(02.13.13) 1,000s of Winter Coats Available to Oklahomans in Need

As the snow falls, The Salvation Army has 1,000s of winter coats available to keep Oklahomans warm.

Thanks to the generous donations of Oklahomans through the Brad Edwards KFOR Warmth 4 Winter Program, County Commissioner Brian Maughan’s Office, the South Oklahoma City Rotary and Chesapeake’s Winter on Western event, The Salvation Army in downtown Oklahoma City has 1,000s of coats to keep Oklahomans warm.

“For anyone who needs a winter coat we have one for every size, shape and style. From youth to seniors, we have something for everyone that will be sure to keep you warm,” said County Commissioner Brian Maughan.

The Salvation Army’s Social Services Office is located at 501 S. Harvey, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73109.

All Oklahomans are invited to pick up a coat on Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. – 12 noon, and 1 – 4 p.m.

Record-breaking Year for The Salvation Army 2012 Kettle Campaign

Oklahoma City, Okla. (January 23, 2013) – The Salvation Army’s 2012 Red Kettle Campaign raised $651,717 that will be used to aid the poor in the Central Oklahoma, officials announced today.

	Canadian County	Cleveland County	Oklahoma County	Total
2010 Actual	$26,115.00	$96,601.00	$442,648.00	$565,364.00
2011 Goal	$28,727.00	$106,261.00	$464,780.00	$599,768.00
2011 Actual	$30,772.15	$155,195.07	$459,881.00	$645,848.22
2012 Goal	$32,000.00	$110,000.00	$410,780.00	$552,780.00
2012 Actual	$52,266.49	$164,967.51	$434,483.00	$651,717.00

The amount exceeded the goal of $552,780, and surpassed the $645,848.22 amount the organization collected in 2011.

	2011	2012
Volunteers	2,432	6400
Volunteer Hours	9,915	17,477

“We’re very grateful,” Major Dan Proctor, Central Oklahoma Area Commander said. “The increases in Canadian and Cleveland counties played a large role in the success of this year’s campaign. None of this would have been possible without the community’s support.”

Oklahomans not only gave of their resources in abundance this year, they also gave of their time in record amounts. We had 6,400 volunteers in 2012. An increase of 3,968 people from 2011, in which we had 2,432 volunteers. Volunteer hours increased by 7,562 hours. The total number of volunteer hours in 2012 was 17,477. The total amount of hours in 2011 was 9,915.

In another record, The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program was able to assist 2,032 households, and 11,405 individuals. Donations and funds raised were used to provide area families with food, Angel Tree Program toys, and clothing during Christmas, Salvation Army officials said. Some of the funds will also be used to stock the organization’s food pantry, youth programs, outreach ministries, and other emergency needs.

“This year Oklahomans provided the finest, quality gifts ever,” said Major Francina Proctor, Associate Area Commander. “We have received an abundance of ‘thanks yous’ and hugs from families who experienced the joy of Christmas by your generosity. We are extending these words of thanksgiving from the single family homes, grandparents raising grandchildren, senior citizens, and even from a prisoner who wrote: Christmas can be a sad time for many as it highlights separation from loved ones. The love of Christ reflected through ministries such as yours helps to ease this pain, thank you and God bless you . Please know that your giving was appreciated and truly made a difference this Christmas. Thank you for remembering those who are lost, lonely and sometimes forgotten.”

A total of 84 Red Kettle stations were set up at various Central Oklahoma area businesses to collect donations though Dec. 24. Those locations included Homeland, Wal-mart, Hobby Lobby, Bass Pro Shops and more.

The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma provides services in three counties, including Oklahoma County, Cleveland County and Canadian County.

“The Salvation Army in Central Oklahoma is helping those in need, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day,” said Major Dan Proctor. “There are more demands than we can meet, but with the community’s continued support year round, we are able to provide relief from suffering and set a course for transformed lives.”

Highlights from this Christmas season are listed below:

– The organization’s Angel Tree program served more than 2,032 households, and 11,405 individuals through the Christmas season.

– OKC Thunder’s Rumble the Bison served as this year’s honorary Christmas chair.

– Yukon Homeland hosted the Kettle kickoff.

– Quail Springs Mall hosted the Angel Tree kickoff, with the Thunder Girls, and Kevin Ogle.

	2011	2012
Volunteers	2,432	6400
Volunteer Hours	9,915	17,477

– We had 6,400 volunteers in 2012. An increase of 3,968 people from 2011, in which we had 2,432 volunteers. Volunteer hours increased by 7,562 hours. The total number of volunteer hours in 2012 was 17,477. The total amount of hours in 2011 was 9,915.

– The Salvation Army was able to assist 2,032 households, and 11,405 individuals.

– Landmark Homes had a Thankmas party at one of their model homes. They collected food and toys to benefit children in our program.

– McFarlin United Methodist Church in Norman sponsored several families, and took over 100 angels to place on their Church Angel Tree.

– The owners of the Sooner Bowl, the Hawes family, and their friends gathered food, toys, and clothing for six of our largest and most needy families.

– The Vance family sponsored 100 angels, and purchased food and clothing for them.

– The Fill the Truck Event at WalMart helped gather over 100 toys to be used in the Angel Tree program.

– Warmth4Winter Program in partnership with KFOR, South OKC Rotary, Comm. Brian Maughan’s office and The Salvation Army has collected thousands of coats for Oklahomans this winter.

– 830 Bicycles were distributed to children in need (Buck$ 4 Bikes). 220 volunteer bike assemblers including volunteers from Kiwanis, NW OKC Rotary, Oklahoma Bike Society, Southern Nazarene University and Church volunteers. Two tractor trailers of bikes from Huffy. $4,200 freight donated by Total Transportation Resources to deliver the new bicycles from Huffy.

– Partnership with Food & Shelter Inc. to have a Christmas party for clients in the combined shelters, as well as the homeless clients. Food & Shelter provided the gifts, and we provided the food. Joan and Richard Day sponsored the Shelter Christmas party.

– Special thanks to the Reeves family and Bob Staples, for their help with the Cleveland County distribution center. In addition, Dr. Lackey who donated the space, and Judy Hatfield of Equity Real estate for coordinating it.

– Paycom ’s generous $32,000 employee and company match Christmas donation

– Northpark Mall Big Night Out benefit

– Mid-America Christian University/Tyler Media, Thunder Toy drive.

– Chesapeake Energy’s Winter on Western Warmth4Winter Coat Drive

– Senior Christmas lunch

Join us for a Candlelight Vigil to honor the Victims of Human Trafficking

Candlelight Vigil to honor the Victims of Human Trafficking
on Fri., January 25, 2013, at 6 p.m., Oklahoma State Capitol Building – South Plaza

This January, Oklahomans Observe National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Oklahoma City, Okla. (January 17, 2013) – In observance of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the Oklahoma Human Trafficking Task Force invites all Oklahomans to attend a Candlelight Vigil to honor the Victims of Human Trafficking on Fri., January 25, 2013, at 6 p.m. Oklahoma State Capitol Building – South Plaza.

Candlelight Vigil honoring Human Trafficking Victims Program (about 20 minutes)

Opening Prayer: Mrs. Cindy Lankford (Congressman James Lankford’s wife)

Song: “Amazing Grace”– Emily Elkins, LifeChurch.tv

Governor’s Proclamation: Attorney General Scott Pruitt

Featured Speaker: Wilma Lively, Day Spring Villa

Closing Prayer: Pastor Mark Crow, Victory Church

“According to experts, there are more slaves in the world today than at any other time in human history. Free the Slaves conservatively estimates there are 27 million men, women, and children in slavery at any given time. Eighty percent of all victims are women, and HALF of them are children. The victims of human trafficking are trapped in a life of misery…often beaten, starved, and forced to work as prostitutes or taken to grueling jobs and forced to work for little or no pay,” said Major Leisa Hall, Divisional Secretary for Women’s Ministries, The Salvation Army Arkansas/Oklahoma. “Human trafficking is a $32 billion a year industry, second only to drugs as the largest criminal enterprise in the world. Shockingly, the average entry age for trafficked victims in the sex industry is 12-14 years old. Even here in America, our nation’s sons and daughters are being forced to work as sex slaves and we need your help to get the word out.”

“This month, we rededicate ourselves to stopping one of the greatest human rights abuses of our time. Around the world, millions of men, women, and children are bought, sold, beaten, and abused, locked in compelled service and hidden in darkness. They toil in factories and fields; in brothels and sweatshops; at sea, abroad, and at home. They are the victims of human trafficking — a crime that amounts to modern-day slavery. As Americans, we have long rejected such cruelty. We have recognized it as a debasement of our common humanity and an affront to the principles we cherish. And for more than a century, we have made it a national mission to bring slavery and human trafficking to an end.” – President Barack Obama, as stated in his Presidential Proclamation.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/12/30/presidential-proclamation-national-slavery-and-human-trafficking-prevent

“Oklahoma is one of the top states in the nation for human trafficking. Geographically, Oklahoma is the crossroads of the nation; we have three major interstates that run right through the heart of our State. Traffickers are driving through our state every day,” said Suzi Hanson, OATH (Oklahomans Against Trafficking Humans) Coalition Volunteer. “Human Trafficking is an issue of vulnerability and Oklahoma is in the top for all the wrong things – teenage pregnancy, teenage homelessness, child abuse to name a few and we are in the bottom for the wrong things as well – 49^th in education and according to the last census, we were 46th in per capita income. If you are a bad guy looking for vulnerable, broken, hurting, young girls, Oklahoma is the place to be.”

More Candlelight Vigil Details:

· Friday, January 25, 6 p.m., South Plaza of the Oklahoma State Capitol Building

· Governor’s Proclamation

· Oklahoma City Mayor’s Office is illuminating the Skydance Bridge in the color blue in observance of the Vigil and Human Trafficking Awareness color.

· Battery-operated candles and blue pin-on ribbons will be available for participants.

Upcoming Human Trafficking Events

OATH (Oklahoman Against Trafficking Humans) Fundraising Luncheon

Date: Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the Skirvin Hotel

Contact: Suzi Hanson at suzihanson420@gmail.com or 405-822-8230

 

Miss Oklahoma 2012 will be our emcee for the luncheon, and you will learn more about human trafficking and how it relates to Oklahoma. Additionally, a survivor of human trafficking, trafficked here in Oklahoma, will share her story. Projects to include, but not limited to, awareness campaigns, getting this information into schools educating our sons and daughters, and research into opening a home for girls who are rescued from sex trafficking under the age of 18.

Providing Services to Runaway Youth and Victims of Human Trafficking Online Discussion

January 22, 2013, 11 a.m.

Go to http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/asp/participate.asp for instructions on how to participate.

Community Summit on Human Trafficking

Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (registration beginning at 9:30 a.m.), Location: TBA

Contact: Major Leisa Hall at leisa_hall@uss.salvationarmy.org

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About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to

www.salvationarmyusa.org.

About OATH

Oklahomans Against Trafficking Humans (O.A.T.H.), is a local non-profit, 501(c)3, that focuses on helping people understand human trafficking. Our mission is to expose this issue, identify possible victims, and help them get the services that they need for recovery. Many Americans are stunned to find that this is not only an international and national problem, but that it strikes at the very heart of our great state of Oklahoma. In fact, Oklahoma is one of the top states in our nation for recruiting and trafficking slaves for the sex industry. The United States is the number one destination for child sex trafficking. Our children are at risk and we at O.A.T.H. want you to know how to protect the ones you love!

*Statistics from Federal Agencies, FBI, OBN, OATH, Salvation Army and Polaris

Bell ringers sought to raise money for Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign

The Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign is in need of volunteers. For more  information about volunteering in central Oklahoma, call 246-1101.

By Robert Medley

Published: October 29, 2012

Oklahoman

For more than 20 years, Ernie Potter has been ringing bells to get people to  drop coins into red kettles to help those in need in central Oklahoma.

Ernie Potter, facilities manager, checks the lock on a  Salvation Army red kettle at the Central Oklahoma Area Command for The Salvation  Army in Oklahoma City. The organization’s 2012 holiday donation drive starts in  November.  Photo by Paul B. Southerland, The Oklahoman

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Article  Gallery: Bell ringers sought to raise money for Salvation Army Red Kettle  campaign

Potter, 65, has seen some surprises in the kettles. A woman dropped a ring in  a kettle with a note attached once that said, “This is not a mistake. Having  this ring was a mistake.”

Once, a 1-ounce gold coin was dropped in a red kettle.

There have been $100 bills, too. People drop their car keys in the kettles  quite frequently, he said.

But none of the items found in the kettles reminds Potter why he rings the  bells more than a woman who yelled at him not to go anywhere as she came out of  a store.

The woman, he recalled, said she had gone through hard times 20 years earlier  and her family would not have had a Christmas if it had not been for The  Salvation Army’s assistance.

“Those are the people who make it so satisfying,” Potter said. “People who  have worked hard all their lives and are suddenly in need we assist. That is  what makes you know how important this is.”

Potter recalled the story Thursday as he worked to round up more volunteers  for this year’s Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign in central Oklahoma. The  national campaign is from Nov. 9 to Dec. 24.

Jeanean Castle, Salvation Army director of development for Oklahoma, Canadian  and Cleveland counties, said the telephone rang 5,000 times in one hour on a  recent day. The calls were from people needing utility or Christmas  assistance.

The 2011 Red Kettle campaign raised $650,000, Castle said. Salvation Army  officials hope to top that this year. There is more of a need out there than  ever before with economic conditions, she said.

The money raised by bell ringers outside of retail stores supports all  Salvation Army programs and services, Castle said. Christmas needs are seasonal,  and only a portion of the work that is done year round, she said.

People who can’t volunteer time as bell ringers can raise funds online, she  said. The website is www.onlineredkettle.org.

For more information about volunteering in central Oklahoma, call  246-1101.
Read more: http://newsok.com/bell-ringers-sought-to-raise-money-for-salvation-army-red-kettle-campaign/article/3723469#ixzz2AihNiEBg

Bell Ringers Needed

The Salvation Army is seeking volunteers for its iconic red Christmas Kettle campaign, which begins Nov. 16 and runs until Dec. 24, 2012.   Bell Ringers are needed to raise funds at Christmas Kettles in shopping centres throughout the city. Individuals, families and groups including corporations, churches, service clubs and organizations are welcome to take part this Christmas season. The Christmas Kettle campaign depends on nearly 10,000 volunteer hours each year. Volunteering at a Christmas Kettle can mean as little as two hours and make a lasting difference in our community.   The Christmas Kettle Campaign helps support individuals and families with nutritious meals, emergency food and clothing, and shelter, utility assistance, Boys and Girls Clubs and more. Make a difference this Christmas and help us restore hope and dignity to vulnerable people in our community.   For more information or to sign up as a volunteer please email lois_green@uss.salvationarmy.org or call Lois at 405-246-1101.   The Salvation Army is an international faith-based organization that gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and every day in more than 124 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in our community. http://salvationarmyokcac.org/

 

 

“While Women Weep”

“While Women Weep” Women’s Luncheon featuring Major Francina Proctor

Angel Tree

Volunteer! Red Hot Kettle Run needs energetic volunteers this Saturday!

The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command will once again host the Red Hot Kettle Run 5K and 10K on Aug. 25 at Regatta Park, 725 S Lincoln,  in Oklahoma City’s boathouse district, and energetic VOLUNTEERS ARE STILL NEEDED!

 All funds from the race will go to The Salvation Army Social Services office to help provide food assistance, utility assistance and shelter to Central Oklahoma’s neediest citizens. The run will begin at 7 a.m. sharp at the Regatta Park. Runners will receive a T-shirt and winning gifts for each age group.

 The start and finish are located at Regatta Park, off Byers Avenue, just west of the Byers Avenue Bridge. Race day registration will be under the pavilion in the park.

Packet Pick will be noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24 at the Salvation Army location at 311 SW 5th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73109. Avoid the rush! Pick up early.

To REGISTER: https://www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/84958

Volunteers are still needed to help with water stops, registration and other tasks. Please volunteer by calling Lois Green at 405-246-1101.

 

Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club member shoots high in ImageMakers National Photo contest

 

A distinguished panel of judges has selected a Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Boys & Girls Club member to be a part of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2012 ImageMakers National Photography Contest.

Najahahn Jenkins’ photos “Ghost” & “See Through” in the Alternative and Digital categories respectively were selected along with 18 other photographs as a winner of the ImageMakers National Photography Contest from thousands submitted by aspiring young artists in Clubs and Youth Centers across the nation.

Josh Huling heads up the ImageMakers Program at The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club in Central Oklahoma.

“I am thrilled that Najahahn’s creativity and dedication are being recognized on a national level,” said Megan Brown-Ellis, unit director for The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club. “I am equally proud of Josh Huling and his now multi-award winning photography program.”

The ImageMakers National Photography Contest winners will be displayed at various Boys & Girls Clubs of America conferences and will be viewed by hundreds of conference delegates throughout the year.

”We aren’t surprised at the level of talent our kids have at the Club,” said Richard White, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club. “Najahahn is one of the shining stars of Josh Huling’s photography program at the Club. We are very proud of his accomplishments and that he will represent The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club on a national basis.”

A plaque and letter from Jim Clark, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America will be presented to Jenkins.  In addition, the image will be placed on bgca.org in the virtual gallery for viewing in the future.

Salvation Army Home Energy Aid Pancake Breakfast was a DELICIOUS success!

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We’re flipping out! The annual Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command Home Energy Aid Pancake Breakfast at the Mason Myrtle Lodge was a HUGE SUCCESS! We had hundreds arrive for those fluffy flapjacks and sausage that the Mason’s cooked, and ONG, OG&E and PSO volunteers also helped out.

 

Here’s a fun little slideshow from the event. Thanks to YOU, more families will receive much-needed and desperate aid to help with utility costs.