The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division, which serves Greater Chicago, northern Illinois, and northwestern Indiana, will celebrate National Salvation Army Week May 10 to 16 with a series of events that inform and encourage residents to volunteer or donate to help their neighbors in need.
“The purpose of this week is to raise awareness about The Salvation Army and the work we do year round and not just at Christmas,” said Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel David E. Grindle. “These days, we’re helping a large number of people who are coming to us for the first time; people who until recently had homes and incomes but who, due to a loss of a job, now need our help. It’s not just the poor and the homeless who are hurting right now. It’s your next door neighbor and the family down the street,” he said.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower founded National Salvation Army Week in 1954, noting in a proclamation that he issued: “Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of human brotherhood . . . Their work has been a constant reminder to us all that each of us is neighbor and kin to all Americans, giving freely of themselves, the men and women of The Salvation Army have won the respect of us all.”
In 2001, President George W. Bush issued a new proclamation recognizing the week, stating: “During this week, I encourage Americans to express their appreciation for the Salvation Army’s good works and to follow their example of serving a cause greater than themselves.”
Some of the events planned by Metropolitan Division Corps community centers to help raise awareness about The Salvation Army include:
ENGLEWOOD CORPS RED SHIELD CENTER
945 W. 69th Street, Chicago, IL
“Englewood – We Can Do Better” rally in the Corps’ parking lot
Sunday, May 16, 3 PM
For details call 773.358.3260
MIDWAY CITADEL CORPS COMMUNITY CENTER
5036-52 W. 47th Street, Chicago IL
“The Jubilee”
Saturday, May 15, 3 PM
For details call 773.838.8005
TEMPLO LARAMIE CORPS COMMUNITY CENTER
2337 S. Laramie Ave., Cicero, IL
“Oasis of Peace and Hope”
– Christianity in Action (Luke 19:10)
Wednesday–Friday, May 11–14, 10 AM to 9 PM
For details call 708.222.0177
OAKBROOK TERRACE CORPS COMMUNITY CENTER
1 S. 415 Summit, Villa Park, IL
“Building Bridges of Hope”
Sunday, May 16, 1–5 PM
For details call 630.629.3044
HAMMOND-MUNSTER (IN) CORPS COMMUNITY CENTER
8225 Columbia Avenue, Munster, IN
“Battle of the Bands Block Party”
Friday, May 21, 6–10 PM
For details call 219.838.0380
THE BRIDGE OUTPOST – HANOVER PARK
1402 Arlington Dr., Hanover Park, IL
“Oasis of Peace and Hope” — Christianity in Action (Luke 19:10)
Thursday, May 13, 2–8:30 PM
For details call 630.837.2100
Through these activities, The Salvation Army hopes to raise awareness about the continuing struggle many individuals and families still face in trying to feed themselves and their families. At many Salvation Army Corps community centers, requests for groceries top all other requests for assistance for the second consecutive year.
One Chicago community center reports nearly a threefold increase in the number of groceries it is providing to people in need compared to last year. And at several Salvation Army suburban centers, requests for groceries have increased at least 30 percent over those of 2009, while the number of people seeking assistance for the first time was up nearly 100 percent at one center.
Much of the food The Salvation Army distributes through its food pantries is purchased in bulk at a discount. Together with food that’s donated, The Salvation Army is able to feed a family of four for $32 a week.
In addition to food pantry distributions, The Salvation Army also provides meals to seniors, to children enrolled in day care and after school programs, and to the homeless through the Mobile Feeding Program.
Eighty-eight cents of every dollar donated to The Salvation Army Chicago Metropolitan Division is spent on services and programs that directly benefit the needy.
To volunteer or donate to The Salvation Army, please visit www.salarmychicago.org.