The Salvation Army  Empire State Division

28 July 2015

“I feel good that I can help people, help to connect them to services and programs that can help them,” states an active volunteer with the Albany Salvation Army, Deeon Fields.

When you call The Salvation Army in Albany, your call might be answered by “Miss Deeon.”  Ms. Deeon has been with the Albany Salvation Army Worship and Community Center for three years, first as an Experience Works employee, a federal program that provides training and employment for older Americans, and then the last year as a volunteer.

As a volunteer receptionist, Miss Deeon is the first point of contact for someone coming to Army’s office on S. Ferry Street.

“I like what I do, I like being able to help the community and at age 62, I certainly didn’t want to sit home and do nothing,” she laughed. “I started out helping Debbie Stiles with our mobile feeding unit, driving around neighborhoods, offering food to people. We still do this, on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. Sometimes during the summer, we’ll provide 100 meals. Summer is certainly a tough time for parents, or grandparents without enough money to buy the food that’s needed. During the school year, the children can eat breakfast and lunch but when school is closed, it’s hard to find the money for the additional food,” she said.

“I’m involved with my community and what I enjoy most is working with those in the community who need help with housing or food.  I’m so very happy that The Salvation Army enables me to use my knowledge of the community and help those who may not know where to go to get housing, or help with an application. Sometimes older residents are embarrassed to ask for help.  I feel good that I can help them,” Miss Deeon explained.

We are so thankful for volunteers like Miss Deeon’s who connect those in their community to the work of The Salvation Army! Volunteers are valuable assets in The Salvation Army's efforts to meet the changing needs of our world. Through the skills and experience they bring to The Army, volunteers make significant contributions by positively impacting the lives of those they assist. Salvation Army volunteers change lives, uplift families and support communities throughout our nation everyday.

Discover the joy of giving back to your community; become a Salvation Army volunteer TODAY!

Become A Volunteer Today

 

Tags: Faces of The Army