The Great Lakes Division Partners with Chillbox To Celebrate National Salvation Army Week
During the week of May 15, The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division is celebrating National Salvation Army Week by partnering with Chillbox Convenience Stores to help send children from low-income families to camp this summer. Every ICEE and fountain drink purchased at any of the 32 Chillbox locations during National Salvation Army Week will benefit The Salvation Army Outdoors program.
For more than 100 years, thousands of children from low-income families have enjoyed the fresh air, exercise and the chance to make new friendships during the annual summer camp program at Echo Grove. A few weeks at camp can mean a lifetime of impact for a kid who needs to be lifted up and encouraged.
*Echo Grove attendees play a game of basketball
“Thanks to Chillbox Convenience Stores, more children will have the opportunity to enjoy a summer camp experience,” said Major Bob Mueller, metro Detroit area commander for The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division.
“National Salvation Army Week provides an opportunity to showcase the breadth and depth of our essential programs and services – which are funded by community donations raised during the Red Kettle Christmas Campaign and Bed & Bread Club Radiothon. We believe in providing holistic support to those in need in the community, and we couldn’t do this without the continued support of our generous community members and partner organizations.”
National Salvation Army Week was established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954, nearly 100 years after The Salvation Army was established in London, England. Each year, National Salvation Army Week serves as an opportunity to celebrate The Salvation Army’s volunteers, donors and program beneficiaries who have enabled the nonprofit to serve in the United States since the mid-1800’s.
“Spring is the perfect time to celebrate all The Salvation Army does in our community,” said Meaghan Rudnicki, Brand Ambassador, for Chillbox Convenience Stores.
“Not only does the season encompass National Salvation Army Week, but it is symbolic of the fresh start and outdoor learning these kids will get to experience at camp. Now when shoppers come in for their favorite refreshment – they’ll be making an impact in their community.”
In addition to The Salvation Army Outdoors, The Salvation Army helps Michiganders in need through programs such as:
- Pathway of Hope that empowers individuals and families towards self-sufficiency.
- The Salvation Army’s Harbor Light drug and alcohol treatment program which addresses the needs of those struggling with substance abuse. Its detoxification program is available to individuals requiring assistance to withdraw from alcohol and/or drugs in a structured sub-acute environment.
- The Salvation Army William Booth Legal Aid Clinic which resolves legal issues affecting low-income families, individuals and U.S. veterans.
- The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division Emergency Disaster Services that assist first responders and victims of natural and man-made disasters.
- The Salvation Army’s youth programs, including character building, homework assistance and counseling, extracurricular activities, music and dance instruction, and more to teach important life skills to children.
- The Salvation Army Southeast Michigan Adult Rehabilitation Center also provides crucial services to thousands of people in metro Detroit 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by offering a unique program that features a holistic approach and is catered to substance abuser recovery. It operates one centralized location in Detroit that serves all of southeast Michigan. The center has capacity to serve nearly 300 people simultaneously, and admission can be completed quickly on any day throughout the week.
To find a Chillbox Convenience Store near you, visit chillboxstores.com/locations. For more information, visit SAmetrodetroit.org. You can also donate here:
About The Salvation Army
Founded by William and Catherine Booth in London, England in 1865, The Salvation Army is a faith-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to serving people in need without discrimination. This past year, The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit was involved in providing 2,140,278 meals and 405,630 nights of shelter for the homeless. The Salvation Army uses $.85 of every dollar raised to provide direct services to people in need each and every day of the year. For more information about The Salvation Army, please call 877-SAL-MICH, or visit us at SAmetrodetroit.org.