The Salvation Army and Wal-Mart “Fill The Truck” for Local Kids
Pamela McElhaney volunteered with her daughter, Sharlena Mefford, at the Wal-Mart located at 4001 Hallmark Parkway in San Bernardino. McElhaney’s family has been part of a long tradition of volunteering with The Salvation Army that spans decades. “I remember as a kid I would knock on people’s doors asking for donations,” said McElhaney.
The Salvation Army has been in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination.
(San Bernardino, Calif.) The San Bernardino Salvation Army Corps (www.salvationarmyusa.org) and Wal-Mart raised toy donations for the first time together this past Saturday, December 8th, for their “Fill The Truck” toy drive.
Toy drive volunteers waved signs that read “Fill the Truck for Local Kids,” and kindly asked Wal-Mart customers for toy donations. Donations were collected in a cardboard truck at Wal-Mart locations in San Bernardino, Colton, Rialto, and Highland.
These toys are donated to needy children whose families cannot afford to buy toys this Christmas. Toys are distributed to children from Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, and San Bernardino.
Pamela McElhaney volunteered with her daughter, Sharlena Mefford, at the Wal-Mart located at 4001 Hallmark Parkway in San Bernardino. McElhaney’s family has been part of a long tradition of volunteering with The Salvation Army that spans decades. “I remember as a kid I would knock on people’s doors asking for donations,” said McElhaney.
Originally from Wisconsin, McElhaney moved to San Bernardino when her father became ill. “After my father passed, I continued giving care to the community.” McElhaney is a dedicated volunteer, sleeping only 3 hours after work before volunteering with the toy drive. “This is one of the best ways to collect donations, and I know they will go directly to those in need,” said McElhaney.
McElhaney knows she is making an impact in her community. “Many families we help come back to The Salvation Army to volunteer and help others.” McElhaney remembers a lady who came to The Salvation Army for help. “This woman was living on the streets, but now she lives for God. It’s nice to see people change.”
Sharlena Mefford, John Cardenas, Preston Buford, and Cindy Buford spent several hours at the Highland Walmart greeting customers and handing out a suggested list of gifts. All of the gifts collected during the "Fill the Truck" toy drive will be randomly given to a child based on the age appropriateness of the gift.
Many of the services provided by The Salvation Army are made possible through in-kind donations. Donations of new Christmas toys, for needy children, are still being received at The Salvation Army’s Giving Tree through December 24th at the Inland Center Mall (near the food court). For more information about donating or volunteering for The Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps, call (909) 888-1336.
About The Salvation Army San Bernardino CorpsThe 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 Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church, offering holistic programs for people of all ages. 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.
The San Bernardino Corps of The Salvation Army serves Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, and San Bernardino. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. Our local number is (909) 888-1336.
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