December 2002
The featured volunteer station for the month of December has been a fixture in our Christmas giving for many years. The Salvation Army bell ringers herald the Christmas holidays with a reminder that the season is not just about buying gifts for our families and friends, but also remembering the less fortunate who are always with us in our communities. Volunteers from all walks of life support The Salvation Army in almost all of its activities. Their time and commitment are essential to the success of the organization. The millions of volunteers who function as part of the Army's ministry each year enhance the effectiveness of Army programs and services.
The purpose of The Salvation Army is succinctly stated in its mission statement: “The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.”
The Salvation Army was founded as an evangelical organization dedicated to bringing people into a meaningful relationship with God through Christ. It is composed of persons who are united by the love of God and man, and who share the common purpose of the organization - to motivate all people to embrace the salvation provided to them in Christ. The word "army" indicates that the organization is a fighting force, constantly at war with the powers of evil. The Army cooperates with churches of all denominations to meet the needs of the community. Salvation Army beliefs are basically those of the main Christian churches as derived from the scriptures.
Some of the many seasonal programs of The Salvation Army are:
Angel Tree – Nov. 22 through Dec. 14 Volunteers are needed to “adopt” an angel and buy a toy and an article of clothing for a particular child whose name you chose from the Angel Tree in the South Plains Mall. You may also help at the Angel Tree table at the mall, explain the program to potential donors and wrap and mark returned gifts.
Kettles (Bell Ringing) – Nov. 22 through Dec. 24 (every day except Sunday) Volunteers will man the red kettles and ring bells outside of stores located throughout Lubbock County for at least a two-hour commitment. You may often work at a store near your home if you wish.
Stockings – Volunteers will purchase items to fill a red stocking that older children may enjoy. The Army will give you the stockings and you will just need to have them returned by December 14th.
Christmas Community Meal will be served to an estimated 400 people from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Christmas Day. Volunteers will set up before, serve during and clean up afterwards at the main building, 1120 17th St.
Sponsor a Family – If a group or individual would like to provide an entire family with a Christmas meal and toys, they may call the office and discuss what type of family they would like to help.
For more information, call The Salvation Army at 765-9434 to discuss how you can make this holiday season a merry one for the needy in our community.
To volunteer, or for more information about these or other volunteer positions, please call the RSVP office at 742-2423.
HOW do I join RSVP?
Becoming a member of RSVP is simple as long as you are at least 55 and have some time to volunteer. Just call the office at 742-2423 and chat with Ronda Casey or Bonne Phillips about your interests. If you are not certain what you would like to do, we can mention several current volunteer opportunities and send you a list of the sort of jobs which RSVP members are presently doing to whet your appetite. If you have a special skill or talent that you would like to utilize, we will search to find just the right job for you. Just mail in the
enrollment form
(requires Adobe Reader) and we will call you!
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