Want to learn to serve disaster victims?

In times of disaster, Salvation Army teams are among the first to arrive to the scene to serve victims and first responders. During the flooding in June 2008, over 10,000 meals were served by trained volunteers – people just like you who wanted to do something practical for those displaced from their homes.

On Saturday, June 26, our Emergency Disaster Services team will be offering training for those interested in serving food and beverages from the canteens (mobile feeding stations) during natural disasters. Volunteers will learn food handling procedures and techniques during this 8am – 4:30 training at the Disaster Services Training Center at 4020 Georgetown Road. There is a $20 fee that covers the cost of class materials, two breaks and lunch.

To reserve your space, contact Bert Williams at 224-1013. If you are interested in learning more about volunteering with The Salvation Army, please call Elizabeth Wilhelm at 224-1010.

48by48 Brings “Service to Others” Lifestyle to Indiana

It’s not everyday that you hear of someone stepping out of the shower with an idea to leave everything familiar behind to travel the US serving others. That is the beginning of Drew Johnson’s story and the adventure that brought him through Indiana last week. Johnson has set out to serve as a volunteer in 48 states over the span of 48 weeks, thus the name of his adventure, “48by48“.

 

Inspired by the life and teachings of his grandfather and after much thought on what he wanted to do with his life, Drew came up with a plan that he hopes will spark a “movement”. “I want to encourage people to be creative, to adopt the “service to others” lifestyle. I look around and don’t understand why people don’t get more involved to help others, to solve problems.” After spending about 4 months mulling over his ideas and talking with close family and friends, Drew created a plan to serve 20-25 hours a week in each state on the list based on opportunities he would find through websites and suggestions from supporters.

Indiana was the 30th state on Drew’s trek around the country as a volunteer and his second opportunity to serve with The Salvation Army. “It’s so amazing to see behind the scenes and all that goes on within The Salvation Army.” Previously Drew had donned a complete Victorian-era uniform to man a red kettle for the Army in Seattle. But for his stop in Indiana, it was the familiar yellow shirt of the safety crew and the roar of the engines that characterized Drew’s time as a volunteer at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  With so many people coming through the gates of the Speedway, it was an important position to fill and not one to be taken lightly. “I don’t want a job created for me. I just want to help where it is needed”, Drew shared. He has stepped up to the plate and filled many of those needs, including volunteering at a Humane Society Shelter for animals, a skatepark, nursing homes, and collecting litter at area state parks.

As Drew’s journey continues on to the east coast, you can follow his “service to others” lifestyle through his blog updates at www.48by48.com and by becoming his fan on Facebook. And of course, the obvious desired reaction to Drew’s prompt is to get involved! Make an effort to shed some of your busyness and give back to your community. As Drew says, “Kindness begets kindness.” If you’d like to fill a need at The Salvation Army here in Indiana, call our Volunteer Coordinator, Elizabeth Wilhelm at (317)224-1010.

Love working with kids?

We’re looking for caring adults to spend Monday evenings with the kids at our Women’s and Children’s Shelter as part of  “Monday Funday” activity nights. Volunteers will help the kids participate in structured games and activities designed to help them learn to work as a team, understand educational concepts, and most of all – have fun! If you’re interested in helping to shape these young minds on Monday evenings (6pm-9pm), all you have to do is give Julia a call at 224-1067. She’ll get you all set up.

You can find more volunteer opportunities at SAVolunteer.org or by giving Elizabeth (our volunteer coordinator) a call at 224-1010.

Youth Champion of 2009

Jake Iery has the heart of a servant and he showed it  when he organized a community toy drive last Fall. Read more on our volunteer blog.

Hang out at IMS for a good cause

Did you know that The Salvation Army earns $7/volunteer hour during events we staff this summer at the speedway? If you’re interested in helping out at the track this year during the Indy 500 or the Brickyard 400, and have never volunteered for The Salvation Army at the IMS, we have two trainings available to get you up to speed. Learn more on our volunteer blog.

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