11/01 - 12/31 2011 Tree of Lights Christmas Campaign
10/24 - 1/31/12 Online E-Kettle Campaign & Competitions
11/11 - 12/24 Volunteer Bell Ringers Needed! Mondays - Fridays from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. & on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.
11/17 2011 Tree of Lights Christmas Campaign Kick-Off 5 p.m. - UMB Bank located at 1150 E. Battlefield St., Springfield Mo.
11/24 Community Thanksgiving Dinner 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.— Harbor House located at 636 N. Boonville Ave. Springfield Mo.
11/11 - 12/22 Angel Tree Programs The Angel Tree programs provide toys for local underprivileged children & blankets for senior citizens. For more information please call (417) 862-5509.
12/3 Wehrenberg Theaters’ ‘Cans Film Festival’ Food Drive 10 a.m. until 5 p.m..— Campbell 16 Cine located at 4005 South Ave. Springfield, Mo.
12/3 KTXR & Village Inn Toy Drive Breakfast 6 a.m. until 1 p.m.— Village Inn Family Restaurant located at 2036 S. Glenstone Ave.
12/4, 12/11 & 12/18 The Salvation Army visits area nursing homes
12/5 - 12/16 Christmas Assistance Applications Accepted Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. & Monday evenings from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
The Salvation Army - 1707 W. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield Mo.
12/19 & 12/20 Volunteers Needed for Christmas Assistance Center Set-up! Volunteers are needed in three-hour shifts from 9 a.m.-noon, 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. & 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
12/20 Blankets & food vouchers distributed to senior citizens 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. - 1707 W. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield Mo.
12/21 & 12/22 Christmas Assistance & Toy Distribution 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 1707 W. Chestnut Expressway Springfield, Mo.
Volunteers Needed for Christmas Assistance & Toy Distribution! Numerous volunteers are needed on both days in shifts from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. & from 12:30 p.m. until 5p.m. Call (417) 862-5509 ext. 116 for more information.
12/22 Branson Christmas Assistance Distribution For more information about receiving Christmas Assistance in Branson or to sign-up to volunteer for The Salvation Army in Branson please call (417) 339-4434.
12/23 2011 Tree of Lights Christmas Campaign - Goal Update 11 a.m. - UMB Bank located at 1150 E. Battlefield St., Springfield, Mo.
12/25 Community Christmas Dinner 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.— Harbor House located at 636 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield, Mo.
12/28 2011 Tree of Lights Christmas Campaign - Goal Announcement 5 p.m. - UMB Bank located at 1150 E. Battlefield St., Springfield, Mo.
2011 Tree of Lights Christmas Campaign
Need Knows No Season... FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Audrey Esther Community Relations Director The Salvation Army Ozark Area Coordination Office: (417) 862-5509 ext. 116 Cell: (417) 763-1357 [email protected]
W hile many associate the holidays with happy gatherings of family and friends, there
are many living here in the Ozarks whose holiday spirits are dampened by the harsh
realities of simply trying to make ends meet.
Each holiday season, The Salvation Army makes a determined effort to bring hope to fami-
lies and individuals who desperately need a helping hand. However, The Salvation Army’s
ability to help so many would not be possible without generous support from the community.
‚In this time of economic uncertainty, The Salvation Army often finds it more difficult to
help those who need us most and help those who themselves struggle to provide even the
most basic necessities for their families,‛ Major Norman Grainger, Ozark Area Coordinator
said. ‚However, we remain hopeful that the Ozarks community will recognize the needs of
these individuals and, as always, give generously to help us help them.‛
Continued record numbers of high unemployment and home foreclosures coupled with the
increasing cost of everyday essentials, as well as a reduction in government assistance for
some individuals, have all contributed to an increase in the number of families seeking help
from The Salvation Army. These factors have also contributed to an increase in the cost of pro-
viding that help.
‚Whether it be an in-kind donation such as toys for underprivileged children, a financial
donation that helps us provide food baskets for families, or a donation of time through volun-
teering...all donations are greatly appreciated and allow The Salvation Army to continue do-
ing the most good for the most people in the Ozarks,‛ Grainger said.
Although The Salvation Army’s visibility is heightened during the holidays, we hope that
the community remembers that need knows no season and the need to help those who are less
fortunate exists all year long.
For more information about how you can help The Salvation Army help others please call
(417) 862-5509.
2011 TREE OF LIGHTS CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN PROVIDES FOR THOSE IN NEED ALL YEAR LONG
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for
disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services in 5,000 communities nationwide.
About The Salvation Army
2011 Tree of Lights Christmas Campaign Chairpersons
Mayor of Branson - Raeanne Presley
E lected in April 2007, Raeanne Presley is now serving her third term
as Branson's mayor. She is co-owner of Presley's Country Jubilee
Theater, which was the first music theater to open on the world famous
Highway 76 "strip" in Branson.
Ms. Presley has more than 40 years of experience in the travel industry
and is past chairman of the Missouri Tourism Commission. She is active in
the Branson community having served on the Branson Board of Aldermen, the Skaggs Re-
gional Medical Center Board of Directors, the Springfield/Branson Airport Board and on nu-
merous other civic boards. In 2002, Presely was named an Influential Woman in Business by
the Springfield Business Journal, and in 2009 she was honoured with the Missourian Award.
She and her husband Steve have three children who work and perform at the Presley
theater.
J ames O’Neal was elected Mayor of Springfield in April 2009 and re-
elected in 2011. He previously served as General Councilman from
1987 until 1994. O’Neal is a life-long Springfield resident who 28 years
ago began O&S Trucking, which is now a full-service truckload carrier
with a fleet of more than 300 tractors and 450 trailers.
In addition to serving as Mayor of Springfield, O’Neal also serves on
The Victim Center’s Board of Directors, Springfield Chamber of Commerce, and Boy Scouts
of America. In 1993, he was named Small Business Person of the Year., won Springfield Busi-
ness Journal’s 2002 Economic Impact Award, and in 2004 was selected as one of SBJ’s Dy-
namic Dozen.
O’Neal considers marrying his wife Debbie and raising their three children to be his most
notable accomplishment. He and Debbie are now currently enjoying their four grandchil-
dren.
Mayor of Springfield– Jim O’Neal
H elp real people in the Ozarks by ringing a virtual bell online during The Salvation
Army’s 2011 Online Red Kettle Campaign!
The Online Red Kettle Campaign is a fun and easy way for you to become an integral part
of The Salvation Army’s fundraising efforts this Christmas season.
To create your very own virtual kettle visit www.OnlineRedKettle.com. Tell those you
know about your virtual kettle by asking them to visit your Online Red Kettle page and
make a donation. Then watch your virtual kettle fill up with donations and know that you’re
doing the most good!
Be sure to join The Salvation Army - Ozark Area Coordination’s Team Kettle to ensure
that your donations stay in the Ozarks and help local families and individuals in need. Also,
by joining The Ozark Area Coordination’s Team Kettle you’ll be able to help us reach our
$15,000 online fundraising goal!
Types of Online Red Kettles
Personal Kettle - Host your own personal Online Red Kettle and invite others to fill it with
secure online donations.
Team Kettle - Civic groups, church groups, and other organizations can host an Online
Team Kettle. A Team Kettle also allows individual members to host their own Personal Ket-
tles, contributing to the team’s fundraising goals.
Company Kettle - Any company can host an online Company Kettle in a co-branded envi-
ronment with The Salvation Army. The amount of money collected in your Kettle will be re-
flected on your Company Kettle in real time.
All information is processed on The Salvation Army’s secure servers and The Salvation
Army does not share, sell, or rent donor data to anyone.
For more information visit www.OnlineRedKettle.com, or call (417) 862-5509 ext. 116.
Online Red Kettle Campaign & Competitions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Audrey Esther Community Relations Director The Salvation Army Ozark Area Coordination Office: (417) 862-5509 ext. 116 Cell: (417) 763-1357 [email protected]
Ring a bell from home...at work...and on your phone!
ONLINE RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN & COMPETITIONS
Event Dates: October 20, 2011 - January 31, 2012
Volunteer Bell Ringers Needed!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Audrey Esther Community Relations Director The Salvation Army Ozark Area Coordination Office: (417) 862-5509 ext. 116 Cell: (417) 763-1357 [email protected]
Event Dates: November 11 - December 24, 2011
Ring a bell...Help change a life!
VOLUNTEER BELL RINGERS NEEDED!
T his Christmas season, help The Salvation Army help others by simply ringing a bell!
Volunteer bell ringers are needed November 11th until December 24th Monday through
Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.
During this time, hundreds of volunteers will be needed to ring bells at nearly 100 loca-tions throughout the Ozarks for more than 23,000 hours! Locations include, Walmart, Wal-greens, Branson Landing, Hy-Vee, Battlefield Mall & many more!
Businesses, civic organizations, churches, students & families are all encouraged to sign up...Bellring for just one two-hour shift or bellring all day!
‚Volunteer bell ringers fulfill a vital role each year during our annual Christmas cam-paign,‛ Major Norman Grainger, Ozark Area Coordinator said. ‚Not only are bellringers a
staple of the Christmas season, but perhaps most importantly the funds they raise help us
help others all year long.‛
To sign up to bellring in Greene or Christian counties please call (417) 862-5509 ext. 123.
To sign up to bellring in Taney or Stone counties please call (417) 339-4434.
For more information visit www.usc.salvationarmy.org/springfield-mo.org.
What: Volunteer Bell Ringers Needed!
To sign-up to bellring in Greene or Christian counties please call (417) 862-5509 ext. 123
To sign-up to bellring in Taney or Stone counties please call (417) 339-4434.
When: November 11th until December 24th,
- Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. & Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Nearly 100 red kettle locations throughout the Ozarks!
2011 Tree of Lights Campaign Kick-Off
Event Date: November 17, 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Audrey Esther Community Relations Director The Salvation Army Ozark Area Coordination Office: (417) 862-5509 ext. 116 Cell: (417) 763-1357 [email protected]
T he Salvation Army Ozark Area Coordination and UMB Bank invite the public to attend
the 2011 Tree of Lights Christmas Campaign Kick-off Ceremony on Thursday Novem-
ber 17th at 5:00 p.m. at UMB Bank at 1150 E. Battlefield Rd.
Each year, the Tree of Lights Christmas Campaign attempts to raise at least one-third of
The Salvation Army’s annual budget. However, to meet the increasing need for its services
this year The Salvation Army will announce its largest most ambitious fundraising goal ever!
‚Community support is more crucial than ever before,‛ Major Norman Grainger, Ozark
Area Coordinator said. ‚The year-round assistance we provide to individuals and families in
need would not be possible if it weren’t for the tremendous generosity of this community.‛
Mayor of Springfield, Jim O’Neal, and Mayor of Branson, Raeanne Presley will serve as
The Salvation Army’s 2011 Tree of Lights Christmas Campaign Chairpersons. Both mayors
hope to generate community support for the campaign through public appearances and atten-
dance at Tree of Lights Campaign events.
‚Whether it be an in-kind donation such as toys for underprivileged children, a financial
donation that helps us provide food baskets for families, or a donation of time through volun-
teering,‛ Grainger said. ‚All donations are greatly appreciated and allow The Salvation Army
to continue doing the most good for the most people in the Ozarks.‛
Public invited to attend annual kick-off ceremony!
2011 TREE OF LIGHTS CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF
Who: The Salvation Army Ozark Area Coordination, UMB Bank,
Mayor Jim O’Neal & Mayor Raeanne Presley
What: 2011 Tree of Lights Christmas Campaign Kick-Off Ceremony
When: November 17, 2011 at 5 p.m.
Where: UMB Bank
1150 E. Battlefield Rd
Springfield, MO
2011 Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Event Date: November 24, 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Audrey Esther Community Relations Director The Salvation Army Ozark Area Coordination Office: (417) 862-5509 ext. 116 Cell: (417) 763-1357 [email protected]
Hundreds gather to give thanks during annual tradition
COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER
T he Salvation Army will serve its annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Thurs-
day November 24th from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Harbor House located on N.
Boonville Ave.
The annual dinner brings together hundreds of residents from all walks of life for a day of food, fellowship and most importantly giving thanks.
Guests will enjoy a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings as well as delicious desserts. However, the need to provide for those in our community who are less fortunate exists all year long.
‚Although we are delighted to bring together so many on this day, its important to re-member that there exists a real need in this community to provide for those who are less fortunate all year long,‛ Major Norman Grainger, Ozark Area Coordinator said.
Last year, The Salvation Army provided nearly 300 people and several homebound resi-dents a Thanksgiving meal.
Donations of turkey, potatoes, canned vegetables and pre-made desserts for this year’s
dinner can be dropped off at the Harbor House located at 636 N. Boonville Ave. Please take
donations to the east, or back, entrance of the building.
For more information about The Salvation Army’s Community Thanksgiving Dinner please call (417) 831-3371.
What: Community Thanksgiving Dinner
When: November 24, 2011
11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Where: The Salvation Army Harbor House
636 N. Boonville Ave.
Springfield MO
(417) 831-3371
2011 Angel Tree Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Audrey Esther Community Relations Director The Salvation Army Ozark Area Coordination Office: (417) 862-5509 ext. 116 Cell: (417) 763-1357 [email protected]
Event Dates: November 25 - December 22, 2011
Helps provide toys for local underprivileged children THE SALVATION ARMY’S ANGEL TREE PROGRAM
B e an angel this Christmas and help provide toys for underprivileged children through The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.
The Angel Tree program is a simple & convenient way to make a big difference in a local child’s life!
From November 25th until December 22nd, simply pick an Angel Tree gift tag off of any Salvation Army Angel Tree located at Walmart & K-Mart stores throughout Greene County, purchase the items listed on the tag, then place the items in The Salvation Army donation
barrel before you leave the store.
Pick one Angel Tree gift tag and buy a single item listed, or pick several Angel Tree gift tags and buy all the items listed on each one.
For more information please call (417) 862-5509 or visit www.usc.salvationarmy.org/ springfield-mo.
What: The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program
When: Greene & Christian Counties - November 25th—December 22nd, 2011
Where: Walmart & K-Mart Stores throughout Greene County
How the program works: Simply pick an Angel Tree gift tag off of any Salvation Army Angel Tree, purchase the items listed on the tag, place the items into The Salvation Army donation barrel
before you leave the store. It’s that easy!
Wehrenberg Theaters’ “Cans Film Festival”
Event Date: December 3, 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Audrey Esther Community Relations Director The Salvation Army Ozark Area Coordination Office: (417) 862-5509 ext. 116 Cell: (417) 763-1357 [email protected]
Donate canned food items...see movies for FREE!
WEHRENBERG THEATERS’ ‚CANS FILM FESTIVAL‛
W ehrenberg Theatres will host its annual “Cans Film Festival” to benefit The Salvation
Army’s Tree of Lights Christmas Campaign on Saturday December 3rd from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
On this day, theater guest who brings five canned food items to Wehrenberg Theaters’ Campbell 16 Cine will receive FREE ADMISSION to any movie that day beginning before 5 p.m!
Guests who bring an additional ten canned food items will then receive a free movie pass to use during a future visit. Also, Wehrenberg Theaters will award one year-long movie pass to the single largest canned food donation received during the food drive in the entire theatre circuit.
Wehrenberg Theaters’ “Cans Film Festival’” is one of the Ozarks largest and most popular food drives and helps stock The Salvation Army’s food pantry shelves during a time when
those who are less fortunate need help the most.
In 2010, the Ozarks community donated more than 25,000 canned food items during the single-day event.
Volunteers with UPS will help collect donations at the theater during the food drive. How-
ever, many additional volunteers will be needed on December 3rd from noon until 8 p.m. at The Salvation Army to help sort & box the items once they arrive.
To sign-up to volunteer or for more information please call (417) 862-5509 ext. 116.
What: Wehrenberg Theaters’ “Cans Film Festival” Food Drive
When: December 3, 2011
10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
- volunteers will be needed at The Salvation Army from noon until 8 p.m.
Where: Campbell 16 Cine
4005 South Ave.
Springfield MO
KTXR & Village Inn Toy Drive Breakfast
Event Date: December 3, 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Audrey Esther Community Relations Director The Salvation Army Ozark Area Coordination Office: (417) 862-5509 ext. 116 Cell: (417) 763-1357 [email protected]
Donate a toy and receive a FREE breakfast!
KTXR & VILLAGE INN TOY DRIVE BREAKFAST
H elp a child in need this Christmas and help yourself to a free breakfast during the an-nual KTXR Toy Drive Breakfast at Village Inn Family Restaurant.
On Saturday December 3rd, from 6:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. bring a new unwrapped toy to the Village Inn restaurant located at 2036 S. Glenstone and receive a FREE BREAKFAST!
The donated toys will be distributed by The Salvation Army during its annual Christmas assistance program.
‚This is always a wonderful event,‛ Major Norman Grainger, Ozark Area Coordinator said. ‚It’s also a very easy and fun way to make Christmas brighter for local children in
need.‛
KTXR radio personality Wayne Glenn will broadcast live during the toy drive breakfast
from 6:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Donations of new unwrapped toys can also be donated to The Salvation Army Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. For more information please call (417) 862-
5509.
To support The Salvation Army Ozark Area Coordination by making a monetary dona-tion please visit www.usc.salvationarmy.org/springfield-mo, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or mail
checks to: The Salvation Army P.O. Box 9685 Springfield MO 65801-9685.
What: KTXR & Village Inn Toy Drive Breakfast
When: December 3, 2011
6:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Where: Village Inn Family Resturant
2036 S. Glenstone Ave.
Springfield MO
Christmas Assistance Available!
Event Dates: December 5 - 16, 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Audrey Esther Community Relations Director The Salvation Army Ozark Area Coordination Office: (417) 862-5509 ext. 116 Cell: (417) 763-1357 [email protected]
Assistance includes food, toys & winter weather accessories CHRISTMAS ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE!
F amilies & individuals living in Greene & Christian counties that need assistance with
food & toys this holiday season may apply in person at The Salvation Army from Mon-
day December 5th until Friday December 16th. Christmas Assistance applications will be
accepted Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and on Monday evenings from 5 p.m.
until 7 p.m. at 1707 W. Chestnut Expressway.
Those who apply must bring a picture ID, an original social security card for each member
of their household, proof of income and proof of residency, such as a piece of mail within the
last six months.
For more information, please call (417) 862-5509.
REQUIRED ITEMS FOR CHRISTMAS ASSISTANCE SIGN-UP
A picture ID
Original Social Security card for each member in the household
Proof of income
Proof of residency
What: 2011 Christmas Assistance Applications Accepted
When: December 5th through December 16th
Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. & Monday evenings from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
- Distribution will take place on Wed. Dec. 21 & Thurs. Dec. 22 from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Where: The Salvation Army
1707 W. Chestnut Expressway
Springfield MO
(417) 862-5509
Christmas Assistance for Senior Citizens
Event Dates: December 4th , 11tth & 21st, 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Audrey Esther Community Relations Director The Salvation Army Ozark Area Coordination Office: (417) 862-5509 ext. 116 Cell: (417) 763-1357 [email protected]
Blankets & Food Vouchers Distributed
THE SALVATION ARMY HELPS
SENIOR CITIZENS
F or some of our community’s most vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, the holi-
days can often be a difficult time both emotionally & financially.
Each year, to ensure that those living in nursing homes are not forgotten or alone during
the holidays, The Salvation Army reaches out to them to let them know that someone cares.
On December 4th and December 11th, Salvation Army staff & volunteers in Springfield
will bring Christmas cheer, encouragement and small gifts to those living in Springfield-area
nursing home facilities. Then on December 18th, Salvation Army staff & volunteers in Bran-
son will do the same for residents living in Branson-area nursing home facilities.
On Tuesday December 20th, The Salvation Army will distribute food vouchers and new
blankets to senior citizens from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at its main location located at 1707 W.
Chestnut Expressway in Springfield. Senior citizens may sign-up to receive assistance begin-
ning December 5th until December 16th, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and on
Monday evenings from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
For more information please call (417) 862-5509 or visit www.usc.salvationarmy.org/
springfield-mo.
Donations of blankets, preferably twin-sized, for seniors can be dropped off Monday
through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at The Salvation Army located at 1707 W.
Chestnut Expressway in Springfield.
To support The Salvation Army Ozark Area Coordination by making a monetary donation
please visit www.usc.salvationarmy.org/springfield-mo, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or mail
checks to: The Salvation Army P.O. Box 9685 Springfield MO 65801-9685.
Christmas Assistance Center Volunteers Needed!
Event Dates: December 21 & 22, 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Audrey Esther Community Relations Director The Salvation Army Ozark Area Coordination Office: (417) 862-5509 ext. 116 Cell: (417) 763-1357 [email protected]
Help families pick out toys for their children CHRISTMAS ASSISTANCE CENTER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
T he Salvation Army needs numerous volunteers to help distribute food and toys at its Christmas Assistance Center.
Volunteers are needed in shifts from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. & from 12:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday December 21 and Thursday December 22. A brief orientation will take place before each shift.
Volunteers will help families that are receiving Christmas assistance pick out toys and winter weather accessories for their children, as well as select a box of food for their family.
All Christmas Assistance Center volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
To sign up, or for more information please call (417) 862-5509 ext. 116 or email [email protected].
What: Christmas Assistance Center Volunteers Needed!
When: Wednesday December 21st & Thursday December 22nd
Shifts: 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. & 12:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.
- volunteers must be at least 18 years old
Where: The Salvation Army
1707 W. Chestnut Expressway
Springfield MO
(417) 862-5509 ext. 116
Christmas Volunteers Needed!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Audrey Esther Community Relations Director The Salvation Army Ozark Area Coordination Office: (417) 862-5509 ext. 116 Cell: (417) 763-1357 [email protected]
Event Dates: November & December - various times
Many needed to help with Christmas events & activities VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CHRISTMAS EVENTS!
2011 CHRISTMAS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
G ive back & help others this Christmas season by volunteering your time during The Salva-tion Army’s Christmas events & activities!
Hundreds of volunteers will be needed throughout November and December for various events & activities such as sorting toys, assisting with food drives, and packaging gift bags.
Volunteers will be needed at various times on both weekdays & weekends in Greene, Chris-
tian, Taney and Stone counties so there’s sure to be a volunteer opportunity that fits your schedule!
For more information about The Salvation Army’s Christmas volunteer opportunities please
call (417) 862-5509 ext. 116 or email [email protected].
Toy Sorters & Angel Tree Volunteers November & December - Mondays through Fridays at various times
Volunteers will be needed Mondays - Fridays at various times throughout November & De-cember to sort toys & gifts for children receiving Christmas assistance from The Salvation Army. To sign-up to volunteer in Springfield please call (417) 862-5509 ext. 116. To sign-up to
volunteer in Branson please call (417) 339-4434.
Christmas Assistance Center & Toy Shop - set-up Mon. December 19th &Tues. December 20th - 9 a.m. until 7p.m. (three-hour shifts)
Volunteers will be needed in three-hour shifts on December 19th and 20th from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. to help set up our Christmas Assistance Center & Toy Shop in Springfield. Volunteer ac-
tivities include: sorting & arranging toys, preparing food baskets, and packaging gift bags.
Wehrenberg Theaters’ ’Cans Film Festival’ Food Drive Saturday December 3rd - 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Volunteers will be needed at The Salvation Army in Springfield on Saturday December 3rd from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. to sort & pack canned food items donated during Wehrenberg Thea-
ters’ ‘Cans Film Festival’ Food Drive.
Christmas Assistance Center & Toy Shop - distribution Wed. December 21st &Thurs. December 22nd - 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. & 12:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m.
*Volunteers will be needed in shifts from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. and then from 12:30 p.m.
until 5:30 p.m. on December 21st & December 22nd at The Salvation Army in Springfield to
help distribute toys & food baskets to families that are receiving Christmas assistance.
*Volunteers helping with Christmas assistance distribution must be at least 18 years old.
2011 Community Christmas Dinner
Event Date: December 25, 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Audrey Esther Community Relations Director The Salvation Army Ozark Area Coordination Office: (417) 862-5509 ext. 116 Cell: (417) 763-1357 [email protected]
Hundreds gather to remember the true meaning of Christmas
COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNER
T he Salvation Army will serve its annual Community Christmas Dinner on Sunday De-
cember 25th from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Harbor House located on N. Boonville
Ave.
The Salvation Army welcomes all families and individuals in need to join them for this traditional holiday meal that will include ham, side dishes and delicious desserts.
‚We encourage anyone in need to join us on this day and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas,‛ Major Norman Grainger, Ozark Area Coordinator said.
Last year, The Salvation Army served more than 250 people during its Community
Christmas Dinner.
Donations of ham, potatoes, canned vegetables and pre-made desserts for this year’s din-
ner can be dropped off at the Harbor House located at 636 N. Boonville Ave. Please take do-
nations to the east, or back entrance of the building.
For more information about The Salvation Army’s Community Christmas Dinner please call (417) 831-3371.
What: Community Christmas Dinner
When: December 25, 2011
11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Where: The Salvation Army Harbor House
636 N. Boonville Ave.
Springfield MO
(417) 831-3371
2011 Tree of Lights Christmas Campaign
Event Dates: Dec. 23 & Dec. 28, 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Audrey Esther Community Relations Director The Salvation Army Ozark Area Coordination Office: (417) 862-5509 ext. 116 Cell: (417) 763-1357 [email protected]
T he Salvation Army will inform the public about its 2011 Tree of Lights Christmas Cam-
paign fundraising efforts during a goal update on Friday December 23rd 11 a.m. and a
final goal announcement on Wednesday December 28th at 5 p.m. Both announcements will
take place at UMB Bank located at 1150 E. Battlefield Rd.
Each year, the Tree of Lights Christmas Campaign attempts to raise at least one-third of
The Salvation Army’s annual budget. However, to meet the increasing need for its services
this year The Salvation Army undertook its largest most ambitious fundraising goal ever!
‚Community support remains more crucial than ever before,‛ Major Norman Grainger,
Ozark Area Coordinator said. ‚The year-round assistance we provide to individuals and fami-
lies in need would not be possible if it weren’t for the tremendous generosity of this commu-
nity.‛
To support The Salvation Army Ozark Area Coordination by making a monetary donation
please visit www.usc.salvationarmy.org/springfield-mo, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or mail checks
to: The Salvation Army P.O. Box 9685 Springfield MO 65801-9685.
2011 TREE OF LIGHTS CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN GOAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Who: The Salvation Army Ozark Area Coordination, UMB Bank,
Mayor Jim O’Neal & Mayor Raeanne Presley
What: 2011 Tree of Lights Christmas Campaign Goal Announcements
When: December 23, 2011 at 11 a.m.—goal update
December 28, 2011 at 5 p.m.—final goal announcement
Where: UMB Bank
1150 E. Battlefield Rd.
Springfield, MO
From humble beginnings to international notoriety
THE HISTORY OF THE RED KETTLE
The Idea
I n 1891, a Salvation Army captain in San Francisco resolved to provide a free Christmas dinner to
the area’s poor. But how would he pay for the food?
From his days as a sailor in Liverpool England, the captain remembered a large pot,
displayed on the Stage Landing, called ‚Simpson’s Pot,‛ where passers by would toss
charitable donations. The captain presented his idea to city authorities and received per-
mission to place a similar pot at the Oakland ferry landing at the foot of San Francisco’s
Market Street. In its conspicuous position, the pot drew the attention of people going to
and from the ferryboats.
Thus, Captain Joseph McFee launched a tradition that spread not only throughout the United
States, but around the world.
Evolution of the Christmas Kettle
B y Christmas 1895, thirty Salvation Army Corps throughout the West Coast area were using the
kettle. That year, The Sacramento Bee published a description of the Army’s Christmas activi-
ties and mentioned the contributions. Two young Salvation Army officers, William A. McIntyre and
N.J. Lewis, instrumental in the original use of the kettles, took the idea to the East Coast.
In 1897, McIntyre prepared his Christmas plans for Boston around the kettle.
Other Army officers did not want to participate for fear of ‚making spectacles of
themselves.‛ Nevertheless, McIntyre, with his wife and sister, set up three kettles at
the Washington Street thoroughfare in the heart of the city. That year the kettle ef-
fort in Boston and other locations nationwide resulted in 150,000 Christmas dinners
for the needy.
In 1898, The New York World hailed The Salvation Army kettles as ‚the newest and most novel
device for collecting money.‛ The newspaper also observed, ‚There is a man in charge to see that
contributions are not stolen.‛
In 1901, kettle contributions in New York City provided funds for the first mammoth sit-down
dinner in Madison Square Garden, a custom that continued for many years.
Today, families are given food baskets or grocery checks so that they can buy
and prepare their own dinners at home. The homeless poor are still invited to
share holiday dinners and festivities at hundreds of Salvation Army centers.
A Modern Day Tradition
K ettles now are used around the world, including Korea, Japan, Chile, and Europe. Everywhere,
public contributions to the kettles enable The Salvation Army to bring the spirit of Christmas to
people who would otherwise be forgotten – the aged and lonely, ill, poor and disadvantaged, or in-
mates of jails and other institutions. In the United States, The Salvation Army annu-
ally aids more than 6 million people at Thanksgiving and Christmas
Kettles have changed since that first utilitarian cauldron in San Francisco. Some
new kettles have such devices as a self-ringing bell, and a booth with a public address
system to broadcast traditional Christmas carols. Even so, the same Salvation Army
message–‚Sharing is Caring‛- still supports this timeless, enduring program.