Generous Salvation Army Supporters Invited To Lunch
Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps Commander Capt. Stephen Ball; Arlene Lewis, wife of U. S. Congressman Jerry Lewis; Salvation Army Advisory Board Member Annorr Gowdy and Advisory Board Chairman Tom Brickley review information about the Hospitality House family shelter that was presented during a previous fundraising luncheon. Arlene and Jerry Lewis are among major donors who give more than $1,000 a year to The Salvation Army. Photo by Carl Dameron
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The Salvation Army Corps of San Bernardino will host a luncheon Thursday, Oct. 7 to raise funds for its continued community service at its Corps Headquarters, 746 W. Fifth Street.
“Dreams Happen” is the theme for the San Bernardino Corps seventh annual fund raising event, which begins at 11:30 a.m. with a reception. A catered meal is served at noon.
Since this is a fund raising luncheon, The Salvation Army requests donations of $1,000 or more from attendees. Those attending should RSVP with Capt. Nancy Ball at (909) 888-1336 or by emailing Nancy.Ball@usw.salvationarmy.org.
“This is an opportunity for those who are able to support The Salvation Army at this level to learn more about what we do for our community and how they can be involved,” said Capt. Stephen Ball. “This is one of the top ways for us to raise money each year.”
Ball noted that the San Bernardino Corps relies almost entirely on public donations to support its community service. Although The Salvation Army maintains thrift stores, the proceeds of those are used only to support its Adult Rehabilitation Centers’ residential drug treatment programs.
At previous luncheons, The Salvation Army met its goal to raise $50,000 through this event.
“The Salvation Army has a wonderful history in San Bernardino,” said Capt. Ball “It began serving here in 1887, just 12 years after William and Catherine Booth founded the international organization in London.”
For many decades, most of that service has taken place at 746 W. Fifth St.
“This location serves as the administrative offices of the San Bernardino Corps, and also as a Center for Worship and Service with ministries throughout the week,” Capt. Stephen Ball said.
“The Salvation Army helps more than 200 needy people each day; these persons receive food, clothing, showers, laundry, and a variety of other services. When the occasional disaster strikes our communities, the facility becomes the center of emergency disaster services.
It even served as a homeless shelter from 2007 until earlier this year. The shelter, which is a major recipient of the funds generated through the Fund Raising Event and other sources of revenue, now operates in a separate building at 925 W. Tenth St, serving approximately 50 to 75 homeless people each day.
The Salvation Army encourages others to give what they can.
Online giving, which can be directed specifically to the San Bernardino Corps, is possible at any time by going to www.salvationarmy.usa.org.
From mid-November through Dec. 24, donors can also give through the Red Kettle Drive, a holiday tradition the Army has relied on for more than 100 years. Look for red kettles accompanied by bellringers at locations throughout the Inland Empire. Everything a Salvation Army bellringer collects stays within the community where the donation is given.
Donations of time are also highly needed. For one, The Salvation Army wants to beef up the volunteer bellringer force. It also needs volunteers for its upcoming Thanksgiving dinner.
And, when shopping for the holidays, The Salvation Army hopes people will shop for their poorest neighbors too. Gifts of food and toys are needed for about 750 families relying on the San Bernardino Corps to have any kind of Christmas celebration at all this year.
Those interested in donating time or presents should call the San Bernardino Corps at (909) 888-1336. After Thanksgiving, toys can also be donated through the Sharing Tree programs at the Inland Center Mall.
About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Radio Network assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian church and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY.
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