Dear Friends,
We continue to be impressed with the hard work of our volunteers and staff.
Their efforts continue to positively affect thousands of North Texans.
Their efforts continue to positively affect thousands of North Texans.
As you may know, thousands of people have been affected by strong wildfires across Texas. Many more had their lives take an unforeseen turn when tornadoes hit the Southeast U.S.
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| Firefighters from Sprawn,TX receiving meals from a Salvation Army Mobile Disaster Kitchen |
Our volunteers immediately stepped up to the plate by helping out in anyway they could; whether it be providing meals to residents and firefighters, or giving pastoral support for those trying to fight their circumstances.
We couldn’t be prouder of our volunteers and staff. These men and women have consistently addressed the task at hand, no matter how big or small the challenge may be.
The energy they put forth during the Annual Luncheon in Fort Worth on March 10th was just spectacular. Both volunteers and our staff ensured the event ran smoothly, and was enjoyed by more than 300 in attendance.
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| TOMS Shoes Founder Blake Mycoskie |
The luncheon, chaired by Michele Reynolds, included appearances from the Honorable Mike Moncrief, Mayor of Fort Worth, and TOMS Shoes’ founder Blake Mycoskie. Mayor Moncrief and Blake reminded all of us of the impact we, as individuals and as a community, can have on the less fortunate.
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Volunteers at the KaBOOM! Build |
This same sentiment was evidenced during the KaBOOM! playground build, on March 11, at our Cedar Crest community center. The compassionate energy displayed by more than 300 volunteers who selflessly gave hours of their time to build a brand new playground for the children of the Cedar Crest community was inspiring.
It was that same energy and compassion that led hundreds of North Texans to Cowboys Stadium, on April 5, for the TOMS Shoes’ One Day Without Shoes event. Attendees walked around the stadium barefooted to raise awareness of the millions of children around the world who are at risk for infection and disease by not having shoes to wear.
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| A child with shoes at the "Style Your Sole" party |
That same day, more than 125 children from various Salvation Army DFW Corps locations participated in the “Style Your Sole” party hosted by TOMS Shoes and the Dallas Cowboys inside Cowboys Stadium. The children received a natural canvas pair of TOMS shoes to decorate in whichever way they chose. Once they finished decorating their shoes, each child was able to keep them to wear and enjoy. In following TOMS’ “one-for-one” model, for every pair of shoes donated to the children participating in the party, a second pair was donated to another child in need.
It's important to remember that such successful efforts take time. We, as an organization, must persevere in achieving our mission.
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| Casa Shelter Director, Melvin Traylor |
You might say Melvin Traylor knows a thing or two about perseverance. On April 9, Mr. Traylor, Director of The Salvation Army Casa Youth Shelter, was inducted into the African American Education Archives and History Hall of Fame. He was recognized for his 49 years of commitment to the education of Dallas-area children. This commitment continues today through his work at the Casa Emergency Youth Shelter.
We encourage you to enjoy the smaller things in life. Be a blessing to another individual, family, or our community. As always, we offer you the opportunity to put your compassion into action through The Salvation Army. We shape the path our community travels.
Be sure to keep yourself up-to-date with the latest Salvation Army DFW news on our Facebook and Twitter pages:
We wish you many blessings to come. Be safe everyone!
Warmly,
Captain Michele and Major Ward Matthews
DFW Metroplex Commanders
DFW Metroplex Commanders
