+ SOMEONE You Should Know
The Salvation Army:
Doing the Most Good
William and Catherine Booth founded the Salvation Army in the 1800s, and the
organization has grown to help individuals in need in communities across the country
and around the world.
Red kettles and ringing bells at
Christmastime — that’s what
comes to mind for most when
thinking of the Salvation Army. However,
the organization’s mission is so
much more.
William Booth, who worked in
London’s ministry, founded the Salvation
Army with his wife, Catherine, in 1865.
In the years prior, Booth took his career
in the ministry to the streets of London
so he could preach directly to the people
who needed it most. Since the founders
of the church didn’t agree with this approach,
the Booths created their own
organization called “The Christian Mission”
so they could continue to touch the
lives of those traditionally left behind.
Among those converted by the couple
were thieves, prostitutes and drunks.
As their lives changed and began to flourish,
they became volunteers at the organization
and eventually became known
as an Army for Christianity. From there,
the Salvation Army was officially born.
40 Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2019
The Salvation Army’s mission
is to meet human needs throughout
the year and without discrimination.
They provide shelter for the homeless,
food for the hungry and assistance to
local communities based on the greatest
needs of that community. Once
they’re able to understand the community’s
needs, Salvation Army workers
develop and implement programs
to serve them. All of this is done based
on the original ideals and foundation
that the Booths set a century and a
half ago.
While support is needed throughout
the year, it’s especially needed during
the holiday season. Many children go
without on Christmas because their parents
need to decide between paying their
bills or putting presents under the tree.
The community can help in
many ways during this time. During
the Red Kettle Campaign, which runs
through Dec. 24, bell ringers stand
in front of local businesses with a red
kettle and ring a bell as a call for donations.
About 33% of the Salvation
Army’s yearly donations come from
the Red Kettle Campaign. The largest
and longest-running fundraiser of
its kind, the 2018 campaign raised
$142.7 million.
There is also the Angel Tree Program,
where angels holding wish lists
from local children hang from a Christmas
tree. Supporters simply choose an
angel from the tree, shop for the items
listed and drop off the gifts to the local
Salvation Army. From there, they’re
distributed to the family to place under
their tree for Christmas morning.
From its humble beginnings with
the Booths to present day, the Salvation
Army works to better communities
across the country. Whether you choose
to donate at Christmas or throughout
the year, every little bit helps in the organization’s
efforts.
By Christie Fogarty
Source: www.SalvationArmyUSA.org
/www.SalvationArmyUSA.org
