The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma is now recruiting volunteers to serve as bell ringers in Canadian, Cleveland and Oklahoma counties with the official start date of November 19^th for this holiday season.

The Salvation Army’s red kettle helps support ongoing programs and services throughout the year which makes this a very important fundraiser for the nonprofit. “Any amount of time someone can give to help ring the bell this holiday season would be greatly appreciated”, said Liz Banks, volunteer coordinator. “We have seen civic clubs, church groups, businesses, and families come together and enjoy a few hours giving back to the community.”

During the holiday season, the red kettle is The Salvation Army’s biggest fundraiser providing much needed funds to support its programs and services, such as its feeding programs, emergency shelter, and utility assistance.

“By taking time out of your busy holiday schedule to sign up to ring the bell at a Salvation Army red kettle this Christmas, you will be helping local families who may be experiencing personal crises,” said Major Stephen Ellis, area commander. “Your change changes lives.”

For those interested in donating time to help ring for The Salvation Army, sign up online at www.redkettlevolunteer.org. If anyone has any questions, please contact Liz at 405-246-1107.

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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma is now giving appointments for registration to residents of Oklahoma County for its 2019 Angel Tree program. The Angel Tree program helps families with children 0 – 12, and senior citizens 62 and older by providing Christmas assistance. Last year, over 2,000 Angels received Christmas assistance through The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma’s program. 

Appointments for registration will be available Monday, August 5^th through Friday, August 30^th at our social services office located at 1001 N Pennsylvania Avenue in Oklahoma City. Staff will be available to assist families from 8:30am to noon and from 1:00 to 4:00pm.

To receive an appointment, individuals must bring a current photo ID and proof of residency, such as a current utility bill or rent/lease receipt.

Residents of Oklahoma County and residents of ZIP codes 73159, 73165 and 73170 of Cleveland County are eligible to receive an appointment at this office.

For more information, please contact The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma at 405-246-1100 Monday through Friday during business hours.

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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Walmart and The Salvation Army are joining forces to provide new school supplies to local children in need during “Stuff the Bus” campaign events at the following Walmart locations on Saturday, August 3, 2019:

Walmart Supercenter, 5401 Tinker Diagonal Street, Del City

Walmart Supercenter, 1225 W I-35 Frontage, Edmond

Walmart Supercenter, 2200 W Danforth Road, Edmond

Neighborhood Market, 1301 E 2^nd Street, Edmond

Walmart Supercenter, 7800 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City

Neighborhood Market, 1500 SW 59^th Street, Oklahoma City

Walmart Supercenter, 1200 Garth Brooks Blvd, Yukon

Walmart Supercenter, 333 N Interstate Drive, Norman

Walmart Supercenter, 601 12^th Avenue NE, Norman

Neighborhood Market, 911 SW 104^th Street, Oklahoma City

Neighborhood Market, 13503 S. Santa Fe Avenue, Oklahoma City

As part of a nationwide effort, the “Stuff the Bus” campaign events in Canadian, Cleveland, and Oklahoma counties are just a few of the nearly 3,000 similar events taking place at Walmart stores across the country. In-store shoppers on August 3 will receive lists of supplies needed, and all they have to do to participate is purchase and drop off the requested items at The Salvation Army collection bins located inside each store.

“According to the 2018-2019 District Enrollment by Grade report on the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s website, there were over 264,000 kids enrolled in school last year in our three countywide service area. Many of these kids may need assistance to start this upcoming school year off right,” said Major Susan Ellis, area commander, from The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma. “By donating school supplies for a child in need, you’re easing the burden parents experience at the start of the school year, and helping set the right tone for these kids as they head back to school. It’s the boost of confidence they need to have a successful year.”

For those unable to make it to the store that day, there is a searchable online registry with all the items needed; each item requires just one click to purchase: www.walmart.com/lists/view-events-registry-items?id=eab27c7c-3d43-4d89-8a99-ec2ae1073ebf

Walmart and The Salvation Army have collaborated for more than 30 years in an effort to meet local community needs. Supporters like Walmart help The Salvation Army serve more than 23 million Americans each year through a range of social services, helping them overcome poverty and economic hardships.

All donations made at “Stuff the Bus” campaign events will remain in the local community and will help The Salvation Army provide back-to-school support to local children in need.

To learn more and find out how you can get involved with your local Salvation Army, visit https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/walmart-stuff-the-bus/.s

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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma Women’s Auxiliary is kicking off their 14^th annual Buck$ 4 Bikes fundraiser in July for Cleveland and Oklahoma counties in anticipation of Christmas.

Beginning July 1, over 100 counter top red kettles will be distributed to area businesses to collect donations. The Buck$ 4 Bikes program was founded in 2006 to help families in need at Christmas. “In 2018, 1,403 children wished for a bike and 1,403 received one thanks to the generosity of Central Oklahomans,” said Major Susan Ellis, area commander. “It is so heartwarming to see the outpouring of support from the community whether it be donating funds or helping to assemble over 1,000 bikes at Christmas.”

The Buck$ 4 Bikes program raises funds to purchase bikes in support of The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma’s Angel Tree program. Every penny donated to this cause will go to the purchase of a new Huffy bicycle with prices ranging from $37 to $62. “This annual fundraiser is more than just raising funds for bicycles,” said D’Anna Pulliam, Buck$ 4 Bikes committee chair. “It is about making a child’s Christmas wish come true. I am also extremely pleased that FedEx has confirmed free delivery once again this year of bicycles and our friends at Oklahoma Bicycle Society will be providing a new helmet for each bike purchased.”

Donations may be made by visiting one of the area businesses below by August 1st: 

ADG Architecture

Advance Chiropractic

Advantage Bank – both locations

Alray’s Cleaners

Al’s Bicycle – N. MacArthur location

Arvest Bank – all locations in Oklahoma & Cleveland Counties

BancFirst – Sunnylane location

BancFirst – Sooner Road location

BancFirst – Jones location

BancFirst – NE 23^rd location

Bandana Reds Diner

Beauty Mark Salon

Celestial Cycles

Coffee Slingers

Cuppies & Joe

Del Rancho – NE 10^th location

Feller-Snider Law Office

First Bethany Bank – both locations

First National Bank – All locations in Oklahoma & Cleveland Counties

Fox Pools

Game HQ

Ginger’s Tag

Greenway Plaza Tag

H&H Gun Range & Café

Heritage Lanes Bowling Center

Homeland – NW 122^nd location only

Jasco

J’s Hallmark – all locations in Oklahoma & Cleveland Counties

Maccini Construction

MWC YMCA

Napoleon Deli

Old Dominion Freight Lines

Pace Butler Corporation

Paris Plaza 66

Platinum Beauty Salon

Pro Bikes

Quail Creek Bank

Quail Tag Agency

RCB Bank – N. Broadway & N. Western locations only

Schlegel Bikes

Stitch

Swiss Cleaners – all locations

The Blue Bean

The Buzz Coffee shop

Tilted Tulip Boutique

Tinker Tag Agency

Veritiv

Westland Tag Agency

Wheeler Dealer Bicycle

Wilshire Gun Range

Donations may also be made by mailing a check to:

The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary

1001 N. Pennsylvania Avenue

Oklahoma City, OK 73107

Memo: Buck$ 4 Bikes

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OKLAHOMA CITY – The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Oklahoma City is kicking off its annual Adopt-a-Child campaign on June 1^st.  This fundraising campaign is created to ensure as many boys and girls as possible have a safe, fun, and stimulating environment to learn, grow, and develop as responsible members of our community.

The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club offers programs in sports & fitness, music & arts, educational enrichment, Bible study and leadership development.  Funds collected through the Adopt-a-Child campaign will ensure that children can attend the Club, no matter their household financial situation.

“Through the support of the community, The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of OKC will provide hundreds of kids and teens a safe place to develop essential skills, making lasting connections and have fun,” said Melissa Brown, executive director of The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Greater Oklahoma. “As a result, Club kids are more likely to graduate from high school, be physically active every day, and volunteer in their communities. Contributing to the Adopt a Child campaign will make a lasting impact on Oklahoma City youth.”

Since 1950, The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Oklahoma City has provided youth a positive experience while providing the opportunity for social development.  The Club also offers members opportunities to experience spiritual growth while establishing a sense of community.

The goal for this year’s campaign is $35,000 which will help sponsor approximately 117 children annually at the cost of $300 per year. Through this campaign, The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Oklahoma City will deliver an excellent return on investment in the lives of those who participate. For more information on the Club, campaign and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Melissa Brown at 405-314-0717 or visit adoptachildokc.com.

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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Summer is just getting started, temperatures are on the rise and The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma needs help restocking its supply of fans to help those in need beat the summer heat. Westlake Ace Hardware will host a fan drive to benefit The Salvation Army from June 6-23. A monetary donation can be made toward fans at ALL Westlake Ace Hardware Oklahoma City metro stores including those in Bethany, Edmond and Midwest City. The Salvation Army will distribute fans locally throughout the summer to qualified individuals. Any donation amount will be accepted! Westlake Ace Hardware is kicking off the fan drive with a donation of 50 box fans.

WHEN:             Fan Drive Kickoff Celebration – Saturday, June 8, 10am – 1pm (The fan drive continues through June 23 and donations can be made all ALL area Westlake locations.)

WHERE:          Westlake Ace Hardware, 11801 S. Western, Oklahoma City. Stop by for donuts, popcorn and a cold drink.

ONLINE:          To donate to the fan drive online, visit  westlakehardware.com/fandrive.

For information about eligibility to receive a fan, contact The Salvation Army at (405) 246-1100 or visit salvationarmyokcac.org/fans

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For more information about this event and to purchase your tickets, please contact Jill Walker at 405-627-1334 or via email at jwalker@macciniconstructioncompany.com.

Pictured: Nancy Anthony, executive director of Oklahoma City Community Foundation, presents Louis Ross, Assistant Unit Director/Sports Coordinator of The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Oklahoma City with award check.

The Salvation Army is pleased to announce it has received a $3,000 grant from the Oklahoma City Community Foundation and its Wellness Initiative grant program. The grant will be used to assist in funding the Triple Play: Healthy Habits program which will allow The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Oklahoma City to increase its level of service to its members.

“We are so pleased to have received this grant,” said Melissa Brown, executive director. “Our Triple Play: Healthy Habits program will focus on helping our youth make choices that support healthy eating patterns and physical wellness. We appreciate the support of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation.”

Triple Play: Health Habits is a targeted program made up of interactive physical activities that develop a young person’s ability, confidence, and motivation to eat healthy for life. The program components include a pre- and post-evaluation survey for all participants and will work to reinforce the OK5210 message with Club members.

“Funding from Oklahoma City Community Foundation’s Wellness Initiative grant will provide our Club with vegetable garden supplies, health and fitness equipment, and speakers who can testify to the importance of healthy eating and make it fun for our kids,” said Brown.

Founded in 1969, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity that works with donors to create charitable funds that will benefit our community both now and in the future. For more information about the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, visit www.occf.org.

About The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club

The mission of The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Oklahoma City is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.  The Club is a youth development program and offers a safe environment for youth ages 6-18 during out of school time. Programming focuses on three core areas: academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and citizenship. The Club is led by professional staff and utilizes approved volunteers as mentors. Membership at the Club is kept to a low cost of $20 per month (per child) during the school year. The program runs Monday through Friday from the month of August to May. Membership during the summer months of June and July increases to $100 month (per child) due to weekly field trips in addition to programming. For more information about The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club, visit https://salvationarmyokcac.org/boys-girls-club/ or call 405-677-4781. The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma is a proud partner agency of the United Way of Central Oklahoma.

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With the continued drop in temperatures, The Salvation Army has coats available to keep Oklahoma County residents warm. Beginning today, November 30, at 9 a.m., individuals in need may come and choose a coat.

“We are ready to help individuals who are in need of a warm winter coat and have one for every size, shape and style,” said Dee Watts, Director of Social Services.

The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Social Services Office is located at 1001 N. Pennsylvania Avenue. Those seeking a coat may enter through the east door off of Pennsylvania. All Oklahoma County residents in need are invited to pick up a coat on the following days and times:

Mondays and Wednesdays
9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays
9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Fridays
9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Basic eligibility rules for families and/or individuals to qualify for and receive coats from this program require:

1. Picture ID – such as a Driver’s License,  H.NET ID card, State Issued ID, Governmental or Military ID, or Passport or ID from Country of Origin for ALL adult household members
2. Proof of Residency such as a current utility bill, lease agreement or monthly mortgage statement

For individuals who are homeless, providing their H.NET ID card is sufficient.

For more information, individuals may contact 405-246-1100.

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