It Takes An Army To Help People In Need
By Maj. John Chamness, divisional leader, The Salvation Army-Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division
On this Christmas Eve, we’d like to thank Oahu’s communities for supporting The Salvation Army via Angel Trees, Red Kettles, Thanksgiving meals and other programs. We’d also like to share a few examples of how that assistance helps those in need.
The Salvation Army-Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division coverage area is the state of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, including Guam, Republic of the Marshall Islands and Federated States of Micronesia.
Approximately 700 employees throughout our division provide various programs, including adult day health services, affordable senior housing, at-risk youth services and housing, summer camp for at-risk youth at Camp Homelani, family thrift stores, food distribution and feeding programs, homeless services, Kroc Center — Hawaii’s largest community center, preschools and day-care services, social services — emergency assistance, substance abuse treatment, and work therapy and rehabilitation services.
The Salvation Army serves about 125,000 people each year in Hawaii. That’s approximately one out of every 11 residents.
Community support allows us to help people like “Joan.” An addict, unemployed and on the verge of losing her daughter, Joan sought help at The Salvation Army’s Family Treatment Services. After treatment and recovery, she is employed and soon will begin a master’s program at UHManoa. We also bring hope to families in need. the “Smiths” came to us because, while they worked during the day, they couldn’t afford senior day care for their mother at other institutions. We were able to accommodate their mom in our Adult Day Health Services program, where she is able to enjoy social interactions and daily meals.
Donations always are welcomed and stay in the communities in which they are made. Eighty-two cents of every dollar donated directly supports those in need.
For more details about The Salvation Army and to make a donation or volunteer for upcoming activities, visit hawaii.salvationarmy.org or call 988-2136.
All of us at The Salvation Army send each of you warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
