both Tulsa area locations. Guests can visit any participating Buffalo Wild Wings® on June 29 and 10% of the food sale will benefit The Salvation Army Tornado Relief.

“Buffalo Wild Wings’ dedication to service is a blessing.  Through this partnership, Salvation Army caseworkers and disaster response personnel will serve even more survivors as they rebuild their lives and homes.” Jeff Jellets, Territorial Disaster Coordinator for The Salvation Army.

Customers unable to visit a restaurant can also donate online at www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.

Personally, I love Buffalo Wild Wings! It has been too long since I visited one so I am super excited for this opportunity to enjoy my favorite wings and help The Salvation Army at the same time.  So, get a group together for lunch or load up your family for dinner, just go! I promise you won't be disappointed! 

~Lindsay

Mabee Red Shield Leaders Honored

It’s not often a person gets to be the warm-up act for sixties music legend Chubby Checkers, but that’s what happened Sunday. Well, kind of. Mabee Red Shield Boys & Girls Club Director Jerome Smith and Red Shield Athletic Director Sam Berry both took the stage at the Jazz Depot to be honored for their contributions to youth and music. The awards ceremony was the last in the Juneteenth celebration, held Saturday and Sunday. Leon Rollerson, MC and originator of the event, said Jerome’s work with the young people at the North Harvard Club was outstanding.

“A lot of people talk the game, but you do the game. You’re telling kids, not hundreds, but thousands of kids through the years, ‘we’re here for you’ and you are,” Rollerson said. When he recognized Sam, he said that 10 years ago there were 10-15 gospel groups performing in Tulsa and now there are only four or five. “You are the last of the gospel singers and you’re passing it on to the kids,” he said. Rollerson teased the audience by pretending to introduce several celebrities during the event, then saying they couldn’t make it to Tulsa. So by the time Chubby Checkers was introduced, the audience was prepared to be let down. Instead, Mr. “Let’s Do the Twist” took the stage to wild applause. But for The Salvation Army, parents and kids, Jerome and Sam deserve the most applause for hanging in there, year after year. No one-hit wonders at Mabee Red Shield! Congratulations Sam and Jerome!

-Sallie

Good Turnout for Fun Day

Approximately 150 visitors, parents and kids showed up at the Mabee Red Shield Boys & Girls Club Saturday for “Fun Day,”   according to Jerome Smith, the Club’s Director. The purpose of Fun Day was to showcase the many activities the Club offers to attract new members. Participants were offered a variety of activities including sports, arts and lunch. Despite temperatures of 97 degrees, football enthusiasts learned new moves in a mini clinic while the StarZ Dance Team performed in the gym. North Mabee Athletic Director Kenny King flipped burgers on the grill and kids had their faces painted by Young Rembrandts representatives.  Parents talked to reps from the Boy Scouts, H&R Block, Pratt College and Mary Kay. Young kids enjoyed a Jupiter Jump while moms and grandmas listened to Red Shield Athletic Director Sam Berry and a member of his gospel quartet sing gospel music. Many thanks go to KJAMZ 105.3 radio for promoting Fun Day on the air. And thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make Fun Day a smashing success!


  -Sallie

Wanted: Couch Potatoes

To get couch potatoes off the sofa and into fitness, the Broken Arrow Boys & Girls Club has begun an “After Hours Sports” program at the Club on 1400 W. Washington. On Mondays from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., all ages can play volleyball. Tuesdays, also 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Men’s League meets for basketball. Kids ages 13 to 16 get to play basketball on Thursdays, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Friday evenings, all ages play rugby from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. All of the Sports Night programs cost $2 a night and participants must be a member of the BA Club to attend.

Boy Scout Troop 995: Heroes in BA

You might have seen them serving food at the BA Bouncin’ Barbecue. Maybe you were there when they conducted a flag ceremony at an awards dinner. They might have handed you a cup of water at the BA Family Triathlon. They are the members of Boy Scout Troop 995 and they are heroes to the Broken Arrow Boys & Girls Club. Just ask a Challenger kid. The Challenger program is designed for developmentally disabled kids to participate in activities at whatever level they can. Troop 995 members help the Challengers in their swimming and art classes.

From left at the Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast are: Lt. Russell Clay; Alex Walker, Troop 995 member and State Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year; Tammy Pinley, Scout Leader; Janis Fraley, BA Boys & Girls Club Program Director.

Troop 995 leader Tammy Pinley added up the troop's volunteer hours and estimated 300 hours, but that’s probably low. “The troop gives The Salvation Army a tremendous gift of time, especially when you consider that they are in school most of the day,” said Rhonda McDaniel, volunteer coordinator. Last Christmas, Tammy and another leader, Mike Hall, put in five Saturdays, 12 hours each day, taking hot chocolate and snacks to the Scouts while they served as bell ringers last Christmas. They raised $9,000. Only one Troop 995 member could attend the recent Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast because the rest were in school, so here is your shout out: The Broken Arrow Salvation Army loves you and could not do the good they do without your help! 

-Sallie