We all see those people dressed in Santa suits ringing bells next to little red kettles around town (any town) this time of year. They are gathering donations for the Salvation Army and the good works they do.
This charity has roots that started the early 1850s in London, England when William Booth took to the streets to share the gospel with the people without homes, food or money. He converted typically unsavory individuals to Christianity; they in turn went to the streets to others. By “1874, the number had grown to 1,000 volunteers and 42 evangelists, all serving under the name “The Christian Mission.”” The group later became known as the “Hallelujah Army” and Booth’s followers referred to him as the “General”.
“Booth was reading a printer’s proof of the 1878 annual report when he noticed the statement “The Christian Mission is a volunteer army.” Crossing out the words “volunteer army,” he penned in “Salvation Army.” From those words came the basis of the foundation deed of The Salvation Army.”
In 1879 the Salvationists were received enthusiastically in Philadelphia. Since then, “the Salvation Army is active in virtually every corner of the world.”
“The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.”
This organization has many programs that help numerous individuals. They facilitate adults with rehabilitation, veteran affairs, prison ministries, elderly services, missing persons and they work to combat human trafficking. They aid children through hunger relief, housing, Christmas assistance, youth camps and recreation programs. In addition to all of these efforts, they also have a disaster relief initiative.
There are a myriad of ways you can support this organization with financial, time and goods donations.
For information about making a financial contribution click here.
For information about donating a car, clothes, furniture, etc. click here.
For more information on ways to get involved click here.
(Information taken from: www.salvationarmyusa.org)