National Volunteer Week - Pt 1 - Monday, April 13th
Editor's Notes: The photos accompanying this story are intended to represent some of the many people who have volunteered their time to help The Salvation Army in its mission of Doing Good for others. These photos are not the actual people named within the story.
Meet Ed - Renton, Washington
Three years ago, Ed was unemployed, working day-to-day through a temporary assignment agency. The agency connected him with The Salvation Army in Renton, Wash, and he got a job ringing the bell during the Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign.
“Ringing the bell was so fulfilling,” said Ed, who prefered not to give his last name. “I decided I would do it for free someday.”
The next year, Ed secured full-time employment and made good on his promise—he’s been a volunteer bell-ringer for the past two Christmas seasons.
“We can depend on him during a very busy time of year, and that is worth so much to us,” said Major Kris Potter, Renton corps officer. “Ed does much more than ring the bell; he saves us time and money.” Ed volunteered every Saturday at a local shopping center during the season, standing with the kettle from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Plus, he drove a few other bell-ringers to their locations before their shifts, and picked them up afterward.
Ed’s kettles are among the top earning every season.
“I bring a big smile, a positive attitude, and wish everyone a Merry Christmas,” he said. A red coat, fur-trimmed hat, and uncanny resemblance to Santa Claus probably help attract attention, too.
Ed’s generosity extends beyond The Salvation Army. In addition to his full-time work, he is a house leader with Journey Ministries, a faith-based transition program for people moving from incarceration to independent living. As house leader, he supports up to 12 men with life skills training, resume building, job skills, Bible study, and general strategies for transitioning back into the community.
“Most of my life, I wasn’t like this,” Ed said. “I spent most of my time looking out for me. But now, I am more fulfilled by doing things for others.
“Christ came here to serve others; now I live for him.”
Meet Amie - Anchorage, Alaska
Amie Haakenson of Anchorage, Alaska, volunteers countless hours at The Salvation Army McKinnell House, a shelter for families experiencing homelessness.
“Her efforts help give kids and parents hope, providing them a special time to have fun and celebrate,” said Dani Maldonado, volunteer coordinator for The Salvation Army in Alaska. The celebration is monthly as Haakenson and daughters Rebekah and Victoriah team up with others to host monthly birthday parties for families staying at McKinnell House, and the parties are for everyone.
In addition, Haakenson volunteers as a bell-ringer during the annual Red Kettle Campaign, and serves on the Anchorage Advisory Board's Volunteer Engagement Committee. One time she and daughter Rebekah spent six hours delivering food donated by Texas Roadhouse to locations around Anchorage, including Clitheroe Center, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility.
The men were overwhelmed—many of them cried—when they realized they’d be eating steaks. “No one ever thinks about us,” Haakenson recalled them saying.
“This is why we do what we do,” Rebekah said. “We’re giving these people—who are trying to rebuild their lives—hope.”
Haakenson added, “Volunteering is a great way to give back. It’s fun to be able to reach out, and The Salvation Army reaches everyone from children to seniors.”
The Salvation Army Alaska appreciates Haakenson’s commitment.
“Amie is amazing, one of the most generous and giving people I know,” said Jenni Ragland, Alaska divisional service extension and emergency disaster services director. “[Her] endless enthusiasm, encouragement and vision for making a difference are truly inspiring.”
Be A Volunteer
Kindness. Compassion. Time. Every day, The Salvation Army relies on the work of volunteers to help accomplish its mission of "Doing the Most Good". Whether it's standing in a soupline serving meals, spending time with a shut-in or senior, or something as simple as vacuuming carpets nad emptying the trash, volunteers the mission possible. If you - or someone you know is looking for volunteer opportunities, why not check out our volunteer database. New opportunities are being added almost daily. Click HERE to search by city, state or zip code. You'll be glad you did!
Help The Salvation Army Care For Others All Around The World
The continued work of The Salvation Army around the world also relies on the generosity of donors. If you would like to help us provide programs such as food banks and nutrition programs, emergency and homeless shelters, as well as other vital services, please consider making an online donation today. Your donation will stay within your community to fund much-needed community programs for those in need. Every donation you make helps The Salvation Army continue "Doing The Most Good" today and in the future.
Click HERE to make a donation. Thank you!
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