15 April 2015

     

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 Clarence - Honolulu, Hawaii

Last year, The Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division served more than 2,000 Thanksgiving meals on O’ahu. An Army with such muscle would not be able to carry out the island state’s largest Thanksgiving meal without a humble and hardworking volunteer like Clarence Ing.

Ing has served as a dedicated Salvation Army volunteer for 35 years, overseeing the behind-the-scenes food preparation and service for the annual Thanksgiving meal at Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.

His humble journey with the organization began when he and his wife, Jennie, needed activities to entertain their two sons. As members of the Kauluwela Mission Corps, he enrolled his two sons in the church’s activity groups for children. As he became aware of the mission of The Salvation Army, Ing felt compelled to give back by volunteering during the holidays. He’s done so ever since, without fanfare or recognition.

Ing started serving meals to those who are lonely and hungry at The Salvation Army’s annual Thanksgiving dinner. Eventually, Ing became the food coordinator for the event, ensuring there was enough food for more than 2,000 people every year. He has helped serve and provide Thanksgiving meals to tens of thousands of guests.

He’s also involved with The Salvation Army’s Live Nativity event in Manoa. He participates in the planning process and takes care of the volunteers that share the Christmas story for families each year.

Today, Ing is one of the longest-serving volunteers of the division. His hard work and compassion inspire others to give and volunteer to help people throughout the organization.

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Meet Ricky & Francisco - Denver, Colorado

By Tahreem Pasha-Glenn

It’s another busy night at The Salvation Army Crossroads Center in Denver, Colo. Clients line up to check in while staff and volunteers get the mats and supplies ready.

Due to various factors, Denver has seen a sudden surge in its homeless population making the Crossroads Center a busy place. Volunteers Ricky Mason and Francisco Lerma wash 1,200 blankets and 600 towels daily, and collect clothing left behind to wash and offer to new arrivals.

“I know I make a difference,” Mason said. “Anyone can end up in the shelter. Most of us live paycheck to paycheck. These men are going through a rough time in their lives. People open up to me because they know I volunteer. I am happy to tell them that this is not forever. They need to hear it.”

Mason and Lerma donate four hours of their time each day to make sure everything is freshly laundered and neatly folded. Both men also fell on hard times, and stayed in the shelter.

Lerma said volunteering has a lot to do with the way he feels.

“It’s all about helping; I love to help,” Lerma said. “Clients come up to me and tell me, ‘Thank you.’ It makes me feel great.”

“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.”

     

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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!

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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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Other Volunteer Related Stories You Might Be Interested In

April 17, 2015	National Volunteer Week - Pt 5 of 5
April 16, 2015	National Volunteer Week - Pt 4 of 5
April 14, 2015	National Volunteer Week - Pt 2 of 5
April 13, 2015	National Volunteer Week - Pt 1 of 5
October 27, 2014	United Way Day of Caring Volunteers Benefit The Salvation Army in Tacoma, WA
October 18, 2014	Sewing Circle Donates 4,000th Quilt - Woodbury, MN