The Salvation Army Community Care Ministries is a volunteer service made up of Salvation Army members of all ages who reach out to comfort the needy, patients in hospitals, seniors who are alone and people in shelters. The service also offers practical help in the daily lives of those who require support for physical and mental problems.

The group began in Canada in 1892 as the “League of Mercy”; many still refer to it by that name. Its objective has remained constant—to engage in a caring ministry to the community, responding to spiritual and social needs. The ministry is adapted according to the local situation, the size of its membership and the skill of its members—but it always endeavors to follow Christ’s injunction, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40, AV).

Soon after it began, the League of Mercy spread into other countries; today, Community Care Ministries has more than 88,000 members around the world. The task of care giving is mainly behind the scenes work. For those who faithfully give of their hands and hearts, the rewards are many and priceless.