Happy campers…thanks to you!

Summer is drawing to a close, but Hidden Falls Camp is in full swing this week with music camp. Your donations, especially those of you who supported our kids programs on the Saturday of Radiothon, make it possible for hundreds of Indiana’s youth to attend our camp near Bedford, IN. Our youth directors, Captains Nick and Jody Montgomery and their right hand gal, Deena Best, have created a great, character-building environment for these kids to get away from the pavement and into the great outdoors. And the best part is that the camp is available to all through our community centers, our Corps.

Can’t wait to hear more from camp? Stay tuned for some stories of kids whose lives have been changed through your generosity!

Nelson, Offerman join Advisory Board

On Wednesday, The Salvation Army inducted two community leaders to serve on our Advisory Board – Bethany Nelson (Response Christian Church) and Ed Offerman (Indiana Family and Social Services Administration). These talented and accomplished individuals have been selected by the nominating committee for their character, leadership experience, and service to the community.

Bethany Nelson – Bethany has a heart of a servant.  She is currently serving as Outreach Developer for Response Christian Church. From 1999 to 2003 Bethany organized and operated children’s activities as director of Children’s Ministry. One of her latest projects has been establishing a community center. She is also an active volunteer at The Salvation Army’s Women’s and Children’s Shelter. Bethany hopes to contribute as someone who works directly with women and children and who is a believer in second chances and rehabilitation. Her educational background is in early childhood development and behavioral studies.

Ed Offerman – Ed has a long history in leadership. Before joining the Indiana FSSA, he was Director of DCMA Raytheon Technical Services Company. As a retiree from the military, Offerman is eager to serve in domestic and international disaster services. Ed’s experience with logistics and contract compliance is sure to be an asset to the Emergency Disaster Services team.

The Salvation Army’s Advisory Board was founded in January 1920 with 41 members, to support and advise the Indiana Division’s officers and staff.

People, goods deserve second chances

Donations to Goodwill create jobs. That’s super! But did you know when you donate or shop at a Salvation Army Thrift Store you help give a second chance to someone recovering from addiction? Thrift store sales benefit our Adult Rehabilitation Centers, and our newest thrift store is now open at 8310 E. Washington St. Thrift Store family! So clean out those closets and donate or go on a treasure hunt and you’ll be “doing the most good”!

“Doing the Most Good” with your support

Everywhere you turn there’s talk of the economy – who’s cutting jobs, who’s being bailed out, who’s profitting and who’s not. But who’s helping, really HELPING who? Maybe the government – to some extent. More often, it’s the non-profits and their communities meeting the needs. But with so many organizations out there, how do you know where to give and who’s doing the most with what you’re able to give?

We realize we’re just one of the thousands of options out there. In fact, the number of charities and non-profits INCREASED by more than 5% in each of the past two years – to nearly 1.2 million in 2008! With so many choices (and good causes), it’s important that you know that “doing the most good” for our neighbors in need isn’t just a slogan at The Salvation Army.

Efficiency and effectiveness make it possible for more than 84 cents of every dollar donated to The Salvation Army to be used to provide assistance to those who are struggling. In 2008, through the support of our partners here in Indiana, The Salvation Army…

• served 66,392 people by providing shelter and care
• provided 192,937 meals
• gave winter coats to over 4,000 kids through Coats for Kids
• played Santa to over 900 families through our annual Toy Shop
• assisted 1,286 people with substance abuse care
• sent 546 at-risk youth to summer camp
• shipped nearly 7,000 care packages to our troops through Operation Compassion
• provided $2.5 million in assistance as well as 10,000 meals and 4,000 clean-up kits to Indiana flood victims

We appreciate the vital role our partners play in keeping our doors open and the assistance available. Right now the need is greater than it has been in some time (go here to help). But, Hoosiers have been generous no matter how turbulent the economy has been.

Thank you for your continued support! It’s amazing how much we can do when we work together.