National Volunteer Week - Pt 2 - Tuesday, April 14th
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 - Portland, Oregon
When told he was inspirational, Charlie Wilson would reply that the most inspirational people were those he helped daily. Wilson, known as “Grandpa Charlie,” died in November 2014 at age 99 after decades of service to The Salvation Army West Women’s and Children’s Shelter in Portland, Ore. After celebrating his 99th birthday at the shelter with his family present, he continued to visit the shelter as often as his health permitted.
When Wilson retired from engineering in 1972, his wife asked him to take food donations to their church’s Loaves and Fishes program. After that, the couple collected food and clothing for local charities, and several times a week Wilson carried 60 pounds or more of donations to shelters half a mile away. When the donations became too heavy, his daughter transported them in her van. Wilson is credited with an estimated 15,000-20,000 pounds of donations annually.
Of the many agencies where he volunteered, the West Women’s and Children’s Shelter was close to Wilson’s heart. Every Monday and Friday, he walked from his apartment to the shelter and worked a full day performing general maintenance, fixing vacuum cleaners and other appliances, and most importantly being “grandpa” to the residents.
“Charlie demonstrated love and respect, and he treated everyone with the dignity they deserved,” said Teresa Steinmetz, director of communications and marketing for The Salvation Army Portland Metro. “When someone struggled, he would encourage them, and at night he would light a candle for them. Everyone who met him was blessed to have known him.”
Wilson credited all his work to Luisa, the love of his life, who inspired this legacy of love.
Meet Ruby - Sacramento, California
By Sydney Fong
Ruby Taylor started volunteering with The Salvation Army’s Sacramento County operations nearly four years ago, after finding out that her mother was volunteering.
Then a recent retiree, Taylor began spending Tuesdays packing food boxes with the Army.
“I started doing it and I love it,” she said. “But I wanted to get more involved with the clients, and Ava [the Army’s volunteer coordinator] mentioned to me about their Christmas program.”
Taylor has since been a mainstay with the Christmas operation, from interviewing families to the distribution events.
“You go to work for 36 years, and sometimes you don’t realize people need help in your community,” she said. “So working with The Salvation Army helped me see what’s out there. It was really an eye-opener, and I didn’t realize all the resources that were available.”
Ruby continues to make herself available for service.
“The time I’ve spent isn’t a problem,” Taylor said. “I want to make a difference, and I feel that way when I work with the Army.”
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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