Officer Spotlight: Majors Trevor and Shelley McClintock, Citadel Corps
If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that the one thing we can always count on is change. Majors Trevor and Shelley McClintock of Citadel Corps have learned that flexibility and creativity are key as they continue to negotiate the twists and turns the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to their daily lives.
“COVID-19 has changed the way we are doing Christmas assistance this year. It’s changed our food pantry. It’s changed our feeding schedules and the ways we normally serve,” said Maj. Shelley. “Our youth programs, musical instruction, spiritual building – it’s all had to change from in-person to virtual.”
Pre-pandemic, hundreds of volunteers would have helped families apply for Christmas assistance in person, Maj. Shelley explained. This year, however, the corps had to pivot to online and telephone sign-ups. “It’s been a challenge, but it’s worked out,” she said. “We have thousands and thousands of families we are assisting this year for Christmas.”
Despite the challenges, officers and staff at Citadel Corps have continued to meet the needs of individuals and families in the safest ways possible.
“We mourned the losses of what this pandemic has taken away, but through it all we’ve also seen silver linings – blessings even amid the burdens,” said Maj. Trevor. He points to the volunteers and staff at the metro-area corps who have gone above and beyond to serve their vulnerable neighbors.
“This season has brought a lot of loss,” admitted Maj. Shelley. “We have lost a lot of opportunities to be with people. But we’re making the best of it.” She is especially eager to connect with families when they come to Citadel Corps to pick up gifts during this year’s drive-thru Toyland distribution. “We’ll be able to look them in the eyes and wish them a Merry Christmas,” she said.
The McClintocks are also especially grateful for the support of the community this year. Thanks to the generosity of thousands in the metro area who have donated toys and made monetary gifts, more than 3,000 families will have gifts under the tree and food on their tables this Christmas.
But the Majors are also quick to point out that there is much more work to be done. “Right now, we are in the middle of our red kettle campaign, and we could really use more volunteers to help us ring bells,” said Maj. Trevor. The money donated to kettles helps to maintain critical Salvation Army programs – from food and housing to youth development and behavioral health support – all year long.
“Without the funds raised from the red kettles, we couldn’t do what we do to bless our neighbors,” said Maj. Trevor.
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If you’re wondering What can I do? to help “Rescue Christmas” for those in need this season, please consider volunteering as a bell ringer or making an online donation. Every bit helps – thank you!