A Summer To Remember - Thanks To Donors Like You!
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Gabe started coming to The Salvation Army as part of the summer feeding program last year. The Salvation Army hosts breakfast and lunch programs at many of its locations. The program, organized by the USDA, provides summertime meals to kids who receive free/reduced breakfast and lunch at school. During the summer months, these kids would go hungry without the USDA program and its hosts.
Last summer, Gabe was ten years old and had just completed third grade. He came to the Salvation Army every day for lunch. His mom, Jeannette, dropped him off just before lunch and picked him up about 45 minutes later. While he ate lunch, she sat in the car and did homework for her online college courses. She worked as a waitress in the evenings, and Gabe stayed with his grandparents while she was at work.
Soon Jeannette realized that Gabe was making friends during lunch, and wanting to stay longer for recreational activities. The Salvation Army facility was buzzing with kids his age, all enjoying art projects, reading, sports, field trips, and more. As she and Gabe got to know the leadership at The Salvation Army, she knew that it was a safe place for him to spend the day. And she couldn’t beat the price – only $10 per week.
Soon, the Salvation Army officer asked Jeannette if Gabe would want to attend sleep-away camp later that summer. All of the kids from the daytime camp were attending, and transportation would be provided. Again, the price was right for Jeannette’s budget – $25 for five days and four nights.
Gabe had a fabulous time at camp that week. He especially enjoyed hiking, canoeing, and roasting marshmallows at the bonfire. He said that he “didn’t know what to expect, because he had never been to camp before.” And also commented, “I can’t believe how many trees are here – it’s all I can see.”
Jeannette confided that he had never been away from home on any sort of “vacation” before going to camp. This summer, Gabe is attending The Salvation Army nearly every day for meals and activities, and he’s already signed up for camp next month.
You Can Help The Salvation Army Provide Summer Programs For Kids
The continued work of The Salvation Army relies on the generosity of donors. If you would like to help us provide vital programs such as summer camp programs, day camp programs, afterschool youth programs, and back to school supply distributions, please consider making an online donation today. Your donation will be used within your community to fund much-needed programs for those in need. Every donation you make helps The Salvation Army continue "Doing The Most Good" today and in the future.
