Leadership Blog: Angel Tree Report, Fighting Hunger Together, and More!

It's almost Springtime!

Dear Friends,

Wow…March certainly blew in fast. We hope you had a wonderful February. So many things have happened this past month.  We have so much to share!

ANGEL TREE REPORT: THE NUMBERS ARE IN!

Volunteers at last year's Angel Tree
distribution at our Christmas Center
in Dallas.

This past Christmas season, we served more than 16,000 families in the DFW Metroplex. More than 54,000 children and special-needs adults received gifts through the Angel Tree program.  In all, about $3.7 million worth of gifts were donated.

Of course, we could not have done it without our more than 6,000 volunteers, who contributed more than 32,500 hours to help make all this possible.

A Salvation Army volunteer
serving food to a recipient.

FIGHTING HUNGER TOGETHER

Thousands of North Texans will experience hunger this year. With your help, we can continue to provide food assistance to those in crisis situations.

In 2011, our centers served 947,520 meals to families and individuals in need across the Metroplex. This happened, in large part, thanks to donations and food drives from companies, organizations, and individuals like you.

Through these donations, our food assistance program remains strong and ready in case families and individuals face food shortages.

Food donations for The Salvation Army may be dropped off at your nearest Salvation Army Center. You can find a list of Salvation Army locations in the Metroplex here.

RECENT EVENTS

Charlotte Jones Anderson, National Advisory
Board Chair of The Salvation Army and
Executive Vice-President of Brand Management
for the Dallas Cowboys, serves a meal to residents
of the Carr P. Collins Center in Dallas.

On February 8^th, DRG Concepts, the Dallas Cowboys, and Downtown Dallas business leaders served lunch to 275 men and women at our Carr P. Collins Social Service Center. The lunch was part of a partnership between DRG Concepts and the Dallas Cowboys. During the Christmas season, DRG's downtown restaurants—Dallas Chop House, Wild Salsa, and Dallas Fish Market—collected donations from their patrons. The combined value of the lunch and the donations collected was $12,000!

Meanwhile, the Hockaday School’s soccer team hosted a soccer clinic at our Pleasant Grove location in southeast Dallas. The children learned the basics of the game by participating in passing, scoring, and defensive drills. The clinic concluded with an exhibition game, in which the children split up into several teams that included members of Hockaday’s soccer team.

Members of the Fort Worth Women's Auxiliary
serve sandwiches and heart-shaped cookies
to residentsof the Catherine and Evangeline Booth
Friendship Houses in Fort Worth

Two of our auxiliary groups made sure those we serve had a great Valentine’s Day! The Junior Auxiliary worked with women and children from our women's shelter in Dallas to decorate Valentine's Day cookies. Our Fort Worth Women’s Auxiliary hosted a Valentine's Day party for residents of our Catherine and Evangeline Booth residences for senior citizens. The residents enjoyed great food and drinks, as well as entertainment.

We invite you to stay in touch with us through our Facebook and Twitter pages for upcoming news, events, and opportunities to make a difference.

Warmly,

Captain Michele and Major Ward Matthews

DFW Metroplex Command Leadership

Leadership Blog: A New Year!

We're back!

Dear Friends,

Welcome to a brand new year of serving others and meeting needs in Jesus' name! We hope you enjoyed great moments with your family and loved ones during this past holiday season. Please allow us to start the new year off right by saying...




THANK YOU!

Thanks to all that supported us
this Christmas season!

Thanks to all of you who have donated your time, money, and energy to support our recent Christmas programs!

We had lots of volunteers ringing bells at our red kettle locations. Hundreds more helped distribute gifts for children and special-need adults through the Angel Tree program.

We could not do all of this without your support! Once again, a big thank you to each and every one of you!


ONLINE RED KETTLE: ONLY SEVEN DAYS LEFT!

Click the kettle to enter

onlineredkettle.org/dfwgive

There’s still time to make a positive impact in the lives of others through Online Red Kettle. It’s a great way to make a difference in the community.

You can make a donation by going to onlineredkettle.org/dfwgive, helping us raise money for important services in the community.

Online Red Kettle is active till January 31! Remember that 85 cents of every dollar donated locally to The Salvation Army goes straight to programs serving people in need!



RECENT EVENTS

While individual volunteers were logging hundreds of hours in support of our Christmas programs, numerous organizations and corporations also pitched in to help in their own unique ways.

Former Dallas Cowboys Charles Haley
(right) and Russell Maryland (second
to right) being introduced at last month's
turkey distribution at The Salvation Army's
Cedar Crest Community Center in Oak Cliff.

Sam’s Club donated over 400 turkeys to seniors and families at The Salvation Army's Cedar Crest Community Center in Oak Cliff. The crowd was also excited to see former Dallas Cowboys players Charles Haley, Doug Dennison, and Russell Maryland help distribute the turkeys to seniors and families.

The University of Texas at Dallas launched a food drive last fall benefitting our Salvation Army community center in Plano. UTD delivered the food to our Plano location in mid December. In addition to the food drive, the university also donated bicycles to families served by our community center in Plano.

Bank of America volunteers present
a $12,100 donation towards our
food assistance program.

Just before serving meals to residents at our Carr P. Collins Social Service Center in December, employees from Bank of America presented a check for $12,100 benefitting our food assistance program. The donation is part of Bank of America's Feeding the Hungry community initiative.

The Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, and the PGA Tour recently made a grant of $2,000 to support services at our Mabee Social Service Center in Fort Worth. Meanwhile, GE Capital presented us with a check for $10,000 to support therapeutic and educational activities at our Carr P. Collins Social Service Center in Dallas.

Blake Fetterman, Director of Operations
at the Carr P. Collins Center in Dallas,
helps sort out socks donated by Hanes.

Earlier this month, Hanes donated 500 pairs of socks to our homeless shelter in Dallas. The socks were donated as part of Hanes’ 3rd Annual Virtual Sock Drive, which benefits those served by Salvation Army homeless shelters.

We invite you to stay in touch with us through our Facebook and Twitter pages for upcoming opportunities to make a difference.

Let’s make it a great year, friends!


Warmly,

Captain Michele and Major Ward Matthews
DFW Metroplex Command Leadership

Leadership Blog: A Joyful Season!

That time of year!

Dear Friends,

This has been an exciting time of year for The Salvation Army. We'd like to share some of the recent activities with you.

  

DOING THE MOST GOOD LUNCHEON – 11/11/11

"Doing The Most Good Luncheon" speaker
Scott O'Grady tells his story as a pilot
fighting for his life in Bosnia.

This year’s “Doing The Most Good Luncheon,” presented by AT&T, raised more than $3 million, benefitting programs serving thousands in the Metroplex.  

Keynote speaker Scott O’Grady, a former U.S. Air Force pilot, spoke of his experience being shot down over Bosnia and parachuting to the ground. He survived for six harrowing days in enemy territory before being rescued.

We thank Luncheon Chair Mark Schortman, Underwriting Chair Jan Pickens, and everyone involved in making this year’s luncheon a success.

 

ONLINE RED KETTLE

Click the kettle to enter
onlineredkettle.org/dfwgive

With the Red Kettle Drive in full swing, The Salvation Army has made it easier for you and others to participate online thanks to onlineredkettle.org.

Through onlineredkettle.org, you can set up your own kettle account, establish a fundraising goal, and raise money for The Salvation Army from the comfort of your home! You can personalize your kettle account with photos, graphics, and links to other sites, while notifying friends and family about your fundraising goal via email and Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Online Red Kettle is fun, easy and FREE! It’s a great way to make a difference in the community.

If you want to make a simple donation, go to onlineredkettle.org/dfwgive  and help us raise money for the Red Kettle drive.

Online Red Kettle is active till January 31^st, 2012! Remember that 85 cents of every dollar donated locally to The Salvation Army goes straight to programs serving people in need!

 ANGEL TREE

Christi was able to provide
Christmas for her three children thanks
to the Angel Tree program.

We’re pleased to announce that every child and special-needs adult in the Angel Tree program will receive gifts this Christmas! Last Friday, we began distributing gifts to over 50,000 underprivileged children and special-needs adults.

We’re grateful to all that adopted Angels this Christmas season, as well as the volunteers that are distributing the gifts to Angel Tree families.

Hear Christi speak of her experience with the Angel Tree program.

 RECENT EVENTS

Dallas Cowboys players prepare
to serve meals to men and women at the
Carr P. Collins center in Dallas.

Volunteers have been active this holiday season. Members of The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary in Dallas helped pack candy bags to be given as Christmas gifts to inmates locked up in prisons across Texas. Each candy bag also includes a gospel tract that shares the plan of salvation to lead people to a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Due to their annual Thanksgiving Day game, The Dallas Cowboys served up an “early” Thanksgiving meal at The Salvation Army’s Carr P. Collins Social Services Center. Cowboys players donated their time to serve dinner to more than 200 less fortunate men and women at The Salvation Army’s homeless shelter in Dallas. Brill Garrett, wife of Cowboys' head coach Jason Garrett, and the wives of some of the players also pitched in to help.

Captain Andy Miller with two children
during the Christmas Party hosted by
the Dallas Cowboys.

The Cowboys continued showing their holiday spirit. The team hosted a Christmas party for children served by our centers in the Metroplex. The children enjoyed food and fun at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. Each child also received a brand new pair of TOMS shoes that they decorated and painted to their liking.

Meanwhile, the players’ wives held their annual Dream Drive for The Salvation Army at Sam’s Club in Grapevine. The players’ wives went on a shopping spree benefitting 20 underprivileged families served by The Salvation Army.

We thank each and every one of you who helped those in need this holiday season. We encourage you to remember others at this special time of the year.  Stay in touch with us through our Facebook and Twitter pages for upcoming opportunities to make a difference.

 

 

 

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful new year!

Warmly,

  

Captain Michele and Major Ward Matthews

DFW Metroplex Command Leadership

Leadership Blog: Commitment to the Community

Dear Friends,

The Salvation Army has been blessed with individuals who walk the walk. Sadly, we have lost such an individual.

 

Charles Wyly

On August 7^th, Charles Wyly passed away in Aspen, Colorado.  As a past chairman of the DFW Metroplex Advisory Board and a member for more than 40 years, his commitment to The Salvation Army was nothing short of remarkable. Charles was instrumental in pushing forward The Salvation Army DFW’s long range plan, initiated in 2003. He was also a member of The Salvation Army's National Advisory Board where he served as treasurer.

We are grateful for the time we’ve spent working with Charles. We ask that you join us in praying for comfort for his wife, Dee, and for his family.

The Salvation Army will participate in
"North Texas Giving Day."
Save the date!

The Salvation Army will be participating in the Donor Bridge “North Texas Giving Day.”

What makes this event unique? From 7 AM to 7 PM on Thursday, September 15^th, the Communities Foundation of Texas, sponsors of the event, will match a portion of your contribution.

Ruben Brown with children
from The Salvation Army - Arlington

Many showed their commitment to the community this summer. Former NFL Guard Ruben Brown kicked off a 7,000 mile, cross-country motorcycle ride called “Ruben’s Run.” The ride’s objective was to build awareness and raise funds for The Salvation Army.  Ruben stopped in the Metroplex on July 25th and made time to visit with those we serve.

Lieutenant Patrick Jones
with the children of The Salvation Army -
Dallas Temple

When our 15 Cooling Stations were running low on bottled water during the triple digit heat wave this summer, Sam’s Club took the initiative to donate 40,000 bottles of water to benefit the stations.

Back-to-school shopping can be very costly. Knowing this, the Office Depot Foundation and the Women’s Auxiliaries of Dallas and Fort Worth donated 1,150 backpacks to children served by The Salvation Army.

Field Day
at The Salvation Army -
Waxahachie

Volunteers from Boeing and Southwest Airlines recently served the community by hosting food drives benefiting Salvation Army food pantries across the Metroplex.

Other volunteer activities this month included two field days at our Pleasant Grove and Waxahachie locations. Summer day camp children throughout the Metroplex enjoyed activities such as face painting, tug-of-war, and basketball.

As the summer winds down, we wish you a wonderful conclusion of the season! Stay informed of our latest news by liking our fan page on Facebook!

Warmly, 

Captain Michele and Major Ward Matthews

DFW Metroplex Commanders

Ex-Dallas Cowboys Host Character Camp at The Salvation Army - Cedar Crest

Children participating in a football drill
at the "Character Camp" in Cedar Crest.

Former Dallas Cowboy greats Charles Haley, Michael Irvin, Russell Maryland, Nate Newton, and the Pro Players Foundation, hosted a one-day Character Camp for children served at The Salvation Army Cedar Crest.

 Here’s a video with more footage on the Character Camp:

Remembering Charles Wyly

Charles Wyly

Dear Friends, 

Few were as active in developing the future of The Salvation Army as Charles Wyly. 

While serving as a member and former chairman of the local Salvation Army Advisory Board for more than 40 years, Charles was also a member of The Salvation Army's national advisory board where he had served as Treasurer. He was part of the Executive Committee, Financial & Institutional Development Committee, Business Administration Committee and, most recently, the Underwriting Committee for the 2011 Annual Doing the Most Good Luncheon, as well as the Performing Arts and the Long-Range Plan Committees. 

In 2003, Charles was instrumental in securing a $3.5 million grant from the W.W. Caruth, Jr. Fund of the Communities Foundation of Dallas to provide three years of funding to support the implementation of a strategic long-range plan for The Salvation Army in Dallas. 

Sadly, Charles died in an auto accident in Aspen Colorado, on Sunday, August 7^th.

We have lost one of the truly great gentlemen of the world in Charles Wyly. He cared for and shared with the poorest among us. I never felt ill at ease about speaking to this billionaire who so humbly wanted to make sure everyone who came through the doors of The Salvation Army had a place to sleep and good food to eat.

Charles was about the future. What could The Salvation Army do to help more? How could we serve better? How could we raise more money to help the poor? And in that, he led by example. The passing of Charles Wyly is a blow to the caring community of Dallas and Fort Worth.

Our wish is for others to join us in prayers of comfort for Charles’ wife Dee, and the Wyly family.

A dynamic and celebrated philanthropist, Charles dedicated his time and financial resources to charitable causes as varied as education, the arts, social services, health care, and human rights. 

His legacy is one of both service and humility. 

Sincerely,

Major Ward Matthews

Leadership Blog: A Solid Foundation, 146 Years in the Making

Dear Friends,

Few organizations can claim to be in existence for more than a century. Yet on July 5^th, The Salvation Army celebrated its 146th Anniversary!

William Booth
founded The
Salvation Army
146 years ago!

We are proud of the opportunities The Salvation Army has given to countless communities throughout the world. 146 years later, The Salvation Army’s community-wide efforts continue, as illustrated by our immediate response to the stifling heat in North Texas.

The DFW Metroplex is closing in on 30 consecutive days of triple-digit heat. The dangers of such high temperatures, including dizziness and heat strokes, are to be taken seriously. Preventive measures, such as proper hydration and remaining in cool areas, must be taken.

Many, however, don’t have the means to beat the heat. 

Earlier this summer, The Salvation Army opened 15 cooling stations across the Metroplex. These stations provide visitors cool beverages and snacks in a well air conditioned facility. Two cooling stations, the Carr P. Collins Center in Dallas and the Mabee Center in Fort Worth, are open seven days a week. 

Cool off at one of our 15 Cooling Stations
across the Metroplex!

Members of the community have recognized the importance of our programs amidst the strong heat surge. The First United Methodist Church of Hurst donated water, Gatorade and Girl Scout cookies towards our summer heat relief and youth programs. The church was so determined in assisting us that it donated enough items to fill a 14 foot trailer!

Members of the Episcopal
Church of the Annunciation's
Day Camp serving snow
cones in Lewisville.

The Episcopal Church of the Annunciation mobilized members of its day camp to assist The Salvation Army at our feeding program in Lewisville, serving snow cones, beverages, and food to those in the program.  

Speaking of our Lewisville feeding program, participants in the program will soon enjoy fresh produce grown in organic gardens located in the Upper Trinity Regional Water District.

Yet, The Salvation Army’s 146 year history goes beyond providing food and water to the least of these.  It strives to play a positive role in the development of adults and children alike.

Former Dallas Maverick Josh Howard
with children from The Salvation Army
at Cedar Crest.

Whether it is providing complimentary hearing, vision, and blood pressure exams through its health awareness block party, hosting the United Way’s “Day of Action” for children, or attending (former Dallas Maverick) Josh Howard’s Basketball Camp, The Salvation Army at Cedar Crest plays an effective role in the lives of its community.

The Salvation Army’s founder, William Booth, once said “…it is not enough to give a man a better wage or a better job, or a better house only – you must show him how he may be given a new heart with the will and the character to match it.” 

This principle has made The Salvation Army unique among its peers. Our solid foundation would not exist without the support we have received from thousands of people throughout the world. 

You are the reason why The Salvation Army endures.

We wish you memorable moments with friends and loved ones. Stay informed of our latest news this summer by visiting our Facebook and Twitter pages:

Facebook.com/salvationarmydfw

Twitter.com/salarmydfw

Warmly,

Captain Michele and Major Ward Matthews

DFW Metroplex Commanders

Leadership Blog: Summertime and the Youth

Go Mavs!

Dear Friends,

Despite the scorching heat—a staple of North Texas summers—the past couple of weeks were full of memorable moments; from the celebration of National Doughnut Day at Krispy Kreme, to the Dallas Mavericks Victory parade where thousands of thirsty fans cooled off with water and Gatorade provided by The Salvation Army and the Dallas Police Department.

Major Ernest Branscum with his grandson,
Ethan Winters, at a Salvation Army hydration station
during the Dallas Mavericks Parade.

Ethan Winters began the summer creating memories with his grandfather, Major Ernest Branscum, when serving cool beverages to hundreds of fans during the Dallas Mavericks victory parade.

Many of our fondest childhood memories occurred during the summertime: trips to the pool, playing with friends, picnics, enjoying time with family, and so much more. The Salvation Army understands how important a carefree season of fun can be to the overall development of children. 

We also recognize the important contributions children make to our community.  

Bradford Bonsack, a 5th grader
from Westlake Academy.

Take the initiative of 5^th grader Bradford Bonsack, from Westlake Academy. After learning that residents of the Carr P. Collins Social Services Center, in Dallas, were lacking in jeans, Bradford began a successful jeans drive. So successful was this drive that, in one weekend, Bradford managed to gather three 42 gallon bags of jeans and raised $250.00 to benefit The Salvation Army.

Major Ward Matthews with students and staff of
  Episcopal School of Dallas.

 Another very impressive initiative came from the students of the Episcopal School of Dallas. These students, led by their respective student councils, initiated multiple fund raisers that culminated in a $1,000 donation to The Salvation Army. The students also conducted food and clothing drives on our behalf.

The Salvation Army at Pleasant Grove's
soccer team.

 And on the subject of fond childhood memories, the children of The Salvation Army at Pleasant Grove soccer team will not forget the camaraderie they shared as they celebrated another exciting season.

Yet, in the midst of this, we should remember the many children who are not as blessed.

A Salvation Army response team
in Joplin, MO.

Our brothers and sisters in Alabama, Missouri, Arizona and Texas are suffering the effects of devastating tornadoes and dangerous wildfires. Those who survived are now using the summer as a time for recovery.

We urge you to cherish the moments you have with your loved ones, as such moments are not guaranteed. We also urge you to aid the youth in dire times. These young boys and girls will soon be the leaders of our community. They merit our investment.

Captain Michele Matthews with the incoming
Women's Auxiliary Executive Board.

Realizing this, The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary of Dallas, allocated $368,597 from this year's Fashion Show for Salvation Army locations throughout the Metroplex. Aiding these locations is essential in providing support for children in our community.

Wal-Mart has donated 10 pallets of water,
benefiting The Salvation Army's Cooling Station.

In response to the dangers of 100-degree plus weather, Tom Thumb and Wal-Mart donated hundreds of cases of water to our cooling stations across the Metroplex. These stations provide children and adults relief from the stifling heat.

No amount of words can truly express our thanks for their initiative in aiding the least of these.

We wish you a safe, fulfilling summer for you, your family and friends. Stay informed of our latest news this summer by visiting our Facebook and Twitter pages:

Facebook.com/salvationarmydfw

Twitter.com/salarmydfw

Warmly,

Captain Michele and Major Ward Matthews

DFW Metroplex Commanders