Salvation Army of the Midlands

Salvation Army assists with special meal for homeless

January 27, 2012

Two hundred and fifty local homeless people were recently surprised with a field trip to Little Pigs Barbeque when they arrived to Ebenezer Lutheran Church for the regularly scheduled afternoon meals service provided by The Salvation Army. The all-you-can-eat buffet bombshell took place on Wednesday, January 25 and was local realtor Brian Baucom’s idea in an effort to provide a memorable and extraordinary experience to the guests who spend so many of their afternoons with Salvation Army staff and volunteers at Ebenezer’s kitchen and dining area. The owner and staff at Little Pigs provided a full buffet line of over thirty hot items, a true treat in the middle of winter.

“I will say 250 people is a lot,” said Baucom, the event’s organizer, of the number of people served. “The owner of Little Pigs says they went through over 500 pieces of fried chicken, 300 pieces of fried fish, 40 pounds of fried okra, and a bunch of mac and cheese and potato salad, also hash and rice.”

Baucom and The Salvation Army received assistance from many volunteers representing local churches who helped transport participants from Ebenezer to Little Pigs and back during a two hour window. Volunteers also helped to give direction to guests once at the restaurant.

Everyone agreed the event was successful and a compassionate gesture to local people in need. It seems though that the ones dining were not the only ones who received a blessing. Baucom said, “My eight year old daughter (who was a volunteer) said she was told ‘God bless you’ a million times.” Now that’s a great memory.

Salvation Army of the Midlands helps many during Christmas season

January 13, 2012

Thanks to everyone who assisted with The Salvation Army’s 2011 Christmas campaign!

Your gifts of time, talents, and resources helped to uplift the lives of many local people in need. Last month, your Salvation Army assisted over 2,600 families, nearly 6,000 children, with Christmas gifts. This is a 65% increase in the number of children we were able to help from 2010 to 2011.

Your kindness helped many grateful people like one woman who told us “it means a lot to me that you have helped my children have a Christmas.”

More than 2,400 people volunteered over 5,200 hours between November 18 and December 24 with our special Christmas programs.

Heartfelt thanks to all of the service organizations, businesses, churches, and individuals who helped make our Christmas campaign a success.

Bell ringers raised $301,256.91 at kettles across the Midlands, funds which will continue helping local people who are struggling to meet their basic human needs.

In addition, Salvation Army volunteers and staff served nearly 4,300 meals to the hungry during the month of December alone.

We promise to continue bringing hope and comfort to people who experience poverty year round. Thank you for your support and may God bless you in this New Year.

Battle of the Bells to Award Winner an Apple iPad

November 29, 2011

The Salvation Army of the Midlands recently kicked off its annual Christmas campaign to help the area’s neediest people. The Online Red Kettle is one of many ways to give to the effort that will help feed hungry families, provide presents for needy children, heat the homes of struggling senior citizens, and bless many who are in need. Now, an anonymous donor has agreed to award an Apple iPad to the person who’s Online Red Kettle collects the most donations through a virtual Battle of the Bells competition.

You’ve seen our red kettles out in front of the stores, but the Online Red Kettle is your own personal kettle – a way for you to help people in need by raising donations through email and social networking. To start an individual kettle, participants may go to www.OnlineRedKettle.org and click “Start a New Kettle.” Follow the simple instructions, and those individual kettles within the Midlands area will automatically be entered into the contest. Email your kettle link to family and friends, and promote your link throughout social media to invite people to donate. The more people you invite, the more you increase your ability to help those in desperate need.

Tune in to the Salvation Army of the Midlands Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SalvationArmyMidlands for contest updates and details.

2011 Christmas Presentation

September 20, 2011

How to GIVE during times of disaster

August 26, 2011

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 mailed to Disaster Gift Processing Center, PO Box 1959, Atlanta, GA  30301 and designate “2011 Hurricane Season.”
• Those interested in volunteering should register at www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org; Please note that disaster service training is a prerequisite for volunteering in a disaster zone and not all registered volunteers will be called on to serve.
• Used clothing and used furniture are seldom required during a disaster response. However, these gifts are vitally important in supporting our day-to-day work and we encourage you to give to your local Family Store or call 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825) for more information.

Your donations make a real difference.

• A $10 donation feeds a disaster survivor for one day.
• A $30 donation provides one food box, containing staple foods for a family of four, or one household cleanup kit, containing brooms, mops, buckets and other cleaning supplies
• A $100 donation can serve snacks and drinks for 125 survivors and emergency personnel at the scene of a disaster
• A $250 donation can provide one hot meal to 100 people or keep a hydration station operational for 24 hours
• A $500 donation keeps a Salvation Army canteen (mobile feeding unit) fully operational for one day

Salvation Army recognizes board members with Emeritus status

August 18, 2011

(L-R) Major Roger Coulson, Area Coordinator; Steve Anastasion, Advisory Board Chairman; and J. Michael Kapp, new Emeritus member

(L-R) Major Roger Coulson, Area Coordinator; J. Cantey Heath, Jr., new Emeritus member; and Steve Anastasion, Advisory Board Chairman

Two longtime Salvation Army of the Midlands advisory board members were recently recognized for their support of the Army with Emeritus membership status. J. Michael Kapp and J. Cantey Heath, Jr. were honored at the August board meeting. Mr. Kapp is a former Salvation Army advisory board chairman and has served on the board since 1995. Mr. Heath has been on the advisory board since 1997.

“It is my pleasure to honor these two fine gentlemen with Emeritus status,” said Major Roger Coulson, Area Coordinator at The Salvation Army of the Midlands. “We may not see them as regularly as we once did, but we are pleased to know that we will continue working together in the future.”

Russell & Jeffcoat real estate employees hold successful clothing drive

August 18, 2011

Real estate professionals from Russell & Jeffcoat Real Estate Incorporated in Columbia recently held a clothing drive that lasted over a month. In all, fourteen R & J offices participated – and the company continues to collect gently used clothing and goods even after the drive has officially concluded. All items were and will be donated to The Salvation Army of the Midlands’ Family Store on North Millwood Avenue.

“We were thrilled to participate in such a wonderful rewarding project with The Salvation Army,” said Lynwood Duke, Director of Career Development at Russell & Jeffcoat Real Estate Incorporated. “Russell & Jeffcoat has always had the greatest respect for the work The Salvation Army does and we will continue to support their efforts.”

Clothes for Kids helps 117 children

August 17, 2011

With the help of generous shoppers and donors, The Salvation Army of the Midlands recently provided new clothes, book bags and school supplies to 117 children who live below the poverty line including many who live in shelters.

More than 20 volunteers logged over 70 hours at the Clothes for Kids table at Columbia Place Mall during the course of the program which began on July 29 and ended on August 7.

The Salvation Army distributed clothes, book bags and school supplies to families in need on August 11 and 12.

Thanks to Columbia Place Mall for allowing The Salvation Army to hold Clothes for Kids at their space.

Thanks to our media partner for the event , WACH FOX, as well as WLTX-TV, The State and The Columbia Star newspapers for their mentions.

Thanks to all volunteers, shoppers and donors. We are able to help people in need with your support!

Midlands Technical College students make and donate blankets

August 3, 2011

Professor Carol Mosser’s freshman seminar / life skills class recently made blankets and donated them to The Salvation Army. Seven students made a total of four blankets. The Midlands Technical College class is held at the Beltline Campus. Salvation Army employees will distribute the blankets to people in need. Thanks to Professor Mosser and her students!

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina awards donation to The Salvation Army of the Midlands for summer feeding program

July 15, 2011

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina recently awarded $15,000 to The Salvation Army of the Midlands for its summer feeding program. This generous contribution will be used to provide nutritious meals to local homeless people. The Salvation Army of the Midlands serves meals to the homeless seven days a week – 365 days a year.

Salvation Army sends kids to camp

July 13, 2011

High-ropes challenge course, rock climbing wall, canoeing, paddle and pontoon boats, campfire, outdoor and indoor sports, crafts, swimming, hiking, fishing – these are the things that come to mind when you think of summer camp. And these are the activities that were recently enjoyed by many children from the Columbia area at Camp Walter Johnson in Denton, North Carolina thanks to your Salvation Army of the Midlands. In fact, The Salvation Army sent fifty-three children, ages 6 to 12, to a week-long camp which began on Monday, June 27 and concluded on Saturday, July 2.

“Camp Walter Johnson is a beautiful place where children can learn, grow, make new friends and have fun just being kids,” said Major Roger Coulson, Area Coordinator / Corps Officer at The Salvation Army of the Midlands. “We appreciate everyone in the community who made a financial contribution so that these children could attend this camp and also appreciate those who prayed for our campers and staff as they were out of town.”

Camp Walter Johnson opened in 1974. The camp program and activities are designed to meet the physical, social and spiritual needs of campers. Children from Salvation Army units from across North and South Carolina attend the camp for a week each summer.

Below are several quotes from children who attended Camp Walter Johnson this summer.

“Dear people of the Salvation Army, thank you for this fun experience at Camp Walter Johnson. I really enjoyed this camp.”

“Thank you for donating money. The best thing of all was ropes course and fishing.”

“I like camp because we get to go in the pool everyday and I like to go to the gym…I really like Bible study.”

“Thank you for helping me go to camp. The go-carts were fun.”

“I had fun at camp. I shot BB guns and rode go-carts. Thank you.”

To view photos from camp, please visit http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.228138887220671.64065.164495366918357

The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity awards grant to The Salvation Army of the Midlands for Homeless Prevention Efforts

June 20, 2011

The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity through the Emergency Shelter Grants Program (ESG) recently awarded $50,000 to The Salvation Army of the Midlands for Homeless Prevention Efforts. The grant is designated for homeless prevention efforts including rent and utility assistance.

Women in Philanthropy awards grant to The Salvation Army of the Midlands for Leveraging Literacy

June 20, 2011

Women in Philanthropy, a partnership of United Way of the Midlands and the Central Carolina Community Foundation, recently awarded $20,000 to The Salvation Army of the Midlands for its Leveraging Literacy after school program. Leveraging Literacy will target children who struggle in school, students who have not learned the basic skills required for success. In this program, students from public schools will be recruited that are at least two (2) grade levels behind their reading level. Our lead teacher will then evaluate each student’s strengths and weaknesses in order to create an individualized program to address the “deficits” (phonics, comprehension, vocabulary, etc.) in his or her learning. This requires re-teaching lessons not obtained during the student’s earlier years in school. These academic interventions will lead to success in school and productivity in adulthood. In October 2011, twenty children will begin a journey that will lead to an incredible life change.

United Way of the Midlands awards grant to The Salvation Army of the Midlands for Traveler’s Fund

June 20, 2011

The United Way of the Midlands recently awarded $25,000 to The Salvation Army of the Midlands for its Traveler’s Fund which will reunite people who are stranded in Columbia under emergency situations. The purpose of the grant is to reunite families, provide travel money to people entering a rehabilitation program outside the area, make bus tickets and gasoline available. Staff will follow up with clients to ensure that clients reach their destinations safely. This follow up will also monitor stability.

United Way of the Midlands awards grant to The Salvation Army of the Midlands for Crisis Intervention with Families at Risk

June 20, 2011

The United Way of the Midlands recently awarded $85,000 to The Salvation Army of the Midlands for Crisis Intervention with Families at Risk. The grant will provide financial assistance to families of school children that are facing homelessness in order to attain and maintain housing stability. Case managers will work closely with families to meet other critical needs including food, medication, school supplies and clothing. Homeless liaisons from Richland School Districts One and Two will refer families to this program.

United Way of the Midlands awards grant to The Salvation Army of the Midlands for Emergency Shelter Hotel Vouchers

June 20, 2011

The United Way of the Midlands recently awarded $15,000 to The Salvation Army of the Midlands for Emergency Shelter Hotel Vouchers. The grant will provide safe emergency shelters for families when other shelters are unavailable. The program includes families with older children, which has been identified as a service gap in our community. Families served in this program are assisted with permanent housing through the HPRP (Homeless Prevention & Rapid Re-housing) grant. Last year, the United Way of the Midlands funded $7,000 for this program.

Central Carolina Community Foundation awards grant to The Salvation Army of the Midlands for Emergency Basic Needs Assistance

June 20, 2011

The Central Carolina Community Foundation awarded $8,604.00 to The Salvation Army of the Midlands for its Emergency Basic Needs Assistance program for February and March 2011. The Emergency Basic Needs Assistance program is primarily a homeless prevention program. Families facing eviction are helped with rent assistance. Utility assistance is provided to families facing utility cut-off. Other types of basic assistance include food, prescription medication, clothing and furniture. Funding from this grant provided rent assistance for 32 families in February and March 2011.

Feeding First Responders: The Salvation Army Answers The Call of Duty

May 20, 2011

Salvation Army staff and volunteers from the Columbia and Greenville, South Carolina Corps recently provided meals, snacks, and hydration to emergency first responders participating in a National Level Exercise, a natural hazard exercise with a scenario based on an earthquake held on May 16-18. Two Salvation Army canteens were stocked with food and beverages and positioned near the runway at the SC Division of Aeronautics. Below are details regarding services which were provided courtesy of your Salvation Army.

• Served 150 lunches (meatball subs and side items) on May 16 at the South Carolina State Farmers Market;
• Served 100 breakfasts (steak, sausage, ham biscuits, fresh fruit, juice, coffee) on May 17 at the South Carolina Division of Aeronautics;
• Served 100 lunches (hamburgers and side items) on May 17 at the South Carolina Division of Aeronautics;
• Served 30 dinners (ham, turkey, roast beef subs and side items) on May 17 at the Armory on Platt Spring’s Road;
• Served 150 lunches (hamburgers and side items) on May 17 at the South Carolina Emergency Management Division;
• Served 225 breakfasts (chicken, sausage, ham biscuits, fresh fruit, juice, coffee) on May 18 at the South Carolina Division of Aeronautics;
• Served 372 lunches (barbeque chicken sandwiches and side items) on May 18 at the South Carolina Division of Aeronautics;
• Salvation Army officers, employees, and volunteers served more than 225 hours to support the exercise.

Photos from the week’s activities can be viewed below.

Salvation Army Shoe Fund Helps Children Put Their Best Foot Forward

May 10, 2011

Hundreds of children in our community are homeless or living in poverty. Many receive free or reduced lunch at school. Financial resources to make a positive difference are not always available. The truth is we can’t walk a mile in their shoes, and that’s why the Salvation Army Shoe Fund is so important in helping local children meet their needs.

“One parent was moved to tears when she was told that her children were receiving shoe vouchers,” said Barbara Grossberg, LMSW, Lead Social Worker at Richland School District Two. “These children are so proud to have something brand new, bought especially for them.”

As of Wednesday, April 20, Salvation Army staff members have mailed 197 gift certificates for new shoes to parents and guardians whose children were identified by a teacher, counselor or social worker in area school districts. More Shoe Fund gift certificates may be issued in the coming days as needs are identified. Shoe Fund gift certificates in the amount of $50.00 can be redeemed at Shoe Department or Shoe Show stores in Lexington and Richland counties.

A big way that community members hear about the Shoe Fund is through coverage provided by WIS Radio, the station that in 1992 partnered with The Salvation Army to develop the Shoe Fund. As a partner, WIS Radio promotes the opportunity on-air, encouraging listeners to donate so that children can receive new shoes.

“Years ago at Sunny 100 Gene McKay and Bill Benton were talking about a phony promotion that they held to collect shoes for Bill’s family back in Kentucky,” said Charlie Benton, Sales Manager/Morning Show Host at News/Talk 1320 WIS Radio. “Most of our relatives ‘back home’ wear only one shoe each so we were able to provide enough shoes for everyone within just a few days.”

According to Benton, this humorous conversation led to the realization that there are local children who need shoes. Consequently, a partnership with The Salvation Army Shoe Fund was begun. In fact, on-air promotion begins on November 1 and continues through the end of January.

“Our listeners and MOST people enjoy helping others who are in need,” said Benton. “Being involved with the Salvation Army Children’s Shoe Fund lets us know every year that it’s Christmas time!”

Salvation Army Volunteer Receives Community Impact Award

May 10, 2011

Special recognition given to Delray Jones

Stalwart and consistent, Salvation Army volunteer Delray Jones spends almost every Saturday at the non-profit’s Family Store on Millwood Avenue, sorting clothes, filling the bailer, driving the forklift and cheerfully completing any other project assigned to him. Since 1999, Jones has donated hundreds of volunteer hours to the Family Store. So it was fitting that Jones received one of six Community Impact Awards presented by the United Way of the Midlands at its April 14 Volunteer Awards Ceremony.

Looking dapper in a dark suit, Jones was joined at the ceremony by his daughter, Latondria Jones, and his girlfriend, Kathy Coates. Salvation Army advisory board members and staff also attended the recognition event to show support.

“Delray is so deserving of this award,” said Major Roger Coulson, Corps Officer / Area Coordinator at The Salvation Army of the Midlands. “We appreciate the many years of service he has given to The Salvation Army. He is a fine example of volunteerism at its best.”

The United Way of the Midlands Volunteer Awards Ceremony was held at EdVenture Children’s Museum. Community Impact Award recipients must demonstrate a commitment to volunteering and have made an impact to causes, programs or projects that support human service needs in the Midlands. The Salvation Army of the Midlands is a United Way of the Midlands Certified Partner Agency.

Five ways people can contribute money to The Salvation Army’s disaster relief efforts in Japan

March 12, 2011

There are five ways people can contribute money to The Salvation Army’s disaster relief efforts in Japan:

1. Text the words “Japan” or “Quake” to 80888 to make a $10 donation.
2. By phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY
3. On-line at: www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org
4. By mail: Send your check, marked “Japan earthquake relief” to The Salvation Army, P.O. Drawer 2786, Columbia, SC 29202
5. Or give directly to your local Salvation Army unit.

 At this time, The Salvation Army is not accepting in-kind donations from the general public for disaster relief operations in Japan.

Bear in mind, it will be extremely difficult and expensive to ship in-kind donations overseas from the United States to Japan. It is more efficient for disaster relief agencies to purchase needed resources locally and for immediate distribution with the disaster area. The best way for U.S. donors to help Japanese disaster survivors is to make a cash donation. Please note that your local Salvation Army continues to accept donations of used clothing, furniture and other items to support local programming. Please consider donating your used items to your local Salvation Army Family Thrift Store.

Salvation Army representative attends Parent University at Columbia High School

March 10, 2011

The Salvation Army was represented at this year’s Parent University event held at Columbia High School on Thursday, March 10.

Columbia High School’s Guidance Department presents the event each year, and it’s always a treat to attend.

The school’s drumline is excellent and put on a nice performance for attendees.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by The Salvation Army table. Your questions and comments were much appreciated!

Salvation Army representatives attend South Carolina Prayer Breakfast

March 9, 2011

Salvation Army representatives attended today’s South Carolina Prayer Breakfast at the Radisson Hotel.

The 51st annual event featured Rome Hartman, Executive Producer of BBC America, and The Honorable Nikki Haley, Governor of the State of South Carolina.

The Bible verse featured in the program was on the topic of Repentance and reads:

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land.”  (2 Chronicles 7:14)

The breakfast meeting is much like the National Prayer Breakfast, held yearly in Washington, D.C.

Salvation Army to hold Emergency Disaster Services training on April 9

March 5, 2011

Dutch Fork Air Force JROTC Wins High School Battle of the Bells Competition

March 2, 2011

Representatives from The Salvation Army awarded the High School Battle of the Bells trophy to 2010 winners, members of the Dutch Fork Air Force JROTC, during an inspection at Dutch Fork High School in Irmo where all 150 cadets were in formation.

Members of the Dutch Fork Air Force JROTC rang bells at six store locations on Saturday, December 11, 2010 and raised more than $3,000 for The Salvation Army.

Top three results for the annual bell ringing competition during The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign are as follows:

1. Dutch Fork Air Force JROTC (2010 Winner)
2. Heathwood Hall
3. White Knoll High School National Honor Society

This was the 8th annual High School Battle of the Bells competition.

Thanks to WLTX-TV for its coverage of today’s event!

Thanks to all participating schools, and congratulations to this year’s winner, Dutch Fork Air Force JROTC!

AgFirst donates coats and money!

February 7, 2011

McDonald’s partners with The Salvation Army to feed local homeless and hungry people

January 13, 2011

Security Federal Bank’s Looney Tunes Savings Club donates to The Salvation Army!

December 17, 2010

Stuff-A-Bus 2010 totals!

December 15, 2010

Here are the Stuff-A-Bus grand totals for the Walmarts on Forest Dr, Sunset Blvd, Two Notch Rd and Harbison Blvd.

Gifts: 5,854

Pounds of food: 7,247

Bicycles: 107

Thanks to everyone involved in this year’s Stuff-A-Bus!

Stuff-A-Bus 2010 on December 10

December 11, 2010

We had another BIG day at Stuff-A-Bus, for the second week in a row! City buses were parked in Walmart parking lots at Two Notch Road and Harbison Blvd.

Totals for number of gifts, pounds of food and bicycles received will be available shortly. Until then, here are some photos of the Stuff-A-Bus event at Harbison Blvd.

Stuff-A-Bus 2010 on December 3

December 5, 2010

Thanks to everyone who came to Stuff-A-Bus at the Walmarts on Forest Drive and Sunset Blvd on Friday, December 3!

Here are some photos!

Annual Christmas Kickoff Celebration at SC State House

November 20, 2010

The Salvation Army of the Midlands held its Annual Christmas Kickoff Celebration at the South Carolina State House on Friday, November 19, 2010.

Thanks to all participants for your important contributions. The event would not have been the same without you!

Thanks to WOLO, WLTX and WACH for your television coverage!

Thanks to the Krispy Kreme in Cayce for donating dozens of delicious glazed doughnuts!

Thanks to The Salvation Army staff, church members and advisory board members for your wonderful teamwork!

Below are photos from the day’s event.

View from behind the speaker’s chairs before kickoff

Major Richard L. Jones, Area Coordinator, The Salvation Army of the Midlands, and our distinguished panel of speakers

The Honorable Steve Benjamin, Mayor of Columbia, gives a call to care for the needy in our community.

Steve Anastasion, Chairman, Salvation Army Advisory Board, provides a grand welcome.

Terry Povey, Chairwoman, Salvation Army Christmas Committee, shares the history of the Red Kettle Campaign.

 A Salvation Army Brass Ensemble made up of musicians from throughout the North and South Carolina Division plays familiar Christmas tunes.

 Staff Sgt Timothy Mayberry shares information about Toys for Tots and its working relationship with The Salvation Army.

The Heathwood Hall Concert Choir, led by Janis Corley, Choral Director, sings a couple of numbers.

Pastor Paul Pingel from Ebenezer Lutheran Church offers a closing prayer.

Red Kettle Kickoff at Columbia Rotary Club meeting-11.1.2010

November 2, 2010

The Salvation Army of the Midlands has a blog!

October 30, 2010

Greetings!

Welcome to the new blog for The Salvation Army of the Midlands.

Thanks for stopping by!

This will be a place where you can find out a bit more about how your Salvation Army is at work in the local community.

We look forward to keeping you informed with exciting news in the future.

Keep checking back in the coming days and weeks for more information.

Thank you for supporting The Salvation Army of the Midlands!