Colton resident Vincent Arellano is a recently hired bell ringer “This is a good opportunity to come out and give to the community.” Prior to working as a bell ringer, Arellano served as a Cavalry Scout in the military for over 12 years. Arellano was stationed in Germany, Texas, and Iraq during his service. “It feels good to be back home,” said Arellano.
The Salvation Army has been in San Bernardino since 1887
For more Information call
Carl Dameron @ (909) 534-9500
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The “miracle” of Christmas is repeated over and over again through the joy of caring and sharing. The San Bernardino Salvation Army (www.salvationarmyusa.org) is seeking volunteers to ring bells in Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, and San Bernardino.
The nationally recognized shiny red kettle is an integral part of the Christmas scene, with millions of dollars donated each year to aid needy families, seniors, and the homeless, in keeping with the spirit of the season.
“This is a wonderful way to help disadvantaged people in our community, simply by volunteering as bell ringers,” said Major Stephen Ball, commander of The Salvation Army of San Bernardino. “We’re looking for individuals, families and groups to spend a day at one of our more than 30 locations in the San Bernardino area.”
The Salvation Army began ringing its bells this year on Friday, Nov. 16th and continues from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday until Christmas Eve.
Salvation Army Board member and Police crime scene photographer Ricardo Tomboc played the Banjo and asked for Kettle donations at the Walmart on Highland.
Anyone who would like to donate a few hours of his or her time can volunteer. However, a parent or guardian must accompany individuals under the age of 16. Most volunteers ring two hours at a time, but groups are asked to provide ringers who can work in shifts for an entire day.
“The more people who volunteer, the fewer people the agency must hire,” said Major Ball “For each volunteer bell ringer we have, it means more money raised in direct support of our services to those families in need.”
Colton resident Vincent Arellano is a recently hired bell ringer “This is a good opportunity to come out and give to the community.” Prior to working as a bell ringer, Arellano served as a Cavalry Scout in the military for over 12 years. Arellano was stationed in Germany, Texas, and Iraq during his service. “It feels good to be back home,” said Arellano.
For the past year Arellano has been on many job interviews “The process has been slow, I usually do about three job interviews per week.” Bell ringing is Arellano’s first job since he ended his military service almost one year ago.
Arellano was not on the list to be hired as a bell ringer, but was told to show up at the Salvation Army in the morning to see if he could work. He was hired to work when more help was needed. “This is another opportunity to add to my resume,” said Arellano.
Arellano is proud to be working as a bell ringer “This is a good opportunity to give to the community, it provides me with a temporary job and the donations provide for those less fortunate than me.”
Salvation Army Board member Carl Dameron rings the bells with his family. Left to right: Malaika, Carl and Shaila. Photo by Ricard Tomboc
Where does the money go? For Christmas, the Salvation Army creates holiday food baskets for more than 600 local families. On Christmas Day, The Salvation Army of San Bernardino hosts a Christmas Dinner that historically provides a beautiful meal to 300 people. Donations raised by bell ringers help make this possible.
“The San Bernardino Corps also needs food every day for those at its Hospitality House transitional shelter,” said Major Ball. Up to 75 family members stay in its transitional and emergency family shelters.
The Salvation Army also needs food daily for up to 200 people who receive a free dinner served six nights a week. Approximately 40,000 meals are served annually from the Army’s kitchen located at 746 W. 5th Street in San Bernardino.
Feeding the hungry is just one of the ways money donated to The Salvation Army helps. The Salvation Army also helps 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.
To volunteer as a bell ringer in Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, and San Bernardino, call The Salvation Army at (909) 888-1336.
In addition, one may donate to The Salvation Army online, through the website www.salvationarmyusa.org. Donors may specify to which branch of The Salvation Army the money should be sent. How the Bell Ringer campaign began:
Captain Joseph McFee, serving with the San Francisco Salvation Army Corps in 1891, wanted to serve Christmas dinner to the poor in his neighborhood. But he didn’t have money to do so.
As a sailor in Liverpool, England, Captain Mcfee saw people on the docks throw money into a large kettle called “Simpson’s Pot” to help the poor. He decided this might work in California too.
Captain Mcfee set up a kettle at the Oakland Ferry Landing, which operated a ferry that was, in those days, the only way across San Francisco Bay. He put a sign on the kettle saying “Keep the Pot Boiling” and raised enough money to serve the Christmas dinner.
His idea spread quickly, and by 1897 Salvation Army Corps nationwide were collecting money in kettles to serve the needy in their communities. Among the Salvation Army Corps collecting money this way before the turn of the 20th Century was The Salvation Army of San Bernardino, which formed in 1887. 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 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, and also offers holistic programs for individuals 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 can always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. Our local number is (909) 888-1336.
Elaine McFadden received Adopt-A-Family services as a single mother. “You have to believe that there are people out there like The Salvation Army that will help you,” said McFadden.
For more Information call
Carl Dameron @ (909) 534-9500
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) “The breadwinner may have lost a job, there may simply be more children than the parents can financially support this time of year; or perhaps the family has faced a debilitating death of one of the parents. Whatever problem causes the disruption or the ceasing of Christmas plans, our Adopt-A-Family program is here to help,”
says Major Steve Ball of The Salvation Army’s San Bernardino Corps.
The San Bernardino Corps of The Salvation Army at 746 West Fifth Street will bring much needed support to struggling families this holiday season.
Families living in The Salvation Army’s service area of San Bernardino, Colton, Rialto, Highland, Grand Terrace, Bloomington and who consider themselves “in need” this holiday season can come to The Salvation Army for help. “Families with exceptional need are identified by our staff and may be included in the Adopt-A-Family program to receive special assistance.” says Major Ball.
In early November families apply to the Salvation Army branch nearest them, making known their need for assistance. These families will receive a Food and Toy Box consisting of non-perishable food and gifts for all children age 0 – 12. If a family is identified as having exceptional need, and an adopting sponsor is found, then they are entered into the Adopt-a-Family program. Other families, businesses or groups then choose to “adopt” a family. “We’ve had numerous cases,” Major Ball explains, “where organizations will ‘adopt’ more than one family, just to contribute to helping others who are in difficult times have happier family holidays.”
There have been cases when the adopting group will invest several hundreds of dollars or more in a family. “There’ll be Christmas gifts and food,” Major Ball says, “but we’ve seen instances where home repairs have been covered, where new clothes have been furnished, where the family’s only car was made functional again. One adopting group even bought its newly-adopted friends a much needed refrigerator.”
According to Major Ball, the whole idea, however, is to assist, not overwhelm. It’s just a matter of “whatever it takes” to aid their selected family in getting past the otherwise stressful season. Maybe it’s simply food that’s needed, perhaps it’s bedding that’s lacking during our cold winters, it might be traveling to a family member in serious need. Or maybe it’s a bag full of toys and stuffed animals for the family’s children.
Families that have “adopted” others have created lifelong friendships with those people, even helping an adult or teen land a job that turned their circumstances around. “We’ve had a family we’ve known for years,” says a woman whose family has “adopted” others annually. “There’s no longer a need for yearly assistance, but we enjoy them and want to stay in touch.”
“Adopting a family this holiday season doesn’t mean taking on responsibilities or shouldering a burden,” Major Ball explains. “It’s truly sharing the Christmas spirit with others who may not be as fortunate as you. It’s helping families to enjoy the holidays like the rest of us do, lending a hand when it’s needed.”
Elaine McFadden received Adopt-A-Family services as a single mother on welfare. “You have to believe that there are people out there like The Salvation Army that will help you,” said McFadden.
Living on the verge of homelessness, McFadden needed a place to stay with her two children while she was attending classes at Riverside City College. Her lifelong friend Sabrina suggested that McFadden visit The Salvation Army for help.
The Salvation Army’s Adopt-a-Family sponsor provided McFadden money to use as a deposit to move into a new home. During Christmas The Salvation Army invited McFadden and her children to visit a toy store, where her children were able to choose Christmas presents. “My children would not have gotten toys for Christmas without program,” said McFadden.
McFadden was surprised one year when The Salvation Army told her “You’ve been adopted.” A local family had purchased gifts for McFadden and her children during Christmas. “Just to have all those presents under the tree were great,” said McFadden.
McFadden’s life has improved. She attended Loma Linda University to study nutrition and become a registered dietitian. McFadden later received her Master’s degree in Public Health Promotion and Education. McFadden realized most people were unaware of the changes that had been happening to our food system and how those changes could critically impact health.
McFadden now hosts her own radio show, Smart Health Talk, every Thursday 4:00-5:00 pm on KCAA NBC News Radio 1050 AM. “Nutrition is my ministry,” said McFadden. Smart Health Talk teaches people the importance of eating healthy, organic food. “When you start putting quality food in your body, you start being a role model to children and the community,” said McFadden.
McFadden’s children have found their own success. McFadden’s daughter, Ashley, works as a General Manager for Glen Ivy Resort. McFadden’s son, Brian, will be attending UC Berkeley to receive his Ph.D. in Philosophy. “I was able to break a cycle of poverty in my family,” said McFadden. “You have to fight for a better life.”
Willing to adopt a family? Know of a family in need? Call the San Bernardino office of the Salvation Army at (909) 888-1336 and ask them to sign you up. 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 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, and also offers holistic programs for individuals 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.
99.1 KGGI, The Salvation Army and The San Bernardino Police Department have created a Toy Drive starting on Monday December 10th provided by created by Police Chief Handy, Jeannie Adair from Clear Channel Radio and Carl Dameron from Dameron Communications. Adair has secured the: locations, advertisings and the support of three radio stations (99.1 KGGI, 1140 am the Toad, and 1440am Funny) with their on air personalities and tents at each location! Companies helping recruits toys are: The San Bernardino Police Department, Harlow’s Kitchen Concepts, Best Price Auto Glass and Crest Chevrolet. Radio commercial includes:
150 :30 second recorded spots
125 live on air location mentions
The KGGI street team
99.1 Radio personality Evelyn Erivas
Plus iHeart radio streaming commercials
“Or goal is to raise 3,000 unwrapped toys for needy children in the San Bernardino, Rialto, Colton, Highland, Grand Terrace and Bloomington,” said Chief Handy. Each event will have members from Salvation Army, SBPD a KGGI, Toad and FUNNY people at each event. KGGI will give away tickets to Disneyland, California Adventure, Knots Berry Farm and more.
They ask people to bring unwrapped toys and donations to one or more of these locations: San Bernardino Police Department
Dec. 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
710 North D Street, San Bernardino Harlows Kitchen Concepts
Dec. 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
1504 S. Tippecanoe Avenue, San Bernardino Best Price Auto Glass
Dec. 13, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
154 S. Waterman Avenue, San Bernardino Crest Chevrolet
Dec. 14, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
909 W. 21st St., San Bernardino
For more information call Paul Bennet at (909) 888-1336.
The City of San Bernardino can’t fund the repairs so 30 local community organizations and community leaders are raising funds to save the statue.
(SAN BERNARDINO, CA.) Dr. Martin Luther King’s status is showing wear. The 11-foot tall historic monument is deteriorating, the coating of paste wax has dulled, and the base is cracked. To solve the problem more than 30 local groups and community leaders have come together to carry out a sole mission of ‘Saving the MLK Statue’.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. monument has been a treasured landmark since 1981 when it was placed in front of the City Hall of the City of San Bernardino.
The statue is considered the first ‘bigger than life statue’ of Dr. King in the world. It now is in serious need of repair and warrants professional renovation and a plan for sustained maintenance.
The group quickly recognized that city funds are not available for the restoration and maintenance of the statue there will be an effort to raise funds from private and corporate donors, as well as, to seek grants and other sources of revenue.
“We are also committed to ensuring young and old people alike do not forget Dr. Martin Luther King, his mission and legacy and what the statue stands for: Civil Rights, Equality, peaceful co-existence, and respect for the use of power, the struggle, challenge and the plight for the Dream to live on,” said Francis Grice committee member.
Our goal is to have the statue renovated and ready for unveiling at a celebration scheduled for January 2013, said Grice.
The committee is in the process of procuring a contractor for the restoration. The initial renovation will cost approximately $8,500 with an annual maintenance charge of approximately $1,500.
The Black Culture Foundation has agreed to use their 501(C)3 as a conduit to raise and disperse the project’s funds.
The pressing need to restore the statue to its original condition and to insure its maintenance has become the impetus for public-spirited citizens of the greater San Bernardino area to commit themselves to the following objectives:
To assure the ongoing maintenance of the statue through the creation of an Endowment, the income from which would be used for the maintenance of the statue including providing adequate insurance.
To develop a master plan for the beautification and enhancement of the area immediately surrounding the statue including attractive landscaping.
To create an educational component to the statue that would be used by schools in their teaching of American history, attract visitors, and serve to develop a greater appreciation of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
To develop a master plan for the beautification and enhancement of the entire City Hall plaza area with the aim being to make it a tourist attraction.
For more information or to submit your donation in person, please contact any member of the MLK Statue Fundraising Sub-Committee: Joseph Williams (909) 754-1068
All checks should be made payable to: Black Culture Foundation. Checks may be mailed to: E. Garcia, P O Box 7288, San Bernardino, CA 92411.
(Riverside, CA) Three Inland Empire business clubs are hosting a holiday party in Riverside on December 6 that is open to the public.
The local chapters of the American Advertising Federation, Public Relations Society of America and American Marketing Association are joining together to sponsor the holiday event at the Riverside Marriott Hotel from 6-8pm.
Tickets are still available according to Jacob Poore, president of the ad club. “We are very excited to join the AMA & PRSA this year to create a special holiday event. This is going to be THE networking event for 2012 and we expect a great crowd, so please join us!”
At the door, tickets are $40 and $25 for club members who register by Nov. 30. Non-members are $35 in advance. Club members can register at their respective web sites.
I wish I had the words to commemorate such an important day of gratitude to our creator. I do not so I humbly share with you Abraham Lincoln’s first Thanksgiving proclamation in fervent hope that it will bring “ . . . the Almighty’s hand to heal the wounds of the nation, and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.”
October 3, 1863
By the President of the United States
A Proclamation
The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.
In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign states to invite and provoke their aggressions, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict; while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.
Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship; the ax has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield, and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.
No human counsel hath devised, nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people. I do, therefore, invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that, while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation, and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United Stated States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.
Abraham Lincoln
–
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Carl M. Dameron, Creative Director
Dameron Communications
Martinez is a recent graduate from the University of California, Riverside, with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing. “Most of my college friends are looking for jobs to make good money, but I want a career,” said Martinez. “I know Dameron Communications can help me reach this goal.” Photo by Carl Dameron
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) “This is one of the best experience’s of my life,” said Paul Martinez, an Intern at Dameron Communications.
Martinez is a recent graduate from the University of California, Riverside, with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing. “Most of my college friends are looking for jobs to make good money, but I want a career,” said Martinez. “I know Dameron Communications can help me reach this goal.”
Martinez found his internship through the Lagrant Foundation, a non-profit that focuses on career development for minority students. “I attended a workshop hosted by Dameron and was surprised at the company’s achievements.”
An internship is on-the-job training that usually lasts for three months. Interns range from students in college to high school students. Students participate in internships to decide if a particular career interests them, build contacts with professionals, and to gain college credit.
While in college, Martinez was involved in extracurricular activities and organizations. Martinez was a member of M.E.Ch.A. de UCR, a cultural organization that serves the community. He organized conferences, committed time to community service, and created promotional materials for M.E.Ch.A.
Martinez also participated in the UC Honors Program, a challenging academic program for top students. “I have always believed in challenging myself to get ahead.”
After graduating, Martinez was in search for a career that would allow him to serve the community. “I chose to intern at Dameron Communications because of the free Public Relations work it does for The Salvation Army,” said Martinez.
“I am impressed by Paul’s hard work and dedication. He has the right attitude it takes to be successful in this business. I am happy to work with him,” said Carl Dameron, Creative Director of Dameron Communications.
Martinez has plans to make a name in the fields of food and fashion. “I want to own a fine-dining restaurant and clothing brand in the near future.”
For more information on Dameron Communications, please call (909) 888-0017. About Dameron Communications Since 1989 Dameron Communications has creatively met the needs of our diverse client base locally, regionally and nationally. It is an award-winning agency that creates integrated advertising and public relations solutions to increase clients’ sales and profits, win elections, inform the public or gain acceptance of potentially controversial issues.
Dameron Communications creates advertising for television, radio, newspaper, magazine, and billboards, web sites, mobile web applications, email and more. Public relations services include press releases, press conferences, media relations, television programs, web sites, opinion editorials, promotions, event creation and management, government relations and community relations.
Dameron Communications has earned media coverage for clients from: ABC, CBS, NBC, CNBC, CBS MarketWatch; Fox News, CNN, CNNfn, Nightly Business Report; The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Dow Jones News Wire, Bloomberg, Reuters, Associated Press and many more.
Last year the faculty and staff at the Loma Linda School of Allied Health Professions were happy to donate Toys to the Salvation Army. Together they donated more than 100 toys filling the wishes of children in Rialto, Highland, Grand Terrace, Colton, and San Bernardino. To the left of the presents is Debbie Becker and me Kathy Poss. To the right is Shirley Sing (kneeling) and Dana McCree. (photo by Loma Linda School of Allied Health)
WHO: The Salvation Army, Wal-Mart WHAT: The Salvation Army raising Christmas toy donations in partnership with Wal-Mart on December 8th for their “Fill The Truck” toy drive. Toys are donated to needy children whose parents and families cannot afford to buy toys this Christmas. WHERE: Wal-Mart Locations:
1. 4001 Hallmark Pky., San Bernardino, CA 92407.
2. 1120 S Mt Vernon Ave, Colton, CA 92324.
3. 1610 S Riverside Ave, Rialto, CA 92376.
4. 4210 Highland Ave, Highland, CA 92346. WHEN: Saturday, December 8th 2012. VISUALS: Salvation Army volunteers and donors filling the truck with toys. Wal-Mart shoppers smiling and buying toys as donations. CONTACT: Carl Dameron (909) 534-9500 cell, or CARLD@DAMERONCOMMUNICATIONS.COM 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 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, 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. 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.
Tera Snow of Highland Donates a bag of canned goods to the Boy Scouts, while at the East Highland store on Highland Ave. Photo by Richardo Tomboc
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Local Boy Scout troops did a good deed for needy people in the San Bernardino Valley. They recently collected food to feed those in need at local Stater Brothers Grocery stores. The food will be donated to the Salvation Army.
13 Boy Scout troops from San Bernardino, Rialto, Colton, Highland, Grand Terrace, and Bloomington helped collect food for The Salvation Army’s San Bernardino Corps. They participated the Boy Scouts of America nationwide event called “Scouting for Food.”
“The food collected during this Food Drive will help feed hundreds of people this holiday season in Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, and San Bernardino,” said Major Stephen Ball of the Salvation Army’s San Bernardino office.
Arrowhead District Boy Scout Troop 1 and Cub Scout Pacts 1, 20, & 14 were out in full force at the Stater Bros. located on 977 Kendall Drive in San Bernardino.
West Highland Stater Bros. SB: Troop 836 SB Elks Lodge Front row: Alejandro Padilla, Carlos Rivas, Jovanni Bello, Jennifer Lister (Scout Master) Back row: Bryan Padilla Jordan Padilla. photo by Richardo Tomboc
Nancy Alvarez, Commissioner of the Arrowhead District of the Boy Scouts, has been involved with the Boy Scouts for 18 years.
Alvarez’s job is to organize and work with all church leaders, scout leaders, scout committee members, and administrative staff.
“I feel fabulous,” said Alverez when asked about how she felt donating her time to perform such a great service.
A core element of being a Boy Scout is growth and learning new skills, said Alvarez. “We teach Scouting skills, we teach life skills and it’s definitely character building.”
Joanne Macdonald, left, smiles at Victor Butler, Jr. Victor Butler, Jr., a 10-year-old scout from Pact 1, volunteered his time to help The Salvation Army feed the hungry. “I volunteered to help people that have no home, and don’t have any food,” said Butler. Photo by Paul Martinez
Victor Butler, Jr., a 10-year-old scout from Pact 1, volunteered his time to help The Salvation Army feed the hungry.
His current ranking in the Scouts is Webelos, which stands for “We’ll be loyal scouts,” said Butler. He joined the Boy Scouts because he thought he would enjoy it and says, “I’m enjoying it a lot.”
“I volunteered to help people that have no home, and don’t have any food,” said Butler. His father, Victor Butler, Sr., accompanied him and also volunteered.
Another scout volunteer Zane Bracken, has a long family history in the Scouts that goes back to his great grandfather. “My grandpa told me a lot about scouting, and it sounded like a lot of fun.”
“I volunteered at the food drive to help The Salvation Army feed the hungry,” said Bracken.
Bracken 13, started as a Cub Scout. “I keep working with the Boy Scouts because we do big projects and activities that help the community.”
His most recent achievement is a Life Scout ranking, and he is one step away from achieving the highest ranking in the Boy Scouts, an Eagle Ranking.
Will Williamson, Scout Master for the Boy Scouts Arrowhead District, has been a volunteer with the Boy Scouts since 1982.
Williamson joined the Boy Scouts to help the youth, train them, teach them; it’s a fun job to do.
”A lot of the boys I first worked with have grown up into fine men. The Boy Scout Training in and all of the things they went through made them the good men they are today,” said Williamson.
For Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Salvation Army creates holiday food baskets for more than 600 local families. Canned food donations received from the Boy Scouts will be included in those baskets.
Nancy Alvarez, far left, loads a truck with food donations, with help from Thomas Eilander, far right. Nancy Alvarez, Commissioner of the Arrowhead District of the Boy Scouts, has been involved with the Boy Scouts for 18 years. “We teach Scouting skills, we teach life skills and it’s definitely character building,” said Alvarez. Photo by Paul Martinez
On Thanksgiving Day, the Salvation Army San Bernardino hosts a Thanksgiving Dinner that often brings in 300 people. Although much of the food served at that dinner is fresh, some of the non-perishable items the Boy Scouts collect may be included.
“The San Bernardino Corps also needs food every day for those at its Hospitality House homeless shelter,” said Major Ball. Up to 75 family members stay in its transitional and emergency family shelters.
The Salvation Army also needs food daily for up to 200 people who receive a free dinner served six nights a week. Approximately 40,000 meals are served annually from the Army’s kitchen located at 746 West 5th Street in San Bernardino.
The Boy Scouts received food donations from Stater Bros. stores in Lake Arrowhead, Colton, Fontana, Rialto, Highland and San Bernardino.
For more information on how to become involved with Boy Scouts of America, call Nancy Alvarez at (909) 553-6453 or you can visit their website at www.scouting.org.
For more information about donation or volunteering for The Salvation Army call (909) 888-1336. About the Boy Scouts of America
Founded in 1910, The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. The BSA provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness. 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 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, 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.
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.
