Making an Impact
The stories we share about The Salvation Army are often about local programs and the people we are helping, but we don’t always get to talk about the volunteers that make our work possible. Twenty-four of Indiana’s 92 counties have established Salvation Army Corps Community Centers, facilities that are used to serve residents in their local communities in a variety of ways. In communities where no physical Salvation Army facility exists, the responsibility to make programs and services available falls on our all-volunteer Service Extension team.
Service Extension is a network of local volunteers — people just like you — who believe in the mission and the message of The Salvation Army and agree to represent the Army in their community. Through these volunteers, The Salvation Army’s mission is carried out every day all across the state. Service Extension provides for emergency needs, such as food, clothing, emergency lodging, In Fayette County, one local volunteer, named Greg, has made a big impact in his community through The Salvation Army. When he first chose to support The Salvation Army back in 2014, there was no real presence in Fayette County, so he decided to create one. He formed an advisory council made up of members in the community that could meet and determine the best ways to support Fayette County through Th e Salvation Army’s mission.
“He is really someone that you want to be like,” shares Nancy Wolfe, the Service Extension Liaison for Central Indiana. “He is always positive and upbeat, and is always trying new things and brainstorming creative ways to raise money and help people.” In 2018, The Salvation Army in Fayette County raised over $11,800, which will go directly back into the community through emergency assistance. Greg’s time and dedication are a big part of this fundraising success. Over the years, Greg has been at every event. He dresses as Santa Claus during Christmas events and rings the bell by a red kettle.
In many ways, Greg is a great example of our dedicated Service Extension volunteers across the state. “We want to thank Greg and the people like him all around the state of Indiana,” adds Nancy. “They work hard day in and day out and it does not go unnoticed.”
Each Indiana County covered by Service Extension is self-funded, responsible for raising the funds necessary for The Salvation Army to extend local support. When you donate to The Salvation Army’s Service Extension program, your donation is used to support programs and services that help people in need in your community.