The Mission Continues

Hampton Roads, VA (January 20, 2015) – The red kettles are packed away and the Christmas Depot is empty, but the mission for The Salvation Army Hampton Roads Area Command continues.

In an effort to provide to those on the street, The Salvation Army will begin a new mobile feeding initiative on Thursday, January 22. Each week, the unit’s canteen will head out to areas of Norfolk to provide food, water, blankets, coats and pastoral care to those in need.

“The Salvation Army’s mission is to ‘meet human needs without discrimination in Jesus’ name,’” states Major Stephen Long of The Salvation Army. “Giving food to the hungry, water to the thirsty, coats and blankets to the cold and hope for tomorrow is the bedrock of our organization. While we do this in our Hope Center on 19th Street, through our Hope Village for woman and children, at Area Command and our Corps Community Centers in the greater Hampton Roads area; it is time to take it to the streets once again. The open door invitation to any of our serving centers continues to meet the needs of thousands of our friends and neighbors; but our street feeding initiative is to bring that hope to those who may have lost their way.”

The Salvation Army has a long history of reaching out to those living on the streets. Founder William Booth embarked on his ministerial career in 1852 by preaching to the poor and homeless on the streets of London, abandoning the conventional concept of a church and taking the message to the people.

Each year, The Salvation Army in Hampton Roads provides food, clothing and assistance to over 65,000 people, not just at Christmas, but all year long. Over 1500 men find a warm place to stay at the 19^th Street Hope Center in Norfolk each year where over 40,000 meals are served during 12 weekly soup kitchens. By taking the canteen out for this mobile initiative, The Salvation Army can impact more lives and provide comfort to those in need.

To support The Salvation Army in doing the most good in Hampton Roads, please visit SalvationArmyHRVA.org or call (757) 543-8100.

The Salvation Army is on a Mission to
Bring the Most Joy in Hampton Roads this Christmas
Additional distribution times available for families in need

Hampton Roads, VA (December 11, 2014) – Most of Hampton Roads is a buzz with Christmas shopping and planning, but there are many who face the harsh realities of choosing necessities over toys and gifts for their children. This holiday season, The Salvation Army Hampton Roads Area Command will bring hope to local families who desperately need a helping hand.

Thousands of families will be helped during distribution week beginning today, Monday, December 15. “For over 100 years, The Salvation Army has provided food, clothing and other assistance to people in real need in our community at Christmastime and this year is no different,” says Major Stephen Long of The Salvation Army.

In order to reach even more families in need this time of year, additional applications will be accepted at The Salvation Army Hampton Roads Area Command (5525 Raby Road, Norfolk):

Wednesday, December 17 1PM – 4PM

Thursday, December 18 1PM – 4PM

Those looking to apply will need to provide the following (additional information available at www.salvationarmyhrva.org/christmasprogram):
•Current Government Issued Picture ID for head of household (applicant);
•Social Security Cards (to avoid duplication) AND Birth Certificates (to determine age) for all children ages 0-11;
•Proof of financial need: food stamps, unemployment income, employment income, etc.;
•Proof of any recent household crisis, if applicable.

Families applying during distribution will receive toys and food only, as Angel Tree applications for clothing are no longer available.

 

“It is because of our great partnerships with the US Marine Corps Toys for Tots, The Virginian-Pilot Joy Fund and Operation Blessing that we are able to make Christmas a special time for our neighbors in need,” says Major Long.

Feeding Thousands on Thanksgiving
The Salvation Army will provide 2400 meals this Thanksgiving

Hampton Roads, VA (November 17, 2014) – This Thanksgiving, The Salvation Army Hampton Roads Area Command will take its annual Thanksgiving feeding program on the road with a mobile initiative.

Over 2400 meals will be provided to families in several Hampton Roads communities via The Salvation Army’s canteen and volunteers. The Salvation Army is working with Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority along with other local communities to identify families and people in need this Thanksgiving.

“Because of our annual golf tournament in October and the generous donations of our community, we are able to increase our efforts in providing warm meals to families on the holiday,” says Major Stephen Long of The Salvation Army.

The number of families finding themselves in desperate financial situations has continued throughout 2014 and the need for compassionate support from the public is more essential than ever.

“While the economy has started its slow recovery, many families find themselves facing personal tragedies each and every day here in Hampton Roads. We are forever grateful to the kind friends and neighbors who have provided faithful support for those struggling to make ends meet,” says Major Long.

The uncertainty of the economy has contributed to a drop in local donations. In fact, some who have supported The Salvation Army in the past have now found themselves at our doors seeking help. The Salvation Army currently serves over 1000 individuals through the food pantry each month.

Many feel forgotten and disheartened as they approach the Thanksgiving season, but The Salvation Army believes the community will once again step forward and help those who need it most. “We’ve been doing this work for nearly 110 years, so we’re not going to turn away any deserving neighbor now,” says Major Long. “The Salvation Army plans on doing the most good we can with the gifts we receive to help those in the greatest need in our community. We urge our friends, those whose circumstances will allow, to dig deep this year to spread the spirit of Thanksgiving to those who are facing particularly hard times.”

To support The Salvation Army in doing the most good in Hampton Roads, please visit SalvationArmyHRVA.org or call (757) 543-8100.

It’s the Holiday Season!
The Salvation Army & WVEC-TV 13NewsNow Kick Off the Holidays in a 30-year Partnership!

Hampton Roads, VA (November 3, 2014) – Most of Hampton Roads is recovering from the Halloween sugar rush while The Salvation Army Hampton Roads Area Command prepares to launch the Christmas season.

At noon on Thursday, November 13, The Salvation Army and WVEC-TV 13NewsNow will kick off the 2014 Angel Tree campaign at Pembroke Mall in Virginia Beach along with an official Red Kettle Kickoff. The Angel Tree campaign provides children in need with clothing and other apparel for Christmas. Kettle donations assist local families at the holidays, as well as all year long.

Since 1984, WVEC-TV and The Salvation Army have teamed up to provide clothes to thousands of children in Hampton Roads. In 2013, the Angel Tree campaign provided gifts of clothing to over 8,250 children throughout the region. Through all of The Salvation Army’s Christmas programs in Hampton Roads, over 21,700 children received toys, clothing and food last year.

“We are embarking on 30 years as partners with WVEC in this effort and the Angel Tree program would not be the success it is without their backing and that of their viewers!” said Major Stephen Long of The Salvation Army.

Angel Tree is an opportunity for the public to “adopt an angel” for Christmas. Individuals should purchase at least two clothing items for their “angel” and return them unwrapped to the location where they picked-up the tag by December 6. Christmas Assistance distribution begins on Monday, December 15 and concludes on Friday, December 19.

Angel Tree was created by The Salvation Army in 1979 by Lt. Colonels Charles and Shirley White when they worked with a Lynchburg, Virginia shopping mall to provide clothing and toys for children at Christmas time. The program got its name because the Whites identified the wishes of local children by writing their gift needs on Hallmark greeting cards that featured pictures of angels. They placed the cards on a Christmas tree at the mall to allow shoppers to select children to help. Thanks to Lt. Cols. White, who were assigned by The Army to the Lynchburg area at the time, more than 700 children had a brighter Christmas that first year.

Each year in Hampton Roads, The Salvation Army displays over 100 kettles across the region to raise funds to support ongoing work. When a volunteer rings a bell, 83 cents of each dollar dropped in a kettle is used to support Salvation Army programs and services in the Hampton Roads community.

The history of The Salvation Army kettles dates back to 1891 in San Francisco when Captain Joseph McFee was distraught over the growing number of hungry individuals in the city. He placed a pot at the Oakland Ferry Landing that collected money to serve the needy at Christmas. By 1901, the kettle program spread to Boston and New York City, providing funds to feed thousands. Today in the U.S., The Salvation Army assists more than four-and-a-half million people during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Public contributions to Salvation Army kettles enable the organization to continue its year-round efforts at helping those who would otherwise be forgotten.

The Salvation Army is grateful for the ongoing support from our partners at WVEC, The Virginian-Pilot Joy Fund, Marine Corps Toys for Tots and Operation Blessing who make our Christmas program a success.

To support The Salvation Army in doing the most good in Hampton Roads, please visit SalvationArmyHRVA.org or call (757) 543-8100.

 

It’s Never Too Early to Think About Christmas!
Additional distribution dates available for families in need

Hampton Roads, VA (October 16, 2014) – While pumpkins line neighborhood porches and the temperatures still remain steady in the upper 70s, The Salvation Army Hampton Roads Area Command is already working on Christmas and busily taking applications for those in need of assistance.

The Christmas application process began in August during the distribution of Write Stuff school supplies. Nearly 600 families signed up to receive Angel Tree and toys during that time – a 32% increase over last year.

The application process continued through seven intake opportunities between the end of September and middle of October. This Saturday, October 18, families can apply at The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center (1401 Ballentine Blvd., Norfolk, 23504) from 10AM to 1PM.

Knowing that not all families will be able to make it to this application site, The Salvation Army has extended the intake process to every Thursday at the Social Service office located at the Administrative Building (5525 Raby Rd., Norfolk, 23502) from 9AM to 3PM, beginning October 23 and ending November 6.

The final application intake date for this year’s Christmas program will be held on Saturday, November 8 at The Kroc Center from 10AM to 1PM.

Last year, over 5000 families were helped through The Salvation Army’s Christmas program, which includes gifts of clothing through Angel Tree, toys from The Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots and The Virginian-Pilot Joy Fund, as well as food.

Those looking to apply during these intake days will need to provide:
•Current Government Issued Picture ID for head of household (applicant).
•Social Security Cards (to avoid duplication) AND Birth Certificates (to determine age) for all children aged 0-11.
•Proof of financial need: food stamps, unemployment income, employment income
•Proof of any recent household crisis, if applicable.

For more information: www.salvationarmyhrva.org/christmasprogram

The Salvation Army Begins Write Stuff School Supply Drive
Getting Kids Back to School with the Write Stuff

Hampton Roads, VA (July 30, 2014) – Backpacks, crayons, pencils, paper and smiles. That’s what happens when the Hampton Roads community and The Salvation Army team up.

Starting this Friday, August 1, area Chick-fil-A and Walmart stores will begin collecting new school supplies as a part of the annual Write Stuff campaign. Donations will be collected throughout the month of August and distributed August 27 – 29.

Write Stuff is administered by The Salvation Army Hampton Roads Area Command and run by WVEC-TV and its partners to raise donations of school supplies for children in need.

“The need in our community continues to grow every year,” says Major Stephen Long, Area Commander. “It’s through our great partnerships with WVEC, Chick-fil-A and Walmart, and because of the incredible Hampton Roads community that we are able to provide for those who come to our doors each year.”

Last year, The Salvation Army in Hampton Roads saw a 37% increase in the number of families receiving school supplies. A total of 3361 book bags loaded with school supplies were given to students in all of Hampton Roads.

Families interested in applying for Write Stuff assistance can find out more at salvationarmyhrva.org/writestuff or by calling 757.543.8100 ext 64249.

A donation drop off location list is available online here.

The Salvation Army Reacts to Eastern Shore Tornado

Hampton Roads, VA (July 25, 2014) – The Salvation Army Hampton Roads Area Command’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team responded to the needs faced after a tornado struck the Cherrystone Campground on the Eastern Shore the morning of Thursday, July 24.

The mobile unit from Norfolk fed 375 individuals at Northampton High School, which served as an immediate staging area for those affected by the severe weather. The team was on hand to provide consultations, referrals and spiritual support before families were taken to local hotels and shelters.

Due to the outpouring of donations of food and water, the EDS team was able to prepare food boxes for first responders, workers and crews on site Friday. A total of 500 sandwiches, 1920 bottles of water, soup, crackers, fruit and cookies were prepared.

A generous donation of $1000 in supplies was provided by The Home Depot to assist in clean-up efforts and was delivered to The Salvation Army Area Command at 8:30AM Friday morning. Additional food donations came from Pizza Hut, McDonald’s and Hardee’s.

“The immediate display of support from this community speaks volumes,” says Major Stephen Long, Area Commander. “The Salvation Army is about neighbors helping neighbors and we saw that happen again today in the midst of such tragedy. We will continue to support those who need assistance after this storm and pray for all involved.”

The Salvation Army Responds to Eastern Shore Tornado

Hampton Roads, VA (July 24, 2014) – The Salvation Army Hampton Roads Area Command’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team is responding to the severe weather and tornado that touched down on the Easter Shore the morning of Thursday, July 24, 2014.

The mobile unit from Norfolk will assist in feeding 500 people at Northampton High School this evening and are prepared to provide additional support to survivors and first responders.

“The Salvation Army is always prepared to serve those in need and we’re ready to assist during times of disaster through physical and spiritual comfort,” says Major Stephen Long, Area Commander.

The Salvation Army Hampton Roads Area Command will put out its iconic red kettles at the Harris Teeter stores on Wards Corner (7550 Granby Street, Norfolk 23505) and Princess Anne Plaza (3333 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach). The Advisory Board will go head-to-head with the Women’s Auxiliary in a Kettle Challenge to raise the most funds that day.

The needs in our community don’t stop after the holidays and neither does the work of The Salvation Army. The purpose of the Christmas in July campaign is to raise funds to support the programs and services of The Salvation Army throughout the year.

This will be the fifth year that The Salvation Army Hampton Roads Command has run the Christmas in July campaign and the third year that volunteers will ring at local Harris Teeter stores.

Click here to donate to the Advisory Board’s online kettle.

Click here to donate to the Auxiliary’s online kettle.

 

The BIG Trike Giveaway!

We’re excited to announce this brand new event as part of Christmas in July this year!

Made possible by a generous donor, the Big Trike Giveaway will provide 100 needy children with a brand new tricycle this summer.

Tots (ages 2 – 4 years old) receiving the tricycles will have the opportunity to come to the Kroc Center to assemble the trikes with the help of volunteers, and participate in some fun activities before taking the tricycle home to enjoy.

Parents/guardians must apply through The Salvation Army’s Social Services Department.

National Doughnut Day is Friday, June 6!

We’re teaming up with Happy Day Donuts in Chesapeake to make this day a treat for everyone! Be on the look out for us! Check out the brochure (with a special surprise!) here.

Did You Know… When the United States entered World War I, The Salvation Army was ready to assist. The Salvation Army established a War Board and began programs in US Army camps and canteens across the country. Food and beverages were provided for the soldiers, along with books, writing supplies and opportunities for recreation. Overseas, The Salvation Army workers moved with the American Expeditionary Forces across France making doughnuts, pies, cakes and other home-baked goods for the soldiers.

The soldiers were given a home away from home and had the opportunity to sing, read, write letters and attend church services. The Salvation Army doughnut girls would use the limited rations provided and an open stove to make doughnuts for the soldiers. Only 150 doughnuts were made on first day in 1917 but were an immediate success. Soon, as many as 500 soldiers stood in muck outside the resurrected tent waiting for the sweet taste of doughnuts and before long, 9,000 doughnuts were being made daily.

Along the front lines, the doughnuts became a symbol of The Salvation Army’s will to bring a touch of home to the soldiers. A small token of sweetness, it has remained in the public’s mind for many years as a symbol of warm friendship and service to those in need.

Did You Know… The Salvation Army celebrated the first National Doughnut Day in 1938 in the city of Chicago as a way to honor Salvation Army “doughnut lassies” from World War I.

Did You Know… Approximately 250 Salvation Army volunteers provided assistance to American soldiers in France starting in 1917 during WWI.

Did You Know…The Salvation Army continues to provide doughnuts, as well as other services to clients who visit Salvation Army programs daily.