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

Leadership Blog: May 2011

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.

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.

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 10^th was just spectacular. Both volunteers and our staff ensured the event ran smoothly, and was enjoyed by more than 300 in attendance.  

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. 

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.

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.

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:

Facebook.com/salvationarmydfw

Twitter.com/salarmydfw

 

We wish you many blessings to come. Be safe everyone!

Warmly,

 

Captain Michele and Major Ward Matthews
DFW Metroplex Commanders

Leadership: March 2011

We’re Back!

Dear Friends of The Salvation Army,

Welcome to our first blog post of 2011. By now, you’re probably savoring our beautiful warm and sunny North Texas weather. Be sure to make time to enjoy it!

As it has been a bit since our last blog, we’d like to touch on a few events starting with Christmas 2010, a holiday season full of joy and surprise.

The Salvation Army Women’s auxiliary 

 volunteering during the 2010 holiday season

The holiday season kicked off with the official opening of the Angel Tree program the day after Thanksgiving. The announcement mobilized hundreds of volunteers at our various Christmas Centers, who ensured that all the gifts bought by compassionate donors went straight to the people who needed them.

There’s nothing better than seeing a large contingent of folks coming together for a common good!

As the Christmas season wound down, 2011 ushered itself in!

On January 20^th, NFL Environmental and The Salvation Army hosted several school districts and private schools for an event titled Super Kids – Super Sharing. The event combined efforts from private and public schools to bring supplies, books, and athletic equipment to schools and agencies in need across North Texas.

Children of The Salvation Army in Arlington 

during the NFL YET announcement.

The NFL didn’t stop there. On February 3^rd, the NFL YET was formerly announced. Through a $2 million donation from NFL Charities and the Gene and Jerry Jones foundation, a “Youth Education Town” is being created. This new program will result in expansion, renovation, and new programming at The Salvation Army Community Center in Arlington.

So far this year, on multiple occasions, our community youth have stepped up to the plate.

The Circle Ten Council Boy Scouts of America donated food items benefiting Salvation Army food pantries in Garland, Plano, Pleasant Grove, Waxahachie and the Carr P. Collins Social Services Center in Dallas

Students from Arlington were recognized at the Volunteer Banquet for their strong volunteer efforts during the 2010 holiday season.

Children of The Salvation Army at Cedar Crest with

Dallas Cowboys Player DeMarcus Ware.

Lastly, children from The Salvation Army at Cedar Crest joined Dallas Cowboys player DeMarcus Ware in reciting excerpts of the Declaration of Independence on national television prior to Super Bowl XLV.

Each of these groups has aided The Salvation Army in addressing the needs of our community.

Yet, our mission is not done. There are still thousands of people in need of our help; families that need assistance; children who need our services; communities searching for the best solutions to their biggest problems.

We cannot do it without you. We encourage you to be willing and ready to aid those that are less fortunate. It is what we are called to do as children of our creator.

We hope you had a wonderful month of March! Next month, we will feature highlights about the Annual Doing the Most Good Luncheon in Fort Worth and the Cedar Crest KaBOOM! Playground build.

In the meantime, stay informed of all Salvation Army DFW events via our social media outlets:

Facebook,com/SalvationArmyDFW

Twitter.com/SalArmyDFW

Be strong and be safe everyone!

Warmly,

Captain Michele and Major Ward Matthews

The Salvation Army DFW Metroplex Leadership

Getting to know them, getting to know all about them...

Posted by Pat Reimann, Christmas Assistance Coordinator

If you have ever “adopted” an Angel tag from one of our Angel trees - in your workplace or at a mall - you may have wondered how the name of that child ended up on the tag. Here is how it came to be that we asked you to provide eight year old “Cara” with a coat, a Hannah Montana game, and other gifts. (To protect confidentiality this is a composite of a typical family receiving Christmas assistance)
Cara is an eight year old girl. She lives in Dallas County with her mom, dad, and 3 year old brother. She attends a school near one of The Salvation Army Corps Community Centers. Her dad, Daniel, works in a warehouse; and her mom, Lydia, works part time cleaning houses. Some days her little brother Danny is a huge pest, other days she loves him to death – most days both are true simultaneously.

A few weeks ago the counselor at Cara’s school was invited to send some families to the nearest Salvation Army center to apply for Christmas assistance. As a result, the counselor sent home a “referral appointment slip” for Lydia to go to the Salvation Army last Tuesday morning at 10 AM. The form outlined the documents and other information Lydia should bring with her. On that morning Lydia was seated with other mothers at one side of the Salvation Army center’s gymnasium, until her name was called.

At 10:30 “Trina” asked Lydia to come to her interview station. After a few minutes of introduction and explanation of the process, Trina began to fill out the application form. She looked at Lydia’s ID, and filled in the name, address, phone number and other basic information.

Then it was time to dig into the details of Daniel and Lydia’s finances. Trina learned that Daniel worked in a warehouse and made $11/hour; and that Lydia had a part time cleaning job that brought in $50/day for about 3 days each week. A particular challenge for the family at this time of year is that the business Daniel works for is seasonal in nature. He works full time in the spring and early summer, but his hours are often shorter in the fall and winter. At best, the family income is around $2,400/month. This puts them well over the Federal Poverty Guideline for a family of their size - $1837/mo - which means they are not eligible for many government benefit programs.

Trina then asked Lydia to do her best to document their household expenses.

• Lydia pays a neighbor lady $15 a day to take care of Danny on the days that she is working.

• The family spends $162 each month for monthly bus passes. They save quite a bit since they don’t have the costs of a car payment, insurance, gas, etc.; but it does limit their employment opportunities since they can only work at places on a bus or train line, and on schedules that fit with public transportation.

• Lydia estimates that she spends around $600 each month at the grocery store. This means she is a very careful shopper, since this is less than the amount expected for a family of that size ($668/mo to $755/mo).

• As for most families, the largest expense is housing; rent/mortgage plus essential utilities such as electric, water, gas, etc. Rent used to be a little lower, but as Danny has gotten older they felt they needed to have a three bedroom apartment so he had his own room rather than sleeping in the living room. For Lydia’s family these expenses are now $1,100/mo. (this is over 40% of their budget, which puts them in a hardship category)

• Neither Daniel nor Lydia’s employers provide health insurance, so the family tries to rely on free clinics or the county ER (emergency room). However, Danny has issues with asthma and they often spend over $350/month on care and medications.

Doing the math on income and expenses Trina determines that Lydia’s family is truly in need; so she gets to go to the next step; the fun step – being one of Santa’s elves who makes “the list”. Young Danny needs a twin comforter for his new bedroom; and he’s got a real fixation on Buzz Lightyear of Toy Story. Cara has grown like a little weed in the past two years and really, really needs a new coat; and she is a huge Hannah Montana fan. Trina also enters information on all their clothing sizes, in hopes that an Angel sponsor will provide some of those needs as well. Danny is constantly running around and is so hard on his shoes and socks. Trina’s school wants kids to be in khaki and navy uniforms.

And that is how it came to be that you saw Cara’s tag hanging on an Angel Tree, asking for a coat and a Hannah Montana game. But it didn’t end there. Before Lydia left, Trina gave her some handouts about other programs at the Salvation Army center – after school tutoring, summer day camp, Sunday School, a soccer team, and a planned music and performing arts program.

'tis the season....already??

Hi! I’m Pat Reimann, Christmas Assistance Coordinator for The Salvation Army DFW Metro Command. This is the first of several blogs I’ll be posting throughout the season. Is there anything you’ve always wanted to know about our Christmas program? Post a comment, and I’ll try to include it in future posts.


Just a few weeks ago we were still “enjoying” summer’s heat, and sticky humidity - challenging the notion of the “official” start of fall. Even so, The Salvation Army DFW Christmas Assistance Program jumped ahead into the deep end of everybody’s favorite winter holiday. At both the Dallas and Ft. Worth Christmas Centers, over 50 Salvation Army officers, staff and volunteers came together for training sessions on how to register an expected 18,000 families for Christmas assistance through the Angel Tree program and toy drives.

Trainees learned how to assess each individual applicant’s eligibility. Many also attended computer lab sessions to learn how to enter data so that donors would have the best and most accurate possible information on each child’s or senior’s sizes, needs, and wishes on each Angel Tree tag. Everybody received application forms, information sheets, and a DVD about Salvation Army programs that can be shown in their waiting areas. All of this training and preparation began to pay off on Monday, September 27; when the first families arrived at one of 15 Salvation Army centers to apply for Christmas assistance. This family registration effort will wrap up on November 5th.

Meanwhile, in the background, we have already been organizing and planning with the tens of thousands of generous donors who will be buying gifts for nearly 60,000 children and special care adults. We are finalizing agreements with ten local malls who will allow their shoppers to adopt Angels at one of our trees. Numerous companies, churches, schools and other organizations have already committed to adopting Angels, and we hope to enlist many, many more. Early bird volunteers are signing up to do the “heavy lifting” of receiving, sorting, and organizing gift bags; and some have even signed up for “special duty” as bell ringers in order to have an impact far beyond the Christmas season.

This behind the scenes blogger is ready to share with you all kinds of previously unknown information:

• How does a family qualify for Christmas Assistance (and how would we know if a family is already getting help from another charity)?

• How does a family get their gifts – are they delivered to the family, and who does that?

• What is expected from groups or individuals who adopt Angels, what does it cost to adopt an Angel?

• What can you do to help the effort? (and what kind of help has the biggest impact?)

• Do you have any other questions? – Please leave a comment, and we’ll try to include an answer in future blog posts.
Check in on this blog regularly for new updates, new information, and the “secrets” behind The Salvation Army’s DFW Christmas Assistance program.