Joshua Myers at last year’s Red Kettle drive at Christmas on Las Olas .
By Fran Folic
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – The Salvation Army of Broward County is excited to celebrate National Salvation Army Week, May 9 – 15. Since 1926, The Salvation Army has faithfully and consistently worked to help those in need from our community, 365 day a year providing assistance to individuals and families who may find themselves in crisis, shelter to those experiencing homelessness, food and meals to the hungry, and much more.
In 1954, the week of November 18 – December 4 (now recognized in May) was declared by the United States Congress and proclaimed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to be the first National Salvation Army Week, as a reminder to Americans to give freely of themselves.
In his speech, President Eisenhower said, “Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of human brotherhood. In time of war, the men and women of this organization have brought to those serving their country far from home, friendliness and warm concern. In the quieter days of peace, 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.”
Today, The Salvation Army is at work in 132 countries around the world. Here, in the USA in 2020, the organization provided more than 155 million meals between March and September alone, 1.6 million nights of COVID shelter, 6.6 million food boxes, and emotional and spiritual care to 857,000 people. With more than 7,500 centers of operation in the U.S., The Salvation Army is uniquely positioned to meet needs without discrimination – wherever it exists.
Follow the link to view The Salvation Army’s 2020 COVID-19 Impact Report: https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/covid-impact-report.
The Salvation Army of Broward County provides support to more than 80,000 residents in need, annually. Last year, The Salvation Army of Broward County’s Food Pantry served over 10,000 individuals; a 300 percent increase in demand over the past year. The organization housed 111 homeless individuals in hotels and its Open Door Emergency Shelter and currently houses 100 men who are fighting the ravages of substance abuse through a faith-based work therapy program in its Adult Rehabilitation Center. Additionally, it raises hundreds of thousands of dollars, annually, through its Red Kettle program which stays in the Broward community and distributes holiday Angel Tree gifts to more than 1,100 families with diminished resources.
“National Salvation Army Week presents a wonderful opportunity for us to let the community know more about the work of The Salvation Army in Broward County,” said Major Stephen Long area commander of The Salvation Army of Broward County. “The last year has been very challenging as we have all dealt with the ongoing pandemic. The Salvation Army has experienced heightened need during this time and has been privileged to support so many in our community. We want to recognize and celebrate the partners, supporters, and volunteers who make the ministry of the Army possible and invite everyone to join us as we celebrate National Salvation Army Week.”
For more information or to make a donation, visit www.salvationarmyflorida.org/fortlauderdale or call Joshua Myers at (954) 712-2431.
