“The Salvation Army and a group of more than 20 community volunteers handed out food and toys to 455 families with about 1,400 children on Thursday, Dec. 17 and Friday, Dec. 18. The crew helping with this distribution included (front row), Lorena Montero, Lt. Kathleen Griffiths (assistant corps officer), Sara Lopez, Alfredo Lemus, Jeremiah Hamilton, Mara Koebel, Monica Ramos, Maria Otero, Michelle Osborn, Dulce Gonzalez, Jay Matthew (back row), Trevor Bierns, Monica Ayala, Emanuel Cribley, Jose Mota, Vince Estebeme, Jacqueline Cortes, Jennifer Quiroga, Maricruz Tafoya, Michelle Rosales, and Rosalinda Soto.
(SAN BERNARDINO, CA) The San Bernardino Salvation Army Corp (www.salvationarmyusa.org) of San Bernardino blessed 455 families this week with holiday gifts.
Thursday, Dec 17 and Friday, Dec. 18, The Salvation Army and community volunteers handed out food boxes, Stater Bros. gift certificates and toys to 455 families who otherwise would not have had a great Christmas. The families include about 1,400 children.
This was really a community-wide effort, noted Lt. Kathleen Griffiths, assistant corps officer, as she assisted a team of more than 20 volunteers in distributing the gifts.
“We care a great deal about the people of San Bernardino and nearby communities,” Lt. Griffiths said. “So we ask the community what they can give, and what the community gives we give to those who are in need.”
At the same time, corps officers Maj. Daniel Henderson and Capt. Anya Henderson told the Christmas story to hundreds of people in the families who were blessed.
Lt. Griffiths noted the Salvation Army uses a screening process to determine those who will benefit from the gift distribution. Those who know they will need help during the holiday season apply in October and November, and as many as the Salvation Army can accommodate are selected in late November. In 2015 nearly all of those who asked for assistance received it.
The Salvation Army is still accepting gifts for specific children at the Giving Tree at the Inland Center Mall in San Bernardino. Food donations are also needed for more food baskets and for the Salvation Army’s annual Christmas dinner on Christmas Day.
The Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps has distributed holiday gifts to those in need for longer than almost anyone can remember, starting before it moved to its former location on Fifth Street in 1950. It has been helping people in San Bernardino since first opening the San Bernardino Corps 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 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. Our local number is (909) 888-1336.
(SAN BERNARDINO, CA) It might seem like a very small gesture, but participating in The Salvation Army’s Giving Tree will make this season memorable for children in need.
“Just pick up a Angel Giving Tree tag and buy a needy child the gift listed on the tag! The Angel Giving Tree matches donors with hundreds of children who are relying on The Salvation Army this year to bring them a Merry Christmas,” said Major Daniel Henderson, Corps officer for the San Bernardino Salvation Army.
The San Bernardino Corps already has plans to set up two Angel Giving Trees this year, one at Inland Center Mall, and the other at the Wal-Mart store on Hallmark Parkway. Donations received here help The San Bernardino Salvation Army Corps provide toys to children from 600 disadvantaged families in San Bernardino, Rialto, Highland, Grand Terrace, Colton, Fontana and Bloomington.
“You can support our Giving Tree by visiting our table in the Inland Center Mall from Friday, November 27th to December 24th,” said Major Henderson.
Shoppers wishing to participate in the Giving Tree will find cards attached to the Giving Tree. These cards include the names and wish lists of needy children whose families cannot afford to buy gifts. Shoppers simply pluck a tag off the Giving Tree and head for the appropriate store to purchase their gift donations. Shoppers keep the card as an ornament to hang on their own Christmas tree, reminding them of their good deed.
“This is a great way to start a tradition with your own family, by selecting a gift for a needy child together. The gifts are based on their individual wishes and for some children, it may be the only gift they receive all year,” said Major Henderson.
“Soccer balls, dolls and clothes are just a few items on each child’s wish list,” said Major Henderson. “Shoppers who participate in the program are encouraged to shop for more than what is needed on the list. I can’t think of a better way for local people including business owners and managers to help the community and spread the spirit of Christmas.”
The Salvation Army is looking for other business owners and managers who would like to have a tree at their place of business for employees and/or customers.
To host a Giving Tree in San Bernardino, Colton, Grand Terrace, Rialto, Bloomington, Muscoy or Highland, call (909) 888-1336.
The Salvation Army Corps in other areas of the Inland Empire also collect toys. Some will have trees, while others will accept donations at their Corps headquarters.
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. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. Our local number is (909) 888-1336.
