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.

Drew Johnson brings his enthusiasm for volunteering to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Carb Day, May 28, 2010.

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.

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

Indy Moms Like Me is a social networking group here in Indy where moms can come together and discuss all things “mom” – from parenting to support groups to volunteer opportunities and recipes.

Are you an Indy Mom? (If not, you can join here) If you are, join The Salvation Army group and encourage others to join us on Monument Circle on Saturday, December 12 to ring bells at the kettles and bring a toy down to donate for Angel Tree.

• Tuchman Cleaners (25 area locations)
• Apple Fest – Thursday, October 1st on Monument Circle
• Lucas Oil Stadium – Sunday, October 4th

I know it’s still warm outside now, but it won’t be for long. We need to get winter coats to children who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford one, before the chilly air hits. Before the first snow of the season. Before the 2 hour windchill delays.

If you would like to volunteer for this incredible event we can use all the help we can get (especially with set-up), call Elizabeth at 224-1010. Without organization, Distribution Day can’t happen.

“A year, ten years from now, I’ll remember this; not why, only that we were here like this, together.” ~Adrienne Rich~

On Friday, September 11th, you’ll be able to find The Salvation Army right downtown! Join us from 11am-2pm around Monument Circle for the Community Fair in remembrance of 9/11.

A Legacy Walk, beginning with a commemorative program (keynote speaker – Mayor Ballard), will take place at 10am, with the walk starting at 11am – and will lead right to Monument Circle.

If you’d like to hear the program, it will be held at the War Memorial on the North steps, off of Michigan Rd.

See you there!

~Elizabeth

Temperature-wise, yesterday was starting to feel like Fall! Before you start to feel sad about Summer slowly wrapping up and Fall creeping in, just remember this – all that means is that The Salvation Army will be out in the community in full force delivering coats and toys to children, gifts to shut-ins, and raising the money necessary to support these important programs.

First up? Apple Fest! Apple Fest will take place on October 1st down on Monument Circle. As part of our Homelessness Bites campaign, you can find more information about it here:

www.homelessnessbites.org

Hope to see you there!

~Elizabeth

*you can follow our volunteer blog at savolunteer.org