Tag Archive for: #salvationarmyofhenderson

TownTalk: The Salvation Army Is More Than Just Kettles And Bells

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Whether you’re gearing up for the traditional Black Friday sales crush or someone who chooses to wait until December to think about shopping for holiday gifts, one thing’s for certain: When you hear that bell ringing and see that familiar red kettle, you know the Christmas season is near.

For more than a century, the Salvation Army has been a fixture in communities all over the country, and its volunteers ring bells and stand watch over those red kettles that are waiting to be filled with coins and folding money outside retail stores in the community.

The local Red Kettle Campaign kicked off last week, and Capt. Josh Keaton of the local Salvation Army said folks will see the iconic kettle outside the local Walmart beginning this Saturday.

Of course, there will be kettles in other locations across Henderson, including the Rose’s store and Food Lion stores.

And each kettle needs volunteers – 15 to 20 volunteers for each kettle during the week, he said on Wednesday’s TownTalk. This year’s local goal is $75,000, Keaton said. There are about 25 kettle locations, and all donations stay right here in the area served by the Salvation Army.

Visit RegisterToRing.com to sign up to volunteer or call the Salvation Army at 252. 438.7107.

“Spots are filling up this year,” Keaton said, but “the more volunteers we have, the better off we are.”

Keaton said it’s important for young people to see others giving back to the community, and he said “the older generation is our driving force” when it comes to volunteers. Be it a civic group or church group, the older volunteers serve as a reminder to the youth to give back to the community, Keaton said.

“We can’t do what we do without our volunteers,” Keaton said – not just during the holidays when folks may feel more inclined to be generous, but throughout the year.

“I’m grateful to be a part of this community,” he said, adding that there is a great need, but also a great level of generosity which support the efforts of the Salvation Army.

Customers at area Walmarts can choose an Angel from the Salvation Army’s Angel Trees and shop right in the store for gifts for children and senior adults, Keaton said.

The Angel Tree campaign runs from Nov. 9 to Dec. 9. Keaton said he expected that more than 200 children will experience the joy of opening a gift on Christmas morning because of the Angel Tree project.

When you pass a kettle on your way into a store this holiday season and find yourself with no cash, don’t worry. The Salvation Army has got you covered. There’s a QR code that you can scan with your phone and make a quick payment through any of several online payment options.

“It seems to be working well,” Keaton said, adding that online payment options may add a convenience factor to holiday giving.

“We can’t continue to put our eggs in one basket,” he said.

Or, in this case, kettle.

 

 

Local Salvation Army Leaders Relocating To Texas

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Moving to a new appointment is a way of life for Salvation Army officers. As dedicated pastors and leaders, Salvation Army officers serve wherever their skills are needed. The average appointment for a Salvation Army officer is between 3 years and 5 years, so when Capt. Derrick Smith and his wife, Capt. Odessa Smith, received a call from Salvation Army leadership saying they were being moved, they were not surprised. But they were surprised to learn that they were selected to serve as Divisional Youth Secretaries for the state of Texas.

“Leading youth to Christ has always been at the heart of our ministry,” said Capt. Odessa Smith. “We are thrilled for this opportunity to serve Him in Texas!”

The Smiths have served in the Henderson community for three years. Their last day of service to the Salvation Army of Henderson is Sunday, May 29, 2022.

“We know that God has solid plans for The Salvation Army in Henderson and are grateful that we were appointed here,” said Capt. Derrick Smith. “While we look forward to what God has in store for us in Texas, we will deeply miss our friends and partners in Henderson. We have been blessed to work among people truly dedicated to serving others.”

The Salvation Army will receive its new officers, Captains Joshua and Amanda Keaton, in late June, hailing from their most recent appointment in Concord, North Carolina.

Salvation Army Kettle Bell

Town Talk 11/30/20: Salvation Army’s Angel Tree, Christmas Bell Ringers Underway

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Captains Derrick and Odessa Smith, husband and wife team with The Salvation Army of Henderson, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m. to discuss the ministry’s holiday events.

Angel Tree & Forgotten Angels

The Salvation Army of Henderson encourages the community to help a child in need this Christmas season by taking a name, either physically or virtually, from the “Angel Tree.” This annual program brightens the holidays by providing new clothing and toys to local children.

According to Odessa, 300 children from the surrounding area will participate in the program this year.

As part of its “Forgotten Angels Drive,” The Salvation Army also encourages the community to consider supporting children ages 10 to 12 who are often left on the tree in favor of younger kids.

How it Works:

  • Virtually – click here or visit The Salvation Army of Henderson’s Facebook page for information on adopting an angel online.
  • In-person – choose a tag off the Angel Trees located at participating Walmart stores (coming soon) or at The Salvation Army of Henderson. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing when coming in-person.
  • Provide age-appropriate, new toys and clothes for the child(ren).
  • Place the angel tag number and name of the child on all bag(s) of donated items.
  • Deliver unwrapped gifts to The Salvation Army at 2292 Ross Mill Road in Henderson, NC Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. by December 11, 2020.
  • You may also go to www.walmart.com/registry/registryforgood and enter your location as 27536 to select “Angel Tree of Henderson” (or click here). Items may be purchased online and shipped directly to The Salvation Army of Henderson.

Contact Captain Odessa Smith at (252) 432-7766 or email odessa.smith@uss.salvationarmy.org with any questions.

Kettle Bell Ringers

The Salvation Army is currently accepting volunteer bell ringers that can serve now through December 24, 2020, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Youth are welcome; adult supervision may be required based on age. Individual ringers will be placed at locations for two to four-hour shifts. When volunteers are not available, The Salvation Army must hire ringers, which reduces the funds available for services.

There are over 20 bell-ringing locations across Vance, Granville, Franklin, Northampton, Halifax and Warren counties. Groups willing to cover a location for an entire day can choose any approved location.

In addition to the traditional method of placing change in the red kettle, donors may also place money in the “virtual kettle” by using their Smartphone to access Google Pay or Apple Pay at the stand. The Salvation Army’s Facebook page also has a scan code that can be used with a Smartphone to donate money to the virtual kettle.

All Red Kettle Campaign proceeds support The Salvation Army of Henderson’s Christmas and year-round programs.

For more information or to volunteer, visit www.registertoring.com or contact Captain Derrick Smith at (252) 432-7474 or via email at derrick.smith@uss.salvationarmy.org.

“The reality is there is a 40 percent increase in need this year, whether from COVID or other circumstances,” explained Derrick. “We are truly blessed and honored to be able to help those that come through our door. We couldn’t do it without volunteers or folks that donate to The Salvation Army.”

To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Salvation Army

Classic Toyota of Henderson Partners With Salvation Army for Day of Service

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, The Salvation Army of Henderson

Classic Toyota of Henderson, part of the Mills Automotive Group, is partnering with The Salvation Army to provide food boxes for families in need during the Mills Automotive Group Day of Service drive-thru food giveaway.

Dealership employees will work alongside The Salvation Army and city officials to load food boxes into cars and provide a gift card for every household. 250 food boxes have been sponsored by Mills Automotive Group for the food giveaway. The Salvation Army is working with community social service providers to identify and invite families in need.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 25, 2020 ~ 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

WHERE: Classic Toyota of Henderson, 205 Toyota Lane Henderson, NC 27537

For more information, please contact The Salvation Army of Henderson at (252) 438-7107 or email derrick.smith@uss.salvationarmy.org.

Salvation Army Kettle Bell

Salvation Army: Youth, Adult & Group Volunteer Christmas Bell Ringers Needed

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

It’s that time of year again! The Salvation Army of Henderson is looking for volunteer bell ringers November 13 – December 24, 2020, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Youth are welcome; adult supervision may be required based on age. Individual ringers will be placed at locations for two to four-hour shifts. When volunteers are not available, The Salvation Army must hire ringers, which reduces the funds available for services.

There are over 20 bell-ringing locations across Vance, Granville, Franklin, Northampton, Halifax and Warren counties. Groups willing to cover a location for an entire day can choose any approved location.

All Red Kettle Campaign proceeds support The Salvation Army of Henderson’s Christmas and year-round programs.

For more information or to volunteer, visit www.registertoring.com or contact Captain Derrick Smith at (252) 432-7474 or via email at derrick.smith@uss.salvationarmy.org.

**ALL COVID-19 GUIDELINES WILL BE FOLLOWED**

Salvation Army Trunk or Treat

Salvation Army to Host Drive-Thru Trunk-or-Treat Event Oct. 30

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Information courtesy The Salvation Army of Henderson

The Salvation Army of Henderson will host a Trunk-or-Treat Drive-Thru event on Friday, October 30, 2020, from 5:30 until 7 p.m.

Kids are encouraged to come in costume, stay in their vehicle and drive through to receive goodies and see all of the decorated “trunks.”

The Salvation Army is located at 2292 Ross Mill Rd in Henderson.

Salvation Army

Salvation Army of Henderson, Partners Announce Opening of New Playground

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release courtesy The Salvation Army

Kids at The Salvation Army of Henderson are celebrating today because they have a great new place to play. For months, representatives from The Salvation Army of Henderson, Belk and KABOOM!, the nonprofit organization focused on ending playspace inequity, have been working together to increase access to playspaces for local kids with the creation of a new, kid designed playground that was installed on July 21, 2020.

The playground will give kids an incredible place to play close to where they live and learn, an opportunity that is often hard to achieve. 

Since COVID-19 began, children have had to adjust to a new normal, which means a lot of time spent in front of a screen doing virtual learning, and less time getting outdoors to play and be active. The children at our Red Shield Club have really enjoyed being able to take a break from the inside and breathe in the fresh air while having fun on the playground. The playground has provided a way for the children to still have “recess” and practice social skills in a safe way.

“I can see that the playground at The Salvation Army Red Shield Club is very important because it has increased my child’s social, brain and language development. The playground provides an opportunity for my children to practice their social skills, to come up with solutions to problems and to learn self-control in working out their conflicts,” says Shadiya Solomon, parent of a child that attends the Red Shield Club.  

In May, kids from the community participated in a virtual Design Day where they creatively thought of ideas to create their dream playground. The new playground, which was designed with inspiration from their drawings, will provide hundreds of kids and their families in Henderson with an incredible playspace that can spark hope and enable kids to reach their full potential. 

KABOOM! knows that playspaces are essential to resilience, health and childhood. The communities that have been hit the hardest by COVID-19 – communities facing challenges already, and communities of color – are the same communities who often lack access to parks and playspaces due to historic disinvestment.

The partners have teamed up to help end playspace inequity, creating a new place for kids to play that reflects the neighborhood’s unique needs and aspirations and gives every kid the opportunity to experience the joys of childhood.  

“We know disasters and crises often exacerbate the inequities that communities are already experiencing, and in many communities, kids won’t have a playground to go back to once the COVID-19 crisis is over,” says James Siegal, CEO of KABOOM!. “We must stop the playspace inequities from becoming even deeper after we get through this pandemic, giving every kid the chance to play and just enjoy being a kid.”

Through its partnership with Belk, KABOOM! is committed to ending playspace inequity for kids, for communities, for good. 

To ensure that playgrounds are able to open safely in every community, KABOOM! has issued important playground guidance that all communities, playground owners/operators and caregivers can follow. The guidance can be viewed or downloaded at kaboom.org/reopen.

Salvation Army

Town Talk 05/21/20: Salvation Army Increases Food Distribution; Summer Camp a Go

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Lt. Derrick Smith and Kim Davis, with the Henderson Salvation Army, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

Food Distribution

To ensure that the nutritional needs of the community are met during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Salvation Army is now distributing emergency food boxes every 30 days instead of the typical every 60-90 days.

Food Bank-provided fresh produce boxes with a variety of fruits and vegetables are also available at the Salvation Army’s new location at 2292 Ross Mill Road in Henderson.

Food boxes are available for pickup Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Fridays from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Picture ID is encouraged but not required for food distribution.

Those in need of transportation can call the Salvation Army at (252) 438-7107 and a ride will be arranged courtesy of KARTS.

Summer Camp 2020

According to Davis, director of the Red Shield Club and Community Center, the Henderson Salvation Army’s summer camp is a go this year for all youth ages 6 to 17.

The Red Shield Boys & Girls Club camp will be held June 15 through August 14, 2020, from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Participants may attend all nine weeks or may pick and choose weeks. Cost is $55 per week, and snacks and lunch are provided each day.

Activities include spiritual programs, daily devotionals, curriculum programs, lessons on healthy habits, music, drama, painting, sports, gaming, computer lab and much more.

To keep campers and workers safe during the pandemic, Davis said the camp will follow strict safety guidelines and will be thoroughly disinfected daily. “Our number one priority is the safety of all – children and staff. We will be following National Health and Safety standards, along with the CDC’s cleaning and disinfecting guidelines, and will be cleaning every day, all day.”

Registration forms are now available at the front desk of the Salvation Army located at 2292 Ross Mill Road. A $25 registration fee applies; however, the fee is waived for any additional siblings.

Davis said several guardians have completed the camp registration in their car and returned the form to the front desk, decreasing their chances of possible virus exposure and saving them an extra trip.

Other News

Registration for the Salvation Army’s 2020-2021 after-school program begins July 1. Forms may be picked up at the front desk. With local schools potentially starting the new school year on different dates, Davis said the organization is prepared to offer both summer camp and after school care for the weeks that coincide.

On the job front, the Salvation Army has several paid positions available, including Education Coordinator, Program Aide – Sports and Fitness, as well as several summer camp positions. Apply online at www.indeed.com.

To hear the interview with Smith and Davis in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.