25 May 2012

The Salvation Army of King County will celebrate its 125th Anniversary on Tuesday, June 5, in the style it was founded in 1887. A lunch-time event with free food and music for all will be held in Pioneer Square.

The Salvation Army was founded in Western Washington on June 5, 1887, when Captain Alfred Harris arrived in Seattle from San Francisco. He had been sent by The Salvation Army to aid the hungry, homeless, and hopeless in Seattle. Although the city was young, there was a need for the organization's work. Established in London more than 20 years earlier, The Salvation Army was already a world leader in social services, providing tangible and emotional support to the less fortunate members of the community. 

The 125th Anniversary Celebration will be held in Pioneer Square, on the Northwest corner of Occidental Park. This location is the exact place of Captain Harris's outreach to the community. Although the original building no longer exists, a plaque was placed in the sidewalk in 1962, to commemorate the Army's 75th Anniversary.

The event on June 5 will begin with the iconic brass band at 11:30am, and continue throughout the event until 1pm. Brass bands are a long-time tradition of The Salvation Army, with its origins dating back to London in the 1850s. A free, simple lunch will be served from 11am - 12:30pm. Salvation Army Officers and staff will be present to answer questions about the organization. Plus, local dignitaries have been invited to read Proclamations honoring The Salvation Army on this milestone.

In 1887, Washington was still a Territory and wouldn't become a state for two years. The 1880 US Census reported less than 7,000 people were living in King County. Yet, already, there were people needing the help of The Salvation Army. Captain Harris rented a room below a bar in Pioneer Square and welcomed the most neglected members of society. He fed their bodies with food and their souls with hope. He was determined to change lives.

For 125 years, The Salvation Army red shield has been the symbol of commitment to helping people in crisis. Wherever people are suffering from hunger, poverty, hopelessness or injustice - The Salvation Army is there to help, always without discrimination.

The Salvation Army lives by a simple principle of providing a "hand up," not a "hand out." With multiple locations throughout King County, The Salvation Army is ready when neighbors need help. Never more than a few miles away, the doors are open to anyone with any need.

Last year in King County (2011), The Salvation Army provided services to more than 250,000 individuals. Some problems continue to be challenges throughout the past 125 years. As in 1887, helping men and women learn to live without dependence on drugs and alcohol is still a priority of the organization. Providing food baskets and offering free meals to families who would otherwise go hungry is an ongoing program. And, women and children continue to need protection from domestic violence. However, today, The Salvation Army works to help others before their needs become extreme. Every day throughout King County programs are offered to lift the mind, body, and spirit - including afterschool tutoring, youth athletic leagues and music lessons, computer classes for all ages, summer camp, emergency disaster relief, eviction prevention services, and holiday assistance.

Every year the services and programs provided by The Salvation Army are in great demand. Continued financial support from the community is crucial - donations from individuals and corporations, and funding from foundations and grants. The organization graciously accepts these gifts and responsibly shepherds them to the neighbors who need them most. Fiscal responsibility is steadfast; for every dollar donated, more than 83% goes directly to programs and services.

Donate here to help The Salvation Army continue its work throughout King County and beyond.