Photo 2 IMG_1652 Earl Perkins: Mr. Earl Perkins stands with his kettle by the entry doors at the Food 4 Less market on Victoria Ave. and Highland Ave. in San Bernardino. Earl is a Salvation Army Solider, and is in full uniform when he works. Earl has been with the Kansas City Salvation Army for over six years. Earl moved to San Bernardino four months ago, and is now a member of the San Bernardino Corps. Photo By Ricardo Tomboc
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The “miracle” of Christmas is repeated through the joy of caring and sharing. The San Bernardino Salvation Army (www.salvationarmyusa.org) seek volunteers to Keep The Bells Ringing 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.
Photo 3 IMG_1590 Haskel and Claudia: Claudia Torres from San Bernardino and daughter Barbara, came by Macy’s to pick up some items, and decided to stop by the kettle to make a donation on her way out. Although Claudia had no idea what The Salvation Army uses the money for, she gave anyway. Claudia was informed all about the various ministries and how The Salvation Army helps feed the poor and homeless, and has a Transitional Living Center and Homeless shelter.
“This is a wonderful way to help disadvantaged people in our community, simply by volunteering as bell ringers,” said Major Daniel Henderson, 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 our area.”
The Salvation Army began ringing its bells this year on Friday, Nov. 18 and continues from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday until Christmas Eve.
Many volunteers ring two hours at a time, but groups are asked to provide ringers who can work in shifts for an entire day. Anyone who would like to donate a few hours of his or her time can volunteer. Individuals under the age of 16 must be accompanied a parent or guardian.
Salvation Army Boardmember Carl M. Dameron Keeps the Bells Ringing with his family. Left to right: Malaika, Carl and Shaila. Photo by Ricard Tomboc
“The more people who volunteer, the fewer people the agency must hire,” said Major Henderson. “Each volunteer who Keeps the Bells Ringing saves us $10 an hour. That means more money raised in direct support of our services goes to families in need.”
Where does the money raised by the ringing bells in San Bernardino go? The Salvation Army provides 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 disasters such as fires and earthquakes.
For Christmas, the Salvation Army creates holiday food baskets for about 500 local families. On Christmas Eve, The Salvation Army of San Bernardino hosts a Christmas Dinner that historically provides a delicious meal to approximatly 300 people. Donations raised by volunteers who Keep The Bells Ringing help make this possible.
The Corp has other need for your finial and food donations. “The San Bernardino Corps needs food every day for those at its Hospitality House and Transitional Living Center,” said Integrated Mission Coordinator Lieutenant Cathie McCulley. Up to 100 family members stay in its transitional and emergency family shelters.
Photo 1 IMG_144 Shey Walmart: Mr. Shey Holden takes his post at the front of the Walmart on Mt. Vernon Ave. in Colton. Shey is a volunteer with The Salvation Army, and is planning on giving at least 30 hours this season. Photo By Ricardo Tomboc
Up to 300 people who receive a free dinner served Sunday through Friday at 4:45 p.m. at The Transitional Living Center, 925 West 10th Street in San Bernardino. Your donations are needed to keep this program going.
To volunteer to Keep The Bells Ringing, call The Salvation Army at (909) 888-1336.
To donate to The Salvation Army online, go to: www.salvationarmyusa.org. To donate by phone call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (800-725-2769).
Donors may drop off turkeys, other food, cash or gift cards at the Salvation Army’s Corps Office at 2626 Pacific St., in San Bernardino, CA 92346, phone (909) 888-1336.
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 is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, and offers holistic programs for individuals of all. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has served San Bernardino and the Inland Empire 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 service number is (909) 888-1336.
Photo 4 IMG_1538 Haskel at Macys: Mr. Haskel Herndon is ringing his Christmas bell at the Macy’s department store at the Inland Center Mall. Haskel greets every customer he comes in contact with. Haskel opens the door for the ladies and for those with handfuls of packages! Haskel has been a Soldier with the Salvation Army for 3 months now. Photo By Ricardo Tomboc
Volunteers serve Thanksgiving Dinner at The Salvation Army: Serving on the food line (left to right) is Nancy Veaegas, Niyahn Summey, Walt Summey, and Robert Sanchez. We are ready for Christmas Dinners. Photo by Ricardo Tomboc.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – Salvation Army chapters throughout the Inland Empire will serve Thanksgiving Day meals, to all that attend including those who are without fa ily or unable to provide a full-course turkey dinner for themselves.
The San Bernardino Corps has served Thanksgiving dinner for 138 years.
“We are pleased to prove God’s spirit of giving and provide a Thanksgiving Day dinner to those in need,” said Major Henderson, corps officer at the San Bernardino Corps. “We also welcome those who are familiar with the many other services we offer throughout the year.”
The San Bernardino Corps is the dinner at the Corps new headquarters at 2626 Pacific Avenue, San Bernardino, where it moved in August of 2015.
At many locations, including the San Bernardino Corps, these meals take place from 11 a.m.to 1 p.m., or until food runs out. Some locations will offer meals earlier and/or later in the day.
The Salvation Army relies mostly on donations, so food will vary somewhat at locations, but will include turkey or chicken, pies, stuffing or rice, cranberry sauce, pies, cakes, greens, and other side dishes.
“We always have plenty of donations for Thanksgiving, but if you’d like to bring some non-perishable food it is always welcomed,” said Major Henderson.
“In addition to our Thanksgiving Day meal, we serve dinners to about 75 homeless women and children every day, and to some 25 men who are currently taking advantage of our cold-weather shelter in the evenings,” said Lt. Cathie McCully
The Cook Richie shows of his work sliced Turkey Brest ready to be served. Photo by Ricardo Tomboc
Six nights a week, we serve meals close to 200 hungry people, some who are homeless and some who have a place to live, but need help with food to pay for everything else.
“The Salvation Army, San Bernardino will be giving toys for hundreds of children and 600 families holiday food baskets a few days before Christmas,” said Lt. McCully
Other corps of The Salvation Army also plan Thanksgiving meals. Call one of the phone numbers listed below learn the time and location of meals in your area.
San Bernardino, 2626 Pacific Avenue, (909) 888-1336. Thursday, November 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Riverside, 3695 First Street, (951) 784-3571. Wednesday, November 23 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Redlands, 838 Alta St., (909) 792-6868. Thursday, November 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Moreno Valley, 14075 Frederick St., (951) 653-9131. Thursday, November 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ontario, 1412 S. Euclid Ave., (909) 986-6748. Thursday, November 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Victorville, 14585 La Paz Drive, (760) 245-2545. The Victorville Corps has traditionally served two Thanksgiving dinners, one at its headquarters and another in Apple Valley at the James A. Woody Community Center on 13467 Navajo Road. Both meals are served Thursday, November 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hemet, 340 S. Palm Ave., (951) 791-9495. Thursday, November 24th 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
If you wish to be a volunteer to help the Salvation Army this Thanksgiving and Christmas season, please call The Salvation Army nearest you or call (909) 888-1336.
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.
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All photos by Ricardo Tomboc, Salvation Army board member
Volunteers help serve 52,504 free, hot, nutritious meals were served to the hungry from The Salvation Army in San Bernardino. Now the corps needs help to fund services.
San Bernardino, Calif. – The Inland Empire branch of the Salvation Army today issued an urgent appeal to the community for resources to provide support to area families in need. The San Bernardino Citadel Corps, which serves Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto and San Bernardino, is reporting a financial deficit of $45,000 (now $90,000), citing a shift in contributions following the December 2 terrorist attack.
The public is encouraged to donate money, food, and goods and services to help replenish Salvation Army coffers, and to consider including the Salvation Army in their charitable giving and estate plans. Contributions can be made online at www.SalvationArmyUSA.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
“The Salvation Army is proud to have been a part of the community outpouring of support to the victims and families affected by the December 2 tragedy,” said Anne Metu, program director for the organization’s Transitional Living Center. “Now, we are asking the community to help us rebuild our resources so that we can continue providing assistance to families with urgent needs for food, shelter and child care.”
Metu cited an example of a family—a mother and her six children, ages 3 to 13—who relied on the Salvation Army Emergency Shelter and Transitional Living Program when evicted from their home: “Mona” and the children’s father had separated and she did not have sufficient income to house, feed and clothe the family.
After a short stay in the shelter, she found employment and was accepted into transitional housing, but soon lost her job when she could not find childcare during the children’s Spring Break from school. With support from the staff and residents at the Transitional Living Program, Mona was able to return to work and was soon reunited with the children’s father.
Mona and her husband now live in affordable housing as a family unit and the children continue to participate in Salvation Army youth programs, mentoring other children who are faced with similar life circumstances.
Since 1887, the San Bernardino Corps has helped residents of the San Bernardino area overcome life’s challenges. Its current service area is San Bernardino, Highland, Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace and Rialto.
Donations may always be made online at www.SalvationArmyUSA.org, or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY.
For help or for more information call Ms. Anne Metu, Program Director at the Transitional Living Center, (909) 888-4880 or anne.metu@usw.salvationarmy.org or visit the Website at: www.salvationarmyusa.org About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
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, and most effective, 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 Salvation Army Corps of San Bernardino recently welcomed new corps officers, Major Daniel and Captain Anya Henderson.
(San Bernardino, CA) The Salvation Army Corps of San Bernardino recently welcomed new corps officers, Major Daniel and Captain Anya Henderson. The couple previously served the Salvation Army in Estonia, a nation that once was part of the Soviet Union.
“We believe that the best days of the communities that we serve are just ahead of us, and that working together, we will usher in the bright future that we have longed to see! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to stand together for the good of our community. I will be looking forward to meeting you,” said Major Dan Henderson.
Anya was born in St. Petersburg, Russia. At that time, her city was known as Leningrad, and country was known as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).
In the early 1990s the Soviet Union dissolved. Leningrad, which had been named for the first Soviet leader, Vladimir Lenin, took its original name of St. Petersburg and most of the Soviet nation, the Russian Socialist Republic, reverted to its original name, Russia. There are also more than a dozen smaller nations that gained their freedom from what was the Soviet Union. The Hendersons have served with The Salvation Army in several of these former Soviet Republics.
The Soviet Union had banned most churches from the country, but the Russian government was more receptive. In 1992, it allowed the Salvation Army to return to the Russian Federation.
Anya Henderson was one of the first soldiers to serve in the new Russian Salvation Army. She served as a youth worker, administrative aid, corps program assistant and translator (Russian to English).
Anya graduated from the St. Petersburg University Herzen State College of Education with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (English Language Emphasis) in 1999. By then she had met and become engaged to Daniel Henderson.
Daniel Henderson is a southern Californian. He graduated in 1989 from Madison High School in San Diego, as a National Merit Scholar, and earned Regent’s Scholarship to the University of California, San Diego. In 1993, Daniel graduated from the University with a bachelor’s of science in biochemistry and cell biology.
From 1993-1994, Daniel Henderson served in the former Soviet republic of Georgia as the Salvation Army’s humanitarian aid coordinator for Western Georgia. During that time, he oversaw the distribution of over 4,000 metric tons of USDA food aid to over 100,000 people, during the instability at the end of the Georgian civil war.
Daniel then returned to southern California, and in 1996 completed the two-year Salvation Army Officer’s Training at the College For Officers Training in Rancho Palos Verdes. Upon graduation and commissioning as an Officer, Daniel was appointed to lead the Petrodvorets Corps in the outskirts of St. Petersburg. He served in that Corps on missionary service for one year, then returned to the USA to take up appointment at the Cathedral City Corps. He then served for one year at the Santee Corps, before being moved to the College For Officer Training as a Training Officer.
In 2001 Anya completed the course of Salvation Army Officer’s Training at the College For Officers Training in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. While she completed her two-year training, she and Daniel were married in March of 2000.
The couple then served together in Cheyenne, Wyoming from 2001-2002 and Narva, Estonia from 2002-2009.
Captain Anya served as the Corps Officer of the Tallinn Kopli Corps from 2009 until coming to San Bernardino. During their time in Tallin, which is the capital of Estonia, Major Daniel served as the Regional Commander for all Salvation Army units in Estonia.
Anya is an accomplished writer and speaker in both Russian and English, and routinely translates speech and written material into both languages. Daniel has spoken and given lectures in Scotland, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Russia, and the United States.
The couple has six 6 children, ranging in age from 16 years to 16 months.
For more information on the Salvation Army or services they provide please call (909) 888-1336.
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.
