Salvation Army donations help thousands annually

Did you know?

The Salvation Army, established in England in 1865 by William Booth, has been serving Cape Girardeau-area people in need since 1898.

For most people, the mention of the Salvation Army brings to mind red kettles and bell ringers, welcoming your donations to help those in need.

But have you ever wondered who benefits from that spare change and bills that you drop in the kettle?

Here is a partial list of how the Salvation Army distributed assistance in 2009:

* Free groceries were distributed to 4,252 area families due to food and canned goods donated to the food pantry.

* More than 11,000 free meals were provided through the Meals With Friends program. The Salvation Army serves free meals daily during the last full week of each month from January through October. Serving time is from 4:30 to 6:00 each evening.

* Due to donations from Schnucks Market, packages of bread, rolls and other bakery items were distributed to 12,585 families.

* Donations to the Salvation Army paid for 1,955 nights of free lodging to the homeless within the community and those stranded without shelter due to fires and other disasters.

* Rental assistance was provided to 111 of the neediest households in the community in an effort to prevent homelessness.

* Assistance with utility bills to prevent shut-off was provided to 107 families.

"Our community is filled with highly compassionate and generous people who give of their time and money," said Maj. Beth Stillwell of the local Salvation Army.

Fundraising efforts such as the kettle drive and the annual Tree of Lights campaigns raised $311,689.54 in 2009, which will be used to provide more services to the needy during 2010.

"We would like to thank all of our donors and volunteers for their contributions to our 2009 Tree of Lights campaign," Stillwell said.

While monetary donations are important, the Salvation Army also needs volunteers to accomplish its mission.

"There are numerous opportunities to volunteer," said Stillwell, mentioning specifically the distribution of Christmas baskets and holiday meals, serving the Meals With Friends the last week of the month, bell ringing each year from late November to Christmas Eve and the canned food drives. "Volunteering is a fun, heartwarming way to touch the lives of the thousands of people we serve annually within our community."

The importance of helping others is summed up well by an anonymous quote that is at the core of the Salvation Army's mission: "You cannot do all the good the world needs, but the world needs all the good you can do."

Those who would like information about volunteering with Salvation Army programs can call 573-335-7000.

While known mainly for its charitable work, the Salvation Army is also a church with regular services. The Cape Girardeau church and offices are at 701 Good Hope St. The public is invited to attend the church services on Sundays. Sunday school is at 9:45 a.m., church service at 11 a.m., and youth activities in the afternoon.