All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast is next Friday; tickets $5 to help elderly with utilities

 

The Masons of Oklahoma City help serve pancakes during The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command’s annual all-u-can-eat pancake breakfast for Home Energy Aid Week.

 

In conjunction with The Salvation Army’s Home Energy Aid Week – Oklahomans Helping Others with Utilities, an all-you-can eat breakfast of pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee will be held Friday, July 13, at the Mason’s Myrtle Lodge #145, located at 125 SE 89^th Street.

The event, co-sponsored by The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command, the Oklahoma Masons, OG&E, ONG and Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO), is part of a week-long effort to raise funds for energy assistance programs, such as OG&E’s Lend-A-Hand, ONG’s Share the Warmth and PSO’s Light-A-Life.

The breakfast will be held from 7 to 9 a.m. and is open to the public. Tickets are $5 per person for the all-you-can-eat breakfast and may be purchased in advance at The Salvation Army Area Command, 311   SW 5^th Street or by calling 246-1100. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Utility bills are an on-going challenge for seniors, persons with disabilities and families on low and fixed incomes. To help assist those in need, utility customers are encouraged to support energy assistance programs year round. The Salvation Army receives between 200 to 300 requests for assistance with utility bills weekly and the number increases as temperatures swing between extreme highs and lows.

Funds raised at the event stay in the Oklahoma City Metropolitan area.

This is the 19th year of what is now an annual event. Last year, more than $50,000 was raised during the Home Energy Aid Week events statewide.

Donations may also be sent to The Salvation Army,P.O. Box 2095,Oklahoma City,OK73101. For more information, call The Salvation Army at 246-1100.

Salvation Army responds, gives aid in Colorado in response to wildfires

Since the early start of the 2012 Wildfire season, roughly 600 homes have been lost just in Colorado. Salvation Army canteens are on site and serving first responders and evacuees at the following sites in response to the Waldo Canyon Fire:

-YMCA Southeast Family Center, 2190 Jetwing Drive, Colorado Springs, CO – meal services for shelter guests

-Cheyenne Mountain High School shelter,  1200 Cresta Road, Colorado Springs, CO – meal services for shelter guests

-Firehouse 9, near Garden of the Gods – meal services Thursday night at 6PM for 1,000 firefighters and a late dinner at 12AM for 200 firefighters

A disaster services canteen – a mobile kitchen, about the size of a parcel delivery truck – is supporting first responders and evacuees of the High Park Fire through meals, snacks, and cold beverages. The canteens are currently being manned by volunteers from across Colorado, including Grand Junction, Wyoming, and Montana. The Salvation Army’s units are providing for survivors’ immediate needs, such as food, water, and comfort.

Additional support teams will be arriving from Salvation Army commands across the Western United States within the next few days. The Salvation Army is prepared to provide support for as long as we are needed.

If members of the community would like to volunteer to help with Waldo Canyon Fire relief efforts, they must register online at www.tsacs.org/registertoring.

An appeal is being made for financial assistance to fund the relief work across Colorado.  Those who wish to support The Salvation Army’s disaster response may do so by sending a check earmarked “Disaster Relief” or “Wild Fires” to their local Salvation Army office, by donating online at http://www.imsalvationarmy.org, or by making a credit card donation at 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

Gifts in-kind for relief of this disaster are being collected by Care and Share. Please call (719) 528 – 1247 for more information.  Although The Salvation Army is not requesting in-kind goods donations at this time, gifts of gently-used household goods, clothing, etc., are always needed by Salvation Army Family Stores to support their work in the local community. Find out more at www.satruck.com.

 

The Wonders of Work – Gardening, Quilting, Stocking Shelves all bring joy to volunteers, relief to Salvation Army

 Linda Day of Central Oklahoma had worked hard all her life, but she still wanted an engaging activity to enjoy when she retired.

She started making quilts, a relaxing hobby that she and her husband could both share, and those quilts were given to the Veterans Administration hospitals and nursing homes. Linda made quilts so well and so fast, she realized the organizations couldn’t take all the quilts she was making.

When Linda was younger and her children were small, she knew firsthand the difference The Salvation Army made in the lives of those in need. When her family faced a financial crisis and Christmas was out of the question, she turned to The Salvation Army, which provided her family with more than she thought possible.

Now, in a position to help others who are in need, she told her husband that she would start giving the quilts to The Salvation Army, and for the past two years, The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command has received more than 700 quilts from Ms. Day for the Christmas Angel Tree.

Ms. Day was one of hundreds of Salvation Army volunteers who gave so much of their talents and skills to The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command in 2011. She also received special recognition this morning at the Annual National Salvation Army Week Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast.

Although all our volunteers received certificates and thanks, a handful received special recognition for their outstanding contributions.

Boys & Girls Club:   Shana Perry  Principal Del Crest Middle School

 

Mrs. Perry has been an Advisory Council Member for The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Greater Oklahoma for about 1 year. Her leadership in helping the Club host the Harlem Ambassador’s Charity Basketball Game enabled the Club to raise nearly $7,000.  She was instrumental in securing a venue for the event and handled most of the logistics for the night. She went above and beyond the call of duty to make things happen and the event was a success.

Her participation on the Advisory Council has been helpful to the Club staff. Whenever guidance and advice is needed, she is there. If it’s mentoring the kids that come to the Club, she is readily available. Mrs. Perry has a keen understanding of the environment that the Club kids come from and she understands what it takes for them to succeed.  She was recently awarded Middle School Principal of the Year and The Boys and Girls Club is proud to honor her as our 2011 Club Volunteer of the Year. 

Christmas Kettles  Rotary Club 29

The Rotary Club 29 began their support of the Christmas Kettle drive in 1943 under the leadership of Rex Hayes.  They started out as a small, but a powerful group of men and have grown to over 582 strong.  With the growth of the club also came growth of their support.  They now cover 14 kettle locations for an entire day during The Christmas Kettle season.  Rotary Club 29 has raised over $260,000 throughout the years.

Seniors Programs:

Citadel Senior Center’s Wanda McPherren teaches Bible study every Tuesday.  She is dedicated to God and to teaching his word to the people that attend her class.  She is faithful in her service and allows nothing to cause conflict with this commitment she has made.  Our members look forward to her class every week.

 

Reding Center’s Eva Zamora is a wonderful volunteer.  She is still active at 85 years young.  She speaks limited English but doesn’t allow this to be a barrier in her serving.  She faithfully wraps eating utensils, serves lunch and takes care of delivering meals to our homebound.  The Reding Center is a better place for our members with having someone like Eva.

 

Warr Acres Senior Center’s  Oma Bennett Nolan is a dedicated volunteer and always full of fire and life.  She is to do anything that needs to be done and always exceeds what is expected. Ms. Oma has a perpetual smile of joy, and her energy keeps the senior center hopping.

 

Shelter Programs:  Rebecca Marfurt

Rebecca’s first experience with The Salvation Army was at the annual bike assembly in 2009 when she helped assemble hundreds of bicycles for Angel Tree children.  At the time, she had been going through a difficult time of life, and she decided that volunteering would lift her spirits and bring her happiness.  After helping assemble bikes, Rebecca decided to look into ongoing opportunities for helping at The Salvation Army.  When she saw the garden area for the Family Shelter, it peaked her interest.

Rebecca has a love for gardening and creating a beautifl space at the shelter was an opportunity for her to share that joy with others.  It became her personal goal to make the entry to the Family Shelter inviting to whomever walked through the front gates.  She gardens during her lunch break and she takes pride in the beauty that is shared daily with all who enter.  “Volunteering for The Salvation Army has been far more rewarding than I could ever imagine,”  said Ms. Marfurt.

 

Social Services:  Shannon Ballesteros

Since March 2011, one group of volunteers have provided thousands of hours and personal funding during 2011 by taking a “personal ownership” of the Social Services Department of The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command’s “Food Pantry.”

Although this is a family effort, Shannon Ballesteros took the lead, guiding her family in an effort to make the food pantry more efficient and organized. This family of volunteers began with that one vision and has since gone beyond what most volunteer groups can accomplish.

This group, compiled of seven volunters, has cleaned, sorted, built shelving, racks and carts, procured equipment,  totally re-organized the pantry,  trained others to be productive volunteers and solicited assistance from both area companies and individuals.

Ms. Ballesteros even used personal funds to purchase needed items that would have otherwise not been available. She can also be seen sorting and organizing the thousands of coats that are donated in the “Warmth 4 Winter” program.

Do yearn to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate? Do you have talents and time you wish to share with others.

Volunteer today with The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command. Call our volunteer coordinator at 405-246-1101.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Over a week later, help still continues in Woodward

Even as some rebuilding begins and clean-up continues, The Salvation Army’s commitment to the residents of Woodward,Oklahoma is going strong. 

An F-3 tornado caused damage to many homes and businesses just one week ago.  The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management reports 224 homes were affected with 73 destroyed and 13 with major damage.  Unfortunately, a request for a federal disaster declaration from the White House was denied.

The Salvation Army is currently in the Multi-Agency Resource Center, located at the First Baptist Church, 202 E Hanks Trail in Woodward.  The center is open seven days a week.  The Salvation Army is providing emergency assistance to households affected by the tornado to help meet their immediate needs. 

The mobile feeding unit provided 1,804 meals, 1,787 snacks and 2,123 beverages while it was active.  Also, due to the generosity of viewers of KFOR (Channel 4) in Oklahoma City, The Salvation Army’s Central Oklahoma Area Command delivered a trailer full of supplies to Woodward Emergency Management.  The supplies were delivered at their request and included items such as leather gloves, tarps, garbage bags and more.

Emotional and spiritual care has been a large part of The Salvation Army’s response.  Led by Captain John Dancer, Enid Salvation Army, a total of 269 contacts were made to affected individuals.  Many of these persons are dealing with the loss of loved ones killed in the tornado. 

The Salvation Army continues to work with our Oklahoma VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster) partners and state/local government to coordinate efforts in Woodward.  The Salvation Army has committed to participate in the unmet needs committee for needs identified through the long-term recovery case management process that is being established.

The impact of this storm will continue to be felt by those affected.  The best way to help survivors and relief workers is to make a financial contribution. Monetary donations allow disaster responders to meet the specific needs of disaster survivors. 

Locally, in Woodward, only monetary donations are being accepted. 

Checks may be mailed to PO Box 542, Woodward, OK  73802 or dropped off at The Salvation Army located at 1209 9^th Street.  Checks are to be made out to The Salvation Army of Woodward /EllisCounty. 

All donations made for the disaster will go directly to those affected in the area.  All funds collected will be designated towards this particular disaster.   The Salvation Army’s office in Woodward may be reached at 580-256-1083.

The Salvation Army also provides online means for people who want to help those affected by disaster.  Visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769.)   Designate “Woodward” when making your donation.  For the latest emergency disaster services news, please visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org and follow the latest updates on Twitter @SalArmyEDS, @SalArmyAOKEDS, and @SalArmyAOK.  Interested parties may also visit www.salvationarmyaok.org and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SalArmyAOK.

Salvation Army continues help, hope in tornado-ravaged Woodward

 The Salvation Army of Enid, Oklahoma is responding to the tornadoes that brought devastation across the community of Woodward, Oklahoma.

The Salvation Army is offering food and hydration, emotional and spiritual care as relief, recovery and clean-up efforts are underway in the area. Close to 400 meals, as well as several hundred snacks, and cases of water were provided. 

In addition, work gloves and hand sanitizer were provided.  Especially touching were the stuffed turtles which were hand-made by the youngest church members of The Salvation Army inEnidand handed out to the “youngest” of those affected by the storms.

“We are out doing what The Salvation Army does best, providing hope, healing, and help in time of need,” states Salvation Army of Enid’s Commanding officer, John Dancer.  “We will continue doing the most good, meeting the needs of victims, emergency workers and those affected until we are no longer needed.”

The Salvation Army is also working closely with state and local emergency management officials as well as members of the Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) including American Red Cross, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, Free Will Baptists, United Methodist Volunteers inMission, and Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.  The Salvation Army is a member of Oklahoma VOAD which includes many others partners throughout the state.

The best way to help survivors and relief workers is to make a financial contribution. Monetary donations allow disaster responders to immediately meet the specific needs of disaster survivors. 

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by disaster to visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769.)   Designate “Oklahoma storms” when making your donation.  For the latest emergency disaster services news, please visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org and follow the latest updates on Twitter @SalArmyEDS, @SalArmyAOKEDS, and @SalArmyAOK.  Interested parties may also visit www.salvationarmyaok.org and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SalArmyAOK. 

Additional updates will be sent as new information becomes available.

Do you have a disaster plan in place? Now is the time to make one!

It’s a beautiful week in Central Oklahoma with temperatures expected to hover right around a balmy 80 degrees all week long.

Don’t let the springtime sunshine fool you. Spring time can bring severe weather to Oklahoma. We often experience raging thunderstorms, hailstorms, tornadoes, wildfires and even earthquakes in our state.

The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command is a disaster response organization as well as a social services organization. When disaster strikes, we respond immediately with our emergency canteens to provide food, drinks, relief and spiritual care to those affected. We also provide long-term recovery assistance to those who lose so much during these disasters.

But, do you have a disaster plan in place for your family or business?  Creating one now when the weather is nice will ensure you and your loved ones will know what to do when a major incident occurs.

So, for your use, we’ve put together a short how-to on creating your own personal disaster plan:

ANY EMERGENCY

1. Make sure everyone in the family knows how to call 9-1-1. Let children use a toy phone to practice.

2. Make emergency cards for every member of the family, including a picture, age, full name, birth date, emergency phone number and alternate contacts besides parents. List any food or medicine allergies as well.

3. Identify a neighbor or friend who can watch your children in your absence in case of an emergency.

4. Always have a battery-operated radio and flashlight ready to go in case the electricity goes out.

5. Have a first aid kit stocked and ready. Make sure your family members know where it is and how to use the items inside.

6. Develop an emergency communication plan. If your family members are separated from one another, make sure you plan for getting back together.

7. Have an out-of-town relative or friend to be your “family contact.”  The contact should live outside the state because after a disaster, long distance calls are easier to make than a local call. Everyone must know the contact’s name, address, and phone number.

8. Pets are usually not permitted to be in shelters or places where food is served. Make a plan of where to take pets if you had to go to a public shelter where they are not permitted. Bring all pets into the house and confine them to one room, if you can. 

Fire:

1. PLEASE PLEASE make sure every room has a smoke detector and that batteries are changed twice a year.

2. Practice using the exits from the home with your children? You should have at least two separate exits and practice using both since a fire can block one exit. Have an identified location to meet in case family members are using different exits.

3. Once everyone is out, account for everyone. Make sure all family members are accounted for.

4. PRACTICE your fire drill once a month.

AFTER DISASTERS

1. Stay calm. Staying rational will help reduce delays or accidents.

2. Put your plan into play and listen to local radio or TV for news.

3. Make sure everyone is safe and uninjured. Get first aid or help for those who are injured.

4. Help others, especially elderly neighbors or those with disabilities.

5. If you go outdoors, wear sturdy shoes and clothing. Debris and sharp objects on the ground could pose a hazard. STAY AWAY FROM POWER LINES ON THE GROUND.

6. Check for damage on the home. Use flashlights if there is no electricity instead of candles, incase of a gas leak or fire danger.  Clean up hazardous spills immediately and check for fire and electrical hazards.

 

Don’t Freeze Your Tookus Off! Winter Weather Tips from The Salvation Army

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

Salvation Army Commemorates 10th Anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001

 

Salvation Army officers and staff work at Ground Zero following the attacks of 9/11/01. The Salvation Army was on the scene a half hour after the first plane hit.

 

The Salvation Army will host a variety of events, including a support center for members of the 9/11 community in New York City during the 10th anniversary of September 11.

The Salvation Army will remember and honor the victims and heroes of the terrorist attacks and their loved ones through memorial services and events in New York City and Washington, DC, as well as in other cities across the country.

Community members in these cities and others are invited to attend the ceremonies and 9/11 Day of Service activities with The Salvation Army. Events include memorial services, remembrance ceremonies, candlelight vigils, parades and food drives.

In partnership with the Mental Health Association of New York City, The Salvation Army will host a support center for members of the 9/11 community starting at 7:30am EST.  The 9/11 survivors, displaced residents, first responders and volunteers from all agencies, as well as families of victims not attending the World Trade Center ceremony are invited.

The “Family Support Center” will feature live streaming of the national memorial service in a press-free environment. Refreshments will be served and supportive services, including child care, mental-health services and massage therapy will be available to all who attend.

“In New York City and across the country, today is about honoring the victims of the tragic terrorist attacks that impacted an entire nation ten years ago,” said Major George Hood, National Community Relations Secretary for The Salvation Army. “Through a variety of partnerships, ceremonies and community activities across the country, The Salvation Army is welcoming the heroes, families and community members of 9/11 through its doors, to not only remember, but to look forward beyond the loss.”

Events at the Centennial Memorial Temple in New York City will be open to the public and feature The Salvation Army New York Staff Band and guest speakers including Dr. Charles Stanley, senior pastor of the First Baptist Church Atlanta in Atlanta, GA, and founder and president of In Touch Ministries.

The Salvation Army in Washington, DC will host a Disaster Response Volunteer Training on September 10 in Fairfax, VA. The Army will also participate in the Mayor’s “Tribute to Service – Honoring the Victims, Survivors, and Heroes of 9/11” at Freedom Plaza from 1- 4 p.m. The memorial serves as an opportunity for members of the community to give back to their neighbors as they did following the attacks of 9/11 from 10 years ago.

“The American people have come a long way since September 11. People emerged from the tragedy a more unified nation more willing to help their neighbors in times of great need,” said Major Hood. “On this National Day of Service, The Salvation Army will carry on that tradition and continue to help people who are less fortunate.”

Salvation Army locations across the country will take part in various programs and events to commemorate the 10th anniversary.

 

Salvation Army continues aid in wake of Hurricane Irene

 

As significant inland flooding and power outages remain a major concern, The Salvation Army is continuing significant response efforts post-Irene.

• Salvation Army resources, including dozens of mobile canteen units each able to serve more than 1,500 meals per day, are on the move throughout the East Coast and inland, responding to calls from federal, state and local agencies requesting assistance. 
• This work ranges from feeding at shelters to providing drinking water at nursing homes to handing out pillows and blankets to National Guard troops. 
• Meanwhile, crews in the Outerbanks of North Carolina have deployed to feed more than 2,400 people stranded on the barrier islands with food, water and other immediate needs.

 

The Salvation Army is committed to respond not just to short-term needs, but also long-term recovery efforts in impacted regions.

• A Salvation Army canteen able to serve more than 500 people moved into the flood-stricken town of Ludlow, VT to provide meals for emergency workers and survivors.
• At Stewart Air Force Base in Newburgh, New York, The Salvation Army handed out blankets, pillows and sheets to National Guard troops deployed to help with the response.
• The Salvation Army has already served some 15,000 meals to first responders and evacuees in New Jersey.
• Three canteens have served nearly 2,000 meals and snacks as well as cleanup kits throughout the Philadelphia and Delaware region.
• The Salvation Army in New York City has secured 1,000 clean-up kits for deployment to the Mid-Hudson region.
• The Salvation Army is serving meals and delivering clean-up kits to hundreds of people in Greenfield, MA and other flooded towns in the western part of the state.
• In the southern United States– from the Carolinas to Maryland, The Salvation Army has served more than 60,000 meals, snacks and drinks and handed out hundreds of clean-up kits.

 

Monetary donations are the most critical need as supplies and personnel are mobilized.

• Donors are encouraged to give online at www.SalvationArmyUSA.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).
• You can also text the word “STORM” to 80888 to make a $10 donation through your mobile phone; to confirm your gift, respond with the word “Yes.”*
• Checks should be sent to Disaster Gift ProcessingCenter, PO Box 1959, Atlanta, GA 30301 and designated “2011 Hurricane Season.”

Salvation Army prepares for Hurricane Irene

 

As Hurricane Irene approaches the Southeastern United States as the first hurricane of the 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season, The Salvation Army is preparing staff, equipment and supplies to serve as needed.

In the southern U.S. alone, the Army has more than 270 emergency response vehicles including canteens (mobile kitchens), shower trailers, field kitchens and additional logistics equipment available.

The Salvation Army will provide food, drinks and spiritual and emotional care to emergency responders and community members should Irene produce severe storms and damage between Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas and the greater Washington, DC area.

 “With the threat of Hurricane Irene bearing down on the continental U.S., The Salvation Army is taking every precaution necessary to ready equipment and supplies to provide emergency relief services as needed to anyone who may be impacted by the storm,” said Major George Hood, National Community Relations Secretary for The Salvation Army.

“The Army has stockpiled warehouse facilities across the southeastern U.S. with food, water and medical supplies for use in a major disaster.”

 While the forecast keeps the eye of the storm off the eastern coast of Florida and into North and South Carolina, there is a significant possibility that as it moves north, Hurricane Irene will produce severe storms with the potential for flooding and numerous tornado warnings.

The Salvation Army’s mobile kitchens are strategically placed around Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia/Maryland to support a response along the east coast.  If Irene passes without significant damage in Florida, the units will be available to support neighboring states.

 “Personnel from the southern tip of Florida through the Carolinas are monitoring Irene’s path closely and will be ready to respond to the needs of individuals before and after the storm,” said Major Hood. “But as the storm approaches, we encourage residents throughout the potentially impacted states to prepare themselves and be safe.”

The Salvation Army is asking residents of the entire east coast from Florida to the Carolinas and on, to be prepared with an emergency disaster plan. Critical decisions need to be made ahead of time, before the storm makes landfall.

 For more information on The Salvation Army’s preparation and response to Hurricane Irene, please visit http://www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org,  http://blog.salvationarmyusa.org/, www.facebook.com/salvationarmyusa or www.twitter.com/salvationarmyus.