FIVE QUESTIONS WITH 94-YEAR-OLD SALVATION ARMY DONOR ELMIRA BATCHELOR
Salvation Army donors come from so many backgrounds (and bravery levels). Elmira Batchelor, 94, has donated to the Salvation Army for decades, going back to her husband Clifford’s death in 2004, and before that, as a couple, while he was alive.
We had five questions with Elmira, who recently rode a zipline in the trees of the Army’s Camp Mihaska, in Bourbon, Mo., which has hosted campers since 1948.
Q: How long have you donated to The Salvation Army?
It started with my late husband, Clifford. He was in the service. He was 18 years old. His grandfather who had raised him expired. He had no money to go to Detroit for the funeral. So, he asked the Red Cross. They refused him. The sergeant told him to go down and ask The Salvation Army. They gave him a plane ticket. They met him when he flew to Detroit. When he got out of service, Cliff continued to give to the Salvation Army. Cliff had been giving for years. He expired in ’04, and I just continued to give.
Q: What impresses you most about what The Salvation Army does?
I appreciate all the activities they do, in terms of helping others who are in need. Years ago, when I was working, I worked for the city of St. Louis, out of the office of Social Service. My supervisor told me at that time, that our clients who need help, to refer them to the Salvation Army. They would help an individual, whereas United Way helped organizations. I have seen people out with the kettles around Christmas time. The main thing I like about the Salvation Army is they will help individuals.
Q: How was Camp Mihaska and riding the zipline?
I enjoyed it. I went up to the camp to view it and explore. They had this [zipline] ride, what do you call it, and I decided to take it. However, I would not tell them how old I was before getting on the swing ride or whatever it is, because I didn’t think they would let me go. I thought it was just fabulous. One of the ladies said it looked like a hotel. And it did.
Q: Was the zipline scary?
Half a second when the young lady told me to step off the ship, to start the ride. Half a second. But it went so fast, I got over that right quick.
Q: How do you stay so active and healthy at 94?
I have a stationary bike that I get on every morning. I used the Y before the pandemic. After that, I haven’t been back. So, I like to travel. Most of the time it’s been overseas. I was in Russia the year before the pandemic, on a city tour, then the ballet, and then back to the ship.
