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By Bob Bearchell –
From the San Francisco Harbor Light, 2,800 meals were delivered on Thanksgiving to seniors and disabled. Among the volunteers are families who come every year before fixing their own dinner. After the work is done, there is an incredible “natural high” among the alcoholics who have served the meal. For some, it is the first clean and sober holiday in some time. For others, still going through detox, the Army is their only family. In addition, trucks delivered 2,000 meals to 30 sites throughout the community.
WORLD PREMIERE: “NEEDKNOWS NO SEASON”
The world premiere of the “Need Knows No Season” documentary will be broadcast on The Family Channel on December 30, 1997 from 6-7 p.m. This docudrama focusing on the work and worth of The Salvation Army with narration by General Colin Powell and Joan Lunden is a wonderful profile.
ACAPULCO RELIEF UPDATE
Captain Mike Olsen, U.S. disaster liaison officer for The Salvation Army following the hurricane in Acapulco, reports that as of mid-November, 51,993 hot meals had been prepared and served, with thousands provided clothing, medical care and counseling. Special Sunday worship meeting attendance topped 9,500. All food served was either brought in from the U.S. or was purchased in Acapulco with U.S. funds, coordinated by The Salvation Army.
Of special interest is the drinking water filtration system installed at the S.A. Children’s Home in Acapulco, the result of generous private donors as well as America West Airlines. D.D. Jarvis and Olsen collaborated on the design of the system. This project has been and will continue to be a great blessing to all who worked on it, as well as to the children.
KETTLES IN S.F.
The economy looks good in San Francisco. But, with El Niño on the way, there is some worry about assigning kettle bell ringers out on the streets. The Army traditionally sends out as many as 87 kettles in the city and down the peninsula.
Former Secretary of State George Schultz joined Mayor Willie Brown, Charlotte Mailliard Schultz, event chair Terry Lowry and 200 media personalities, community leaders, and musicians who appeared on Celebrity Bell Ringing Day in Union Square. S.F. Administrator Larry Hostetler projects the Army will distribute up to 100,000 toys and more than one ton of food to low-income families this Christmas.
CASTLE ROCK CARES
Traffic violators in this city of 15,000 about 25 miles south of Denver can opt to donate the amount of their traffic fines to the needy in December. The city calls it “Santa’s Second Chance.” Traffic offenders who appear in court can make a check out to The Salvation Army or buy gifts in the amount of their fines to donate to the charity. Even with a $6,000 cap on the amount, this offers a painless way to atone for driving lapses…and the Army can help even more people.
CRESTMONT “LIGHTS”
For the third year, The Salvation Army’s territorial headquarters at Crestmont offers a festival of lights featuring a drive-through with live nativity scenes. Nine local churches participate in what has become a neighborhood tradition, with thousands participating.
HELP WITH AT-RISK KIDS
No gangs, no drugs, no violence are the main points of a new public service announcement promoting Camp 8, a campaign recently launched by The Salvation Army and KFMB-TV in San Diego. The Army operates eight Camp 8 facilities around the country, offering children recreational activities, help with homework, music programs, as well as Adventure Corps and Girl Guards. “Camp 8 will be a very effective way to help kids stay on the right track in life,” says Lt. Colonel Donald Sather, divisional commander.
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