City of San Bernardino Mayor, Pat Morris, congratulates Western Seniors Housing President Graham Espley-Jones and Vice President and Senior Project Manager of Meta Housing Corporation Aaron Mandel, as he presents them with a certificate of recognition from the city. Photo by Chris Sloan
Senior Assemblymember Fran Givens and Meta Housing Corporation’s Aaron Mandel discuss the addition of Magnolia at Highland as an affordable living opportunity for senior residents in San Bernardino. Photo by Chris Sloan
Mayor Pat Morris and Magnolia at Highland resident Eugene Cook are surrounded by local officials, community members, residents and staff, as they lead the ribbon cutting during the grand opening ceremony. Photo by Chris Sloan
Anthony Sandoval, President of Western Seniors Housing and Linda Howard of Linda Howard Designs, inspect a Magnolia at Highland’s completed apartment. Photo by Chris Sloan
Resident Manager DJ Terry describes the many amenities available for residents to use in the on-site library and billiard/tv room. Photo by Chris Sloan
(San Bernardino, CA) The Magnolia at Highland, San Bernardino’s newest affordable, luxury senior living community for those age 62 or better, opened its doors to the community with their grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony.
Located at 2196 Medical Center Dr. in San Bernardino, The Magnolia at Highland kicked off four days of activities, highlighted by guest speakers and presentations from the Mayor and other officials, residents, supporters, refreshments and tours.
Managed by Western Seniors Housing, a leader in the senior apartment management industry, the new senior community has turned what was once a blighted automotive site into 80 upscale, spacious, affordable apartments for seniors.
Designed from the ground up with seniors in mind, the Magnolia at Highland cultivates a philosophy of aging in place, gracefully, paying attention to every detail to provide a nurturing and comfortable environment for residents.
Conveniently located near freeways, public transportation, shopping, dining, and parks, The Magnolia at Highland began moving in residents this past December 2011, offering residents spacious apartments complete with central heat and air conditioning, modern appliances, granite counter-tops, with walk in showers in some apartments.
The beautiful grounds feature a landscaped courtyard with a fountain and outdoor fireplace in a resort like outdoor patio area with shade trees, tranquil fountains, barbecue grills, a large swimming pool, spa and multiple areas for relaxed seating.
There are still 28 of the 80 apartments available, and it is anticipated that the building will be fully occupied soon. In addition to the age requirement, those interested in becoming a resident at the new Magnolia at Highland senior living community will need to meet the maximum allowable income qualifications.
To schedule an appointment or to learn more information about The Magnolia at Highland senior living community contact Western Seniors Housing, Inc., at (909) 473-1000.
The Magnolia at Highland is San Bernardino’s newest luxury senior apartment complex, for adults age 62 and better. Photo by Chris Sloan.
Magnolia at Highland’s resident manager, DJ Terry, points out the amenities found in the on-site billiard room and library. Photo by Chris Sloan
Magnolia at Highland’s community room features a flat screen television and fireplace. Photo by Chris Sloan.
Adjacent to the community room, Magnolia at Highland residents can enjoy an outdoor sitting area, complete with a fountain, bar-b-que area and comfortable seating in front of an outdoor fireplace. Photo by Chris Sloan.
A sparkling swimming pool and spa will help Magnolia at Highland residents relax during the hot summer months. Photo by Chris Sloan.
Active seniors stay in shape with modern, high-tech exercise equipment located in the on-site fitness center. Photo by Chris Sloan.
Ample sitting areas and artistic designs are found throughout the complex. Photo by Chris Sloan.
Spacious living rooms feature an abundance of natural lighting. Photo by Chris Sloan.
Inviting and comfortable, units feature one and two bedroom apartments at an affordable price. Photo by Chris Sloan.
Dining area with built-in wooden desk, ready for computer installation or storage. Photo by Chris Sloan.
Kitchens come complete with full size refrigerator, electric stove and oven, dishwasher and wood cabinets. Photo by Chris Sloan.
(San Bernardino, CA) The Magnolia at Highland, San Bernardino’s newest affordable, luxury senior apartment community for those ages 62 or better, opens its doors to the public with a grand opening weekend, starting with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012 at 11:30 a.m.
Held at The Magnolia at Highland apartments located at 2196 Medical Center Dr. in San Bernardino (at the corner of Highland and Medical Center Drive), the event kicks off four days of activities, highlighted by guest speakers and presentations from local officials, residents, supporters, refreshments and personal tours.
“We are extremely pleased to share this beautiful and luxurious new apartment community with prospective new residents and are pleased to have such a strong presence in the City of San Bernardino,” said Kim Pollack, Vice President of Western Seniors Housing.
She also added that approximately half the apartments are already occupied and the remaining apartments are renting quickly. Pollack encourages those interested in applying to become a resident to take advantage of the application fee waiver this weekend and make plans to visit The Magnolia at Highland as soon as possible.
Western Seniors Housing, Inc., a management company that strives to create an environment for seniors where the quality of life is as important as life itself, manages the Magnolia at Highland.
“As a leader in the senior housing industry, Western Seniors Housing is committed to raising the level of quality senior housing in the industry through thoughtful management programs geared towards maintaining a high level of satisfaction for the residents, operators and owners of senior apartment communities,” said Pollack.
The new senior community has turned what was once a blighted automotive site into 80 upscale, spacious, affordable apartments for seniors conveniently located near freeways, public transportation, shopping, dining and Community Hospital of San Bernardino.
“While it is important for seniors to have safe and affordable housing, it’s also important to live in a beautiful place with a high quality of life,” said Aaron Mandel, Vice President and senior project manager at Meta Housing Corporation. “That is why the Magnolia at Highland is designed and built reminiscent of a luxurious resort community.”
Apartments are very spacious complete with upscale appointments such as solid wood cabinetry, granite counter-tops, built in computer desk, central heat and air conditioning, modern appliances, with walk in showers in some units.
The beautiful grounds feature a landscaped courtyard with a tranquil fountain and outdoor fireplace in a resort like outdoor patio area with shade trees, barbecue grills, a large swimming pool, spa and multiple areas for relaxed seating.
The amenities don’t end there. For those residents who prefer to participate in activities indoors, there is a computer center, fitness center, billiards room and also a clubhouse offering resident programs through the nonprofit organization EngAGE.
EngAGE transforms aging and the way people think about aging by turning affordable senior apartment communities into vibrant centers of learning, wellness and creativity.
“This development shows what Meta Housing Corporation can do when we work together with good government focused on the needs of our most treasured resource – seniors,” said Mandel.
Carrying a total development cost of $19 million, Meta Housing partnered with Western Community Housing, the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency, Optimus Construction, Inc., Wells Fargo Bank, Chase and the California Community Reinvestment Corporation, to design and build The Magnolia at Highland for seniors in San Bernardino.
“This is the culmination of several years of hard work,” said Carey Jenkins, San Bernardino Economic Development Agency’s Housing and Community Development Director. He added, “It is exciting to deliver a project that has an immediate benefit to our senior residents and the city.”
The San Bernardino Housing and Community Development Agency subsidy for the project is $7 million from its low to moderate income housing funds. That investment is what allows some rents to be as low at $357 a month. These funds are for housing only and cannot be used for the City’s general fund.
In addition to the age requirement, those interested in becoming a resident at the new Magnolia at Highland senior living community will need to meet the maximum allowable income for potential residents.
What this means, is that a single person household can earn up to a total of $25,795 a year. A two person household can earn up to $29,480 a year, with a family of three earning as much as $33,165 a year.
“Please join us for our grand opening weekend starting Thursday January 26th at 2:00 pm at The Magnolia at Highland” said Pollack.
To schedule a personal tour or to learn more bout The Magnolia at Highland senior apartment community contact Western Seniors Housing, Inc., at (909) 473-1000.
About Western Seniors Housing
Western Seniors Housing, Inc. is a management company that strives to create an environment for seniors where the quality of life is as important as life itself. As a leader in the senior housing industry, Western Seniors Housing is committed to raising the level of quality senior housing in the industry through thoughtful management programs geared towards maintaining a high level of satisfaction for the owners, operators and residents of senior apartment communities.
The primary objectives of Western Seniors Housings sponsored programs and activities are to increase occupancy, enhance resident satisfaction and maintain properties in top condition.
A true alternative to in-house resources, Western Seniors Housing offers a high degree of practical experience, know-how and empathy with seniors and their needs.
It is recommended that everyone, ages 6 months and older, receive a seasonal flu vaccination.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The time has come to say goodbye to summer. The changing of the season brings on many familiar occurrences, such as kids going back to school, the falling leaves from neighborhood trees or even feeling a new crispness in the air. These are all indicators that its time to visit your doctor for your seasonal flu shot.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Influenza, otherwise known as the flu, occurs annually from October through May and is spread by coughing, sneezing or a runny nose. Getting vaccinated will help avoid or lessen the symptoms of the flu, which include: fever/chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache and a runny or stuffy nose.
“The benefit of flu vaccines have been proven over and over,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga president of LaSalle Medical Associates. “With the three strains of flu that are circulating in many parts of the world today, chances are you will come down with one of them if you do not get vaccinated.”
The Center for Disease Control and Dr. Arteaga recommend a yearly flu vaccination as the first and most important step in protection against the flu. Vaccines are available in two forms. The most common is the flu shot, an injected vaccine. A nasal spray vaccine is also available as an alternative for most people ages 2 to 49.
Flu viruses are constantly changing. It’s not unusual for new flu virus strains to appear each year. As a result, it is extremely important that you get vaccinated or a booster shot each year, as a new flu vaccine is made each year to protect against the three flu viruses that research indicates are most likely to cause illness during the current flu season.
Contrary to what some might think, the virus in the flu shot is inactive. Therefore, you cannot get the flu from a flu shot.
While young children, the elderly and those with chronic health conditions are especially at risk of complications from the flu, it is recommended that everyone, ages 6 months and older, receive a seasonal flu vaccination.
The LaSalle medical clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, (909) 823-4454; 1505 West 17th St, (909) 887-6494, and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave., (909) 884-9091 in San Bernardino, and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia, (760) 947-2161.
For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407.
Dr. Albert Arteaga, and wife Maria, receiving an award from the San Bernardino County Medical Society for outstanding contributions to the community.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) On the first day, owner Dr. Albert Arteaga and his wife Maria then employed as his nurse and still his chief assistant saw two patients at their clinic in Fontana. Today, LaSalle Medical Associates has grown to four clinics and 120 employees, and an Independent Practice Association (IPA) serving more than 100 doctors.
LaSalle Medical Associates celebrated its 27th anniversary recently, having seen its first two patients on June 13, 1984.
“For 27 years we have been doing good things,,” Dr. Arteaga said. “Number one, we are honest. Number two we are reliable. We aren’t here today and gone tomorrow. In the medical field, being solid means being reputable and reliable.”
Dr. Arteaga has built his practice with a philosophy that everyone deserves quality health care, and to be treated by his or her physician with dignity and respect. La Salle Medical Associate clinics welcome low income, elderly and disabled patients. They accept most insurance.
As founder and CEO of LaSalle’s Inland Empire clinics, Dr. Arteaga set out to not just aid those in need, but to change patients’ perception of “going to the doctor.” He explains, “I want everyone to feel that going to the doctor is no more intimidating than going to the grocery store.”
A recent survey of nearly 300 LaSalle patients showed that fully 100 percent of those surveyed believed their doctor and other staff had listened carefully, explained things and treated them with respect.
In his 27 years in business, Dr. Arteaga has strived not only to be a great physician, but also a good businessman. Treating patients (customers) with respect helped him build a solid customer base, which in turn has recommended LaSalle Medical Associates to their friends and family, and some of whom now have chosen LaSalle for their health care needs for three generations.
Dr. Arteaga has also focused on keeping expenses low. And he has helped many patients who might otherwise struggle to pay for even basic medical care to find insurance that will foot the bill.
Since Dr. Arteaga’s practice was pediatrics, La Salle Medical Associates initially focused on serving children of the lower income and disabled. Dr Arteaga quickly realized there were even greater community needs.
With his guidance, LaSalle expanded its service to include family and internal medicine, and obstetrics/gynecology. All stemming from Dr. Arteaga’s “obligation to “help whenever I can.”
Public and professional recognition has not escaped LaSalle Medical Associates and Dr. Arteaga. The California Medical Association awarded him the “Ethnic Physician’s Leadership Award for 2008,” recognizing his contributions to medical care in the Latino community. He also was named one of the top 15 Latino-owned businesses in the Inland Empire by Hispanic Lifestyle magazine.
For his efforts to provide healthcare services to the Inland Empire’s children, Arteaga was awarded the San Bernardino County Medical Society’s Merlin Hendrickson M.D. Award for his outstanding contribution to the community.
Inland Empire Health Plan selected the clinics as one of San Bernardino counties’ best healthcare providers, while the African American Health Initiative selected LaSalle as a “model provider” of Black healthcare in San Bernardino County.
The San Bernardino Board of Supervisors has presented Dr. Arteaga the Resolution Award for his outstanding community efforts, and the Inland Empire Health Plan awarded LaSalle Medical Associates a Proclamation Award in appreciation of outstanding community work and for being the state’s number one enroller of the Healthy Families program, an insurance plan for children of low- to middle-income families.
The LaSalle Medical Associates clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino, and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia.
For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407 or go on line to LaSalleMedical.com.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) LaSalle employees mourned the loss of one of their long-term patients in January. But, with the help of two of their own, this patient died with a peace of mind she hadn’t seen much of in the last few months of her life.
“For the rest of her life, Cheryl Garcia and Renae Marquez were a great source of support for this patient,” said LaSalle Medical Associates CEO Dr. Albert Arteaga. “When she died in mid-January, her husband called the Mt. Vernon clinic that same day, to thank them for making his wife so happy in her final days.”
Before she died, the two women got to know this patient because of her frequent need of health care from LaSalle Medical Associates. Around the holidays, they noticed this patient was especially struggling.
“She was very ill, she was not doing well emotionally, and she had some serious financial challenges,” said Dr. Arteaga.
Cheryl, who works in the Medical Records department at the Mt. Vernon clinic, and Renae, who handles patient referrals, wanted to help. So, just before Christmas they bought the patient several gifts, including new sheets for her bed. They not only bought the gifts with their own funds, they took it upon themselves to deliver the gifts to her home while they were off duty.
“I am very proud of Cheryl and Renea for the help they provided this patient at the end of her life,” said Dr. Arteaga. “Both of these women have their own financial struggles, so I know they sacrificed to help a patient, and what they did came from their hearts. I know they made a difference in this patient’s life.”
The LaSalle medical clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, (909) 823-4454; 1505 West 17th St, (909) 887-6494, and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave., (909) 884-9091 in San Bernardino, and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia, (760) 947-2161.
For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407.
Seniors and people with disabilities on Medi-Cal in the Inland Empire are moving into managed care choosing from plans offered by Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and Molina Health Services. Managed care will help doctors keep better track of their patients' health care needs while, at the same time, lowering the overall cost of their care.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Seniors and people with a disability wth Medi-Cal may soon face a change in their health care plan because of new federal legislation.
This legislation allows 12 California counties, including San Bernardino and Riverside to require most Medi-Cal patients who are seniors (age 65 and over) or who have a disability to enroll in Medi-Cal Managed Care. These 12 counties began moving their Medi-Cal patients into managed care plans on Wednesday, June 1. Via affordable-movers.co.
In managed care plans, patients must select a primary care physician, such as one of the doctors at LaSalle Medical Associates. The primary care physician must approve all treatments and refer patients to specialists or hospitals when necessary.
“Managed care plans make it easier for you to get the best care possible,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates. “Within both of the managed care plans available to our patients, there are programs to help you stay healthy no matter your age or disability.”
In the Inland Empire, the managed care plans are Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and Molina Healthcare of California Partner Plan, Inc. Affected Inland Empire patients have a choice between these two managed care programs to participate in, but if they do not pick one of the plans, Medi-Cal will make the choice for them.
There are some exceptions also. Those who receive Medicare, have already been diagnosed with a long-term illness or have other health insurance won’t be able to join a managed care plan, nor will foster children with disabilities.
Most young, Medi-Cal recipients without a disability have been required to choose a managed care plan since 1997, according to Consumers’ Union. Elderly and disabled Medi-Cal recipients have until now had a choice.
The option no longer available is “fee-for-service” or “Straight Medi-Cal”.
“Fee-for-service has several disadvantages,” said Dr. Arteaga. “Most importantly, if a patient sees many different health care providers, none of them have a complete idea of the patients’ medical history. Knowing this history is very important in preventing small problems from robbing you of your independence.”
“Going to the emergency room for colds and sniffles is like turning on a fire hose to water your house plant,” Dr. Arteaga said. “Using a watering can works better for most house plants. Seeing a regular doctor works best for people, unless they have broken bones or some other serious health condition requiring immediate attention. Even in some of those cases, managed care can help them become aware of a potential problem before it becomes a life-threatening condition.”
The LaSalle Medical Associates clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino, and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia.
For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407 or go on line to lasallemedicalassociates.com.
Dr. Albert Arteaga of LaSalle Medical Associates and Kimberly Carey, president of MedPoint Management have aligned to streamline operations and enhance LaSalle Medical Associates' ability to provide patients quality health care.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. recently selected a new health care management company, MedPoint Management.
“Together with MedPoint Management we will streamline our operations and enhance LaSalle Medical Associates’ ability to provide patients quality health care,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates.
“MedPoint Management meets health care providers’ needs with a personalized approach to health care management,” said Kimberly Carey, president of MedPoint Management. “We combine the use of advanced technology with the vast health care experience of our employees to help providers meet the challenges of serving a diverse population in the rapidly changing health care environment.”
MedPoint Management assists Independent Practice Associations, more often known in the health care field as IPAs, with management services. These services include processing of insurance claims, resolving grievances, verifying credentials of health care practitioners, advising health care providers about new policies of the health maintenance organizations (HMOs) they work with, evaluating the quality and outcomes of patient care (and, when necessary, making recommendations for improvement), and tracking services provided to those with certain health conditions.
MedPoint Management will work not just with LaSalle Medical Associates’ four clinics in San Bernardino County, but with other practices in the Inland Empire, Los Angeles and San Joaquin Valley that are members of the LaSalle Medical Associates Independent Practice Association.
The LaSalle Medical Associates clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino, and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia.
For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407 or go on line to LaSalleMedicalassociates.com.
Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network host free seminar highlighting effectiveness of amateur radio use during disasters relief efforts
Trace Willete, Inland Empire SATERN section coordinator and Salvation Army Division Public Information Officer Suzi Woodruff Lacey discussing the role of media relations during emergency response efforts. Photo by Chris Sloan.
Salvation Army Corps San Bernardino Commander Major Stephen Ball greets crowd of enthusiastic amateur radio operators during Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network’s Annual Introduction and Seminar. Photo by Chris Sloan
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – Are you interested in amateur radio? Want to learn how you can help one of the world’s oldest disaster relief organizations in its communications efforts?
The Inland Empire’s Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN), also known as SATERN, will host its 16th Annual Introduction and Seminar on Saturday, Jan. 28. This free event takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps, 746 W. Fifth St., San Bernardino. It’s open to the public and includes free refreshments and lunch.
Amateur shortwave radio technology has been around since World War II. SATERN relies on this two-way communication, which can reach across areas of about 200 miles, to communicate among its own members who are participating in a Salvation Army disaster relief effort, and with the emergency workers they’re helping.
The Salvation Army has helped in practically every disaster that has occurred over the last century, including fires, earthquakes, floods and the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
“Amateur radio is a great hobby and participating in SATERN is a great way to turn that hobby into something that helps our Inland Empire tremendously,” said Tony Stephen, Inland Empire SATERN Committee member. “If more people join us, we will be able to deliver communications more effectively during the next fire or other disaster that hits our area.”
The seminar gets underway at 9 a.m. with a welcome and introduction from Trace Willete, an Inland Empire SATERN section coordinator and Maj. Stephen Ball, commander of the San Bernardino Corps.
Topics of discussion features:
“The Resilient Responder”
As an officer with the Salvation Army Escondido Corps, Maj. Ebel has spent time in Haiti after the recent earthquake. He will discuss the emotional well being of emergency disaster responders.
“The Earthquake Lady, Dr. Kate”
Kate Hutton is a seismologist at Cal-Tech in Pasadena. Referred to as “The Earthquake Lady or Dr. Kate” she is an expert on earthquake and emergency preparedness communication through the use of shortwave amateur radio.
“Maritime Communications & Connections to Emergency Communications”
Bill Scholz, an Auxiliary Unit Coordinator for CAMSPAC and FCC 2nd Class Radiotelegraph Operator, will discuss this role of ship to shore communications during disaster relief efforts.
So it will have an accurate lunch count, SATERN asks those attending to RSVP, either by email to Trace Wilette at ki6dpn@arrl.net or by calling (909) 800-1681.
For more information go to the website www.satern.net. 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 or (909) 888-1336.
Celebrate the life, liberty and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King.
(San Bernardino, Calif.) The Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches host their 32nd Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast on Monday January 16th, 2012 at the Hilton San Bernardino located at 285 East Hospitality Lane at 7:30 am.
Celebrating the life, liberty and legacy of Dr. King, this year’s event features guest speaker Donzaleigh Abernathy. An actress and author, Donzaleigh is the daughter of the Rev. Ralph Abernathy, the co-founder of the African American Civil Rights Movement with Dr. King. Following Dr. King’s assassination, Rev. Abernathy became the president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, as he continued to fight for the civil rights of all Americans.
Donzaleigh authored the history book, “Partners To History, Martin Luther King, Ralph David Abernathy and the Civil Rights Movement.” The book received a nomination as one of the best books of 2004 for young adults by the American Library Association.
For tickets or more information please call 909-474-7036. This event sells out each your, so don’t wait.
The faculty and staff at the Loma Linda School of Allied Health Professions were happy to be able to help with the Giving Tree program. 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)
Wells Fargo’s Lien Release department adopted a family buying presents for the children and needed household items including needed pots, pans and cooking utensils for the family.
(San Bernardino, Calif.) Thanks to the Salvation Army Corps of San Bernardino (www.salvationarmyusa.org), more than 2,500 children will have a gift to open this Christmas morning.
The faculty and staff at the Loma Linda School of Allied Health Professions were happy to be able to help with the Giving Tree program. Together they donated more than 100 toys filling the wishes of children in Rialto, Highland, Grand Terrace, Colton, and San Bernardino.
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., mothers, families, children and businesses from throughout the community recently volunteered to make a difference, by spreading the holiday cheer with their donations and time, which will help 600 families celebrate the season.
Wells Fargo’s Lien Release department adopted a family, buying presents for the children and needed household items including needed pots, pans and cooking utensils for the family.
“We have been at First Christian Church Disciples of Christ for five years now, using the this location as a distribution center and storage facility for the distribution of food and gifts for families in need,” said Maj. Stephen Ball, commander of The Salvation Army of San Bernardino Corps. “The location has been very convenient in reaching those who need our help the most. They really have embraced what we are doing in the community and are a wonderful partner. They even provide parishioners as volunteers. They have really been a blessing.”
Bringing 100 families in at a time, each family receives a basket of food for a holiday dinner, a gift card from Stater Bros. and a bag of toys for their children, donated through the Salvation Army Giving Tree program.
“We try to make it fun for the families as they come to receive their donation. We have a small worship service and music with holiday songs. Our goal is really to keep things entertaining and uplifting for each family,” said Maj. Ball.
The San Bernardino Corps serves the cities of San Bernardino, Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland and Rialto. While busy coordinating volunteers, along with managing more than 600 baskets loaded with food, toys scheduled for distribution to needy families, Maj. Ball points out this undertaking could not be possible without public contributions and red kettle donations which help fund the basket distribution program.
To make a donation or sign up for local assistance call the San Bernardino Salvation Army Corps at (909) 888-1336. About the Salvations 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 San Bernardino Corps serves: Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto and San Bernardino.
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.
