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Leah from Lockport writes….
“As a child, everything seemed as if it was a big deal. The first day of school, first tooth falling out, getting asked to a dance. It’s hard enough worrying about what to wear, where to stand, who to talk to, but what about those kids with bigger worries? Kids who have to worry, not about what to wear, but if they'll have anything to wear at all.
Well, not long ago my friends and I had those bigger worries. Not everything can be chalked up to bad parenting or substance abuse. There are good people with big hearts that are still cold and hungry. Our moms and dads had jobs, they loved us so much, and tried their best. But there wasn't always food in the cupboards, or socks on our feet, or someone there to talk to about life.
When I was around eleven years old, I remember my mom signing me up for an after school program. Before that, I would just sit at home and hope that my little brother didn't do anything too mischievous while I was watching him, waiting for my mom to get out of work.
I would go to the after school program, work on my homework and play. It just so happened that my friends from the neighborhood were there too. As time went on, I began to notice my Mom bringing food home when she picked me up. That food that would later be breakfast, a meal not so common in my house. At the time I began to realize that my homework was always done, because it was the first thing that I did when I arrived at the after school program.
I had no idea what The Salvation Army was, but to my little brain it was a cool name for a place where I finally belonged. As I got older I realized it was a charitable organization (and a wonderful one at that). My close buddies all had warm coats for the winter, and breakfast too.
Because of the Salvation Army, I was able to look forward to my first day of school, and worry about “little kid” things, and less about surviving. I still talk to the leaders of the Salvation Army in my community and it brings joy to my soul knowing that they are still helping people like my family, friends and me. I can't wait to be a part of future programs and services through them and share the love that was so generously handed to me.”
“Every day, The Salvation Army helps bind the wounds of modern-day life, offering food to the hungry, shelter to the hopeless, companionship to the forlorn. In every community across the land, Salvation Army officers, staff members, Salvationists and volunteers touch lives through selfless acts of service. That work could not continue without the support of people like you. As long as some people are discouraged or lonely or needing a helping hand, our “Army of Compassion” will still have a mission. We serve not as a beacon to ourselves, but as a reflection of God’s brighter light that has always driven our movement.”
—Commissioner W. Todd Bassett
Former National Commander
Tags: Faces of The Army