Be a Christmas Miracle!

I love working for The Salvation Army!  No one day is ever the same and knowing that on a daily basis we as a team with our volunteers are helping many individuals and families throughout New Jersey with their basic needs.  October is here already and the Christmas countdown is on...only 76 days to Christmas!

Christmas is by far the most busy time for our officers, employees and volunteers at The Salvation Army.  Unfortunately for some, the holiday season can mean unmanageable expenses, disappointed children and empty stomachs.  Every November and December, people across the United States see The Salvation Army wearing its most public face, reminding everyone that we answer the needs of families who need food, shelter, and clothing, and not only at this most special season but throughout the year.  Thousands of families are in need in the New Jersey area and come to The Salvation Army so they can make Christmas a memorable season for their children.

There are many ways in which you can partner with us this year to help spread holiday cheer and help those less fortunate:

§  Sponsor a toy drive – The Christmas season can be especially difficult for the needy who often cannot afford to celebrate Christmas by giving their children presents.  In an effort to provide these families with holiday cheer The Salvation Army implemented its Angel Tree program to provide Christmas presents to children who would otherwise go without.  You can help by organizing a toy drive to benefit The Salvation Army Angel Tree program.  We also have opportunities available for you to Adopt A Family in your local area.

§  Sponsor a food drive – You can make a real impact on hunger in New Jersey by organizing a canned food drive to benefit Salvation Army pantries.  There are many ways you can structure a drive.  You can opt for the tried and true techniques, like holding competitions at work or have everyone fill a paper bag approach.  Or choose less conventional routes like creating a theme, or throwing a party and asking employees or friends to bring a food item to gain admission.

§  Be a bell ringer – Volunteer to staff a Salvation Army Red Kettle at one of our many locations.  Our kettle stands are staffed Monday through Saturday from early November to Christmas Eve.  Individuals and groups are needed for at least a 3 hour shift.  Organize a group at your church, school, college, company, service club etc and commit to staffing the kettle for a whole day.

Helping The Salvation Army is an ideal way to give back to your community.  It also encourages fellowship, unity, awareness and philanthropy.   Why not give some of your time this Christmas season to help a local family in need?

For more information on how you can get more involved and help us help others this Christmas season please visit www.salvationarmynj.org/christmas.

Written by Judith Anderson

Volunteer Resources Manager

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Volunteering Fore The Salvation Army

On Tuesday September 24, The Salvation Army’s State Advisory Board will be hosting their third annual Golf Outing at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township, NJ.  Proceeds from this event will be used to help The Salvation Army in the completion of The Kroc Center, a transformative community project that will help revitalize the city of Camden.

This event is sure to be a fun-filled day for both golfers and volunteers.  Are you not a golfer but want to help make a difference in Camden?  Consider volunteering at the event!  Volunteers are needed to help with registration, throughout the course, setting up for lunch and the evening reception.  Why not sign up to support an event that we know will change lives in Camden once completed?  For more information about The Salvation Army’s Kroc Center in Camden, visit http://www.camdenkroccenter.org 

Interested in volunteering at this event or want to learn more about our volunteer opportunities throughout New Jersey?  E-mail NJVolunteers@use.salvationarmy.org

Written by Judith Anderson

Volunteer Resources Manager

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How YOU Can Change a Life

For over 130 years, The Salvation Army in New Jersey has been fighting the battle to meet the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of many local residents. Our 28 Corps Community Centers, 137 Service Units, Adult Rehabilitation Centers, Shelters and Residential Camp all provide a wide array of programs and services to New Jersey residents. Our work throughout these years would not have been possible without the kindness and generosity of thousands of volunteers who have partnered with us to help with our mission - "to meet human needs His name without discrimination."

Nicky Gumbel, vicar at HTB Church in England recently said, "As people tap into their own generous human spirit and share kindness with one another, they discover for themselves the power of kindness to effect positive change, both in their lives and in the lives of people around them. When kindness is expressed, healthy relationships are created, community connections are nourished, and people are inspired to pass it on."
 

Consider volunteering for The Salvation Army New Jersey Division! Join us in our mission to serve those in need, and help us to nourish our local communities by showing kindness to those in need. Visit our website at www.salvationarmynj.org/volunteer to view our range of volunteer opportunities and apply online. You never know - your one act of kindness could change a person's day or even transform their life!

Written by Judith Anderson
Volunteer Resources Manager

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Helping Hands Making a Difference

One day, a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a figure in the distance. As he got closer, he realized the figure was that of a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, "What are you doing?"

The youth replied, "Throwing the starfish into the ocean. Soon, the sun will be up and the tide is going out. If I do not throw them back, they will die."

"Son," the man said, "Don't you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You cannot possibly make a difference!"

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the surf.

Then, smiling at the man, he said, "I made a difference for that one!"

A simple act of kindness can make a difference. Whoever you are. Wherever you are. You can make a difference. 

It's National Volunteer Week, and throughout the United States, numerous non-profits are using this special week to thank their volunteers. At The Salvation Army in New Jersey, we not only thank our volunteers during National Volunteer Week but also throughout the year as we recognize the vital role that they play to help support the programs and services that we provide throughout the state. The kindness, dedication and commitment of our volunteers to serve needy individuals and families throughout New Jersey is very much appreciated by The Salvation Army as well as the people that are served.

Everyone is welcome to volunteer with us! We have a wide range of volunteer opportunities available to suit all ages and skills. All we require is a desire to make a difference and a heart to serve those in need.  If you are interested in volunteering with us, please visit www.salvationarmynj.org/volunteer to view our volunteer opportunities and apply online.

Written by Judith Anderson

Volunteer Resources Manager

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A Volunteer Army

Malachi 3:18 And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.

The Salvation Army, founded in 1865, maintains a strong presence in New Jersey as we constantly strive to meet the wide and varied needs of our residents.  Every year, hundreds of volunteers who are dedicated to make a difference in their local communities partner with The Salvation Army New Jersey Division at our 28 Corps Community Centers, 137 Service Units, residential and day camps, Emergency Disaster Services Program etc.  Our volunteers are often fondly referred to as "the army behind The Army," recognizing the crucial role that our volunteers play in The Salvation Army’s ability to provide quality social services changing lives in every community throughout the State.

Ranging from volunteering at our food pantries or soup kitchens; administrative help; tutoring; mentoring; disaster response; bell-ringing, distributing toys, organizing food drives The Salvation Army has a wide range of volunteer opportunities to suit everyone’s age, interest, availability and skill.

I am thankful for the generosity and dedication of so many New Jersey residents as well as volunteers from throughout the US, who have recognized the great work that we do and have rallied behind us to partner for our Sandy relief efforts.  Over 100 days have passed and the need still exists! The Salvation Army is often the first to arrive and the last agency to leave, ensuring we have done all we can to meet survivors' needs.  Extra volunteers are needed almost daily to help with our Sandy relief effort.

Extra volunteers are also needed for our year-round and seasonal programs.  Those interested should visit www.salvationarmynj.org/volunteer to view our current volunteer opportunities and complete our online application form or email NJVolunteers@use.salvationarmy.org

Written by Judith Anderson
Volunteer Resources Manager

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