The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Boys & Girls Club will host the event to help raise funds for the education, sports, recreation, character development and arts programs at the club.

 The Harlem Ambassadors offer a unique brand of Harlem-style basketball, featuring high-flying slam dunks, dazzling ball-handling tricks and hilarious comedy routines.

 The Ambassadors feature non-stop laughs and deliver a positive message for kids wherever the Ambassadors play.

 “At our shows, we want the kids to know that they’re part of our team too,” Coach Ladè Majic said. “We invite as many kids as we can to come sit on the bench, have a front row seat during the show, and get involved in all of the fun stuff we do.”

 The Ambassadors set themselves apart from other “Harlem-style” basketball teams by working with local not-for-profit and service organizations and holding Harlem Ambassadors shows as community fundraising events. For Oklahoma City’s event the Ambassadors have partnered with The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Boys & Girls Club to help raise funds for the Boys & Girls Club programs.

 The Ambassadors have worked extensively with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Boys & Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters and American Red Cross as well as Rotary, Lions and Kiwanis clubs in communities throughout the U.S., and perform more than 200 shows a year. Those shows have helped raise millions of dollars – an accomplishment of which Ambassadors President Dale Moss is very proud.

 “It feels good to be able to provide quality entertainment and create memories that the fans will take with them,” Moss explained. “We’re able to give even more when we can help provide funding for a Habitat for Humanity house or new computers for the school library, and that feels great.”     

 Tickets are $10 and available at The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club, 2808 SE 44^th.  A limited number of special VIP tickets are $20.

· All earnings go to The Salvation Army of Canadian County Boys and Girls Club.

Okay, so we got some snow here in Oklahoma City, and luckily, the morning drive wasn’t as bad as we all predicted.

Still, this brings up a good point about winter weather. Despite our relatively mild winter so far, we are seeing some freezing temperatures and some wet, icy precipitation. This is a good time to review some winter safety tips.

Also, please remember that The Salvation Army and KFOR-TV are partners in Warmth 4 Winter. If you know ANYONE who needs a coat, please send them to our Social Services Office at 501 S. Harvey. Just walk in and get a coat – no questions asked!

Also, our shelters are open to anyone needing relief from this winter weather. Our men’s shelter is located at 330 SW 4th St. or call 405-246-1080.

For the rest of us, here are some simple tips to stay safe in the cold:

* During a winter storm, stay inside. If you don’t have to go out, then don’t.

* Keep batteries, blankets and fresh water available in case of power outages or burst pipes.

* Be very careful using fireplaces or space heaters due to increased fire risks or carbon monoxide poisoning. Might be a good idea to invest in a carbon monoxide detector.

* When outside, keep your head covered. A great deal of body heat escapes from the head. Also, keep extremities like noses, ears and fingertips covered. These areas are most prone to frostbite.

* Be careful not to exert yourself outside. Shoveling snow or pushing a car or other similiar activities can increase your risk of heart attack in extreme cold.

* Check on elderly and disabled neighbors and friends. They too run a higher risk of injury in severe weather.

God bless everyone, and enjoy your winter safely!

Want to help? Donate at 1-800-SAL-ARMY or www.salvationarmyusa.org

When anyone visits any charitable organization, they would see a hustle and bustle of work going on -some organized and some seemingly chaotic.

Frequently, if not consistently, the mountain of work far exceeds the time available and capabilities of employees for the particular organization.  Although most employees go far beyond what is expected of them by their employer, it is still not enough to meet the massive needs of their organization and the community they serve.

This is the point where many volunteers step up to the challenge to make a difference and provide that extra “oomph” in an attempt to serve the needs of the community.

The Social Services Department of The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command is no exception to the rule. With a limited paid staff of seven individuals, some of which are only part time or temporary employees, this department would not be able to demonstrate the level of commitment, sincerity and devotion to helping those less fortunate than ourselves without the massive support of its volunteers.

Volunteers to this organization include people from all walks of life.

Most are normal individuals like you and me that just want to do something for others.  Some are independently wealthy, while others are on welfare programs. Some are high school and college students who volunteer for credit that is required by a class that they are taking. Some are individuals that are assigned by the courts to complete a certain amount of community service.

Some are groups of retirees that want to help others as a group, while staying in contact with past co-workers. Some are members of our “Women’s Auxiliary” that devote countless hours as well as dollars to provide support to The Salvation Army, its clients and programs.

There are individuals that are either currently out of work or retired that want to contribute to the community by donating their time and special skills for various programs such as Utility Assistance, Warmth 4 Winter, Back to School, Food Pantry, Thanksgiving and Christmas programs, etc….

Without mentioning names, there is one special group of volunteers that have provided untold hours (thousands) as well as personal funding during the calendar year 2011 by taking a “personal ownership” of The Social Services Department of The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command’s Food Pantry. Although the food pantry functions without the aid of this group of volunteers, it has become much more efficient and organized with their guidance and efforts during 2011.

This family of volunteers has gone above and beyond what is hoped to be accomplished by most organizations’ volunteers. This group of volunteers includes about six individuals who, since March of 2011, have worked at the food pantry. They have cleaned; sorted, built shelving and assembled mobile racks purchased by the Women’s Auxiliary, totally re-organized the food pantry from what it used to be to become more efficient, and trained others in the community to be productive volunteers.

As many know, the shopping carts are an essential part of our food pantry service delivery system.  This group secured (30) shopping carts, which are used in our Social Services Department and during Christmas Ministry distribution. The carts help our clients, especially our senior citizen and disabled clients, to transport their food orders to their vehicle versus carrying them.

When they get bored with the hum drum of the food pantry, they can even be seen sorting and organizing the thousands of coats that are donated in the “Warmth 4 Winter” program.

We are fortunate to have many contributors to our mission. Please know we are truly grateful for every dollar, every can, every gift-in-kind and every volunteer hour received.

So the question of “Who Needs Volunteers” can be answered simply by saying that we all do. It goes without saying that The Salvation Army could not achieve its promise of “Doing The Most Good” without the efforts of all of our volunteers.    

THANK YOU!

Hundreds of volunteers help The Salvation Army be successful in “Doing the Most Good” for those in need.

On Monday, Jan. 30, the sizzle and spice of tacos filled The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma’s Red Shield Kitchen. More than 100 pounds of ground venison filled pans as large as a small cooler as Celebrity Chef Scott Leysath of the Sportsman Channel shows “Hunt Fish Cook” and “Dead Meat” prepared to serve 250 needy and homeless visitors something they’d rarely eat.

Sportsman Channel and Cox Communications teamed up to host a Hunt.Fish.Feed event in Oklahoma City at The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command.

 Special guest Scott Leysath of HuntFishCook prepared and served venison tacos.  Hunt.Fish.Feed., created by Sportsman Channel, is a unique outreach program that taps an underutilized food source—game meat and fish donated by sportsmen—to feed those struggling with hunger across America.  Oklahoma City’s event had 1,000 pounds of venison donated by local sportsman through the Mule Deer Foundation.  

“We are blessed and grateful to both the Sportsman Channel and Cox Communications for their outreach to citizens here inCentral Oklahomawho struggle daily with hunger,” said Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Commander Major Dan Proctor.

“Any donations of meat – especially those from our local game hunters – go a long way to helping us in our mission of ‘Doing the Most Good’ to those in the most need. We feed on average 80 to 300 people a day.”

Local taxidermist Terry’s Taxidermy donated the meat to us, and we wanted to share that processing of donated deer meat is only $20. All game meat that is processed through a USDA-licensed processor can be donated as an alternative meat source to local shelters.

So we had a party. A huge party. More than 200 visitors ate venison tacos to the sounds of The Salvation Army band. Cox volunteers served up the food, and Scott Leysath himself made those tacos some of the best we’ve ever tasted.

With that in mind, we thought we’d share the recipe with you guys! Enjoy:

VENISON TACOS

Serves 4

 2  tablespoons vegetable oil

1  cup onions, finely diced

1/2  cup bell pepper, seeded and finely diced

2  garlic cloves, minced

1  pound ground venison

1  14.5 ounce can diced tomato, with juice

3  tablespoons taco seasoning

1  tablespoon lime juice

3  tablespoons cilantro leaves, minced

8  warm flour or corn tortillas

1  cup shredded jack or cheddar cheese

1  cup tomato salsa

2  cups shredded lettuce or cabbage

 1.  Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add onions, peppers and garlic until onions are translucent.  Add venison and cook until evenly browned. 

 2.  Add diced tomato and taco seasoning.  Simmer for 10 minutes.  Stir in lime juice and cilantro leaves.

 3.  Spoon venison mixture into tortillas.  Top with cheese, salsa and lettuce or cabbage.

 Scott Leysath, The Sporting Chef, www.HuntFishCook.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oowlNRmNZc0&feature=youtu.be

Why is it so difficult for us as a nation to simply be happy? To appreciate all that our life offers and to maintain a smile in our hearts and joy in our souls.

For many, life is difficult. You and I both have times when we struggle financially or hit a down point or just get frustrated and angry. Even those we perceive as “rich” aren’t as happy as logic would dictate.
So what gives? What can we do to boost our joy and ramp up our appreciation for life.

There are ton of tips out there. Some of my favorite, which I try to practice every day, include:

* Practice Being Grateful. Loving and appreciating what you already have is a simple and fast way to improve your mood. I’m thankful that I have access to hot water each morning, I’m grateful that I have people in my life who love me, I’m grateful I have a satisfying job to go to and I’m grateful for my health.

* Choose Positivity. Henry Ford once said, “Whether you decide to succeed or fail, you are right.” When looking at any situation, try to find the positive road. Instead of saying “I can’t,” say “I can.” If something bad happens, focus on how to turn it around instead of dwelling on the awfulness. Always expect good things – don’t anticipate that only bad will happen.

* Sleep more and exercise regularly. Hundreds of studies prove that getting a full, rested night sleep does wonders for mood and mental health. The average adult needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. Try to get into a routine of going to be bed at the same hour. Exercising at least 20 minutes a day (even a brisk walk) not only improves your overall health, but also relieves stress and simplu makes you feel good!

* Find Your Purpose in Life. People have a mission or goal – whether it’s starting a new hobby or losing 10 pounds or cultivating a relationship with God —  are happier than those who don’t work toward goals. Having a goal provides a sense of purpose, bolsters self-esteem and brings people together.

NOW HERE’S A BIGGIE: GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY. Yes, volunteering and giving to help others is proven to make us happier overall.

According to a recent article on LiveScience, “New research reveals that when individuals dole out money for gifts for friends or charitable donations, they get a boost in happiness while those who spend on themselves get no such cheery lift. Elizabeth Dunn, a psychologist at the University of British Columbia, gave 46 students envelopes containing a either $5 bill or a $20 bill and told them how to spend it, those who shelled out on others (donating to charity or giving a gift) were happier at the end of the day than those who blew it on themselves (to pay a bill or indulge in a treat).”

The Salvation Army is blessed with volunteers and donors who willingly give to help others who are struggling with finances, food and happiness. Want to volunteer? We’d love to have you!!! Give yourself the gift of happiness while giving others the gift of security and health.

Please feel free to call us at any time at 405-246-1100.

Members with Leadership OKC help The Salvation Army beat the $600,000 goal in 2011 for the Red Kettle Campaign.

We are thrilled to report that the 2011 Kettle Goal of $600,000 was surpassed thanks to your generosity!
This year, with your support, we raised $650,747 in Oklahoma, Cleveland and Canadian Counties.

As you know, our needs are greater than ever. It’s been an extremely difficult year for many of our neighbors. Here at The Salvation Army, requests for help are up dramatically.

On average, The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Commands provides hope and aid to 160,000 people right here in Central Oklahoma, as well as over 300,000 meals annually.

We need your help to:

* Provide food to hungry families
* Support our Salvation Army youth and children at our two Boys and Girls Clubs
* Shelter the homeless who come to us with nowhere else to turn
* Provide emergency items like clothing, furniture and other basics
* Serve all those in need with compassion and care.

Please consider donating online for a one-time gift or, even better, set up your monthly gift to sustain Oklahomans in need all year long.

https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org/page.aspx?pid=207#monthly