National Salvation Army Week
The Salvation Army in Peoria is excited to observe National Salvation Army Week May 10 -16 this year.
Some interesting facts about The Salvation Army in Peoria:
- The Salvation Army has been in Peoria for 135 years
- Their operations started out on the fourth floor of the old Metzger Hotel in 1886.
- Peoria’s first Advisory Board was formed in 1922.
- The Child Care Center in Peoria opened in 1934.
The Salvation Army has faithfully and consistently worked to help those in need from our community 365 days a year, providing assistance to individuals and families who may find themselves in crisis; providing shelter to those experiencing homelessness; and providing food and meals to the hungry.
National Salvation Army Week, typically observed in the second week of May, was first declared by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954. In the proclamation, Eisenhower noted:
“Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of human brotherhood . . . Their work has been a constant reminder to us all that each of us is neighbor and kin to all Americans, giving freely of themselves, the men and women of The Salvation Army have won the respect of us all.”
“National Salvation Army Week presents a wonderful opportunity for us to let the community know more about the work of The Salvation Army,” said Major Jesse Collins, Tri-County Commander for The Salvation Army. “The last year has been very challenging as we have all dealt with the ongoing pandemic. The Salvation Army has experienced heightened need during this time and has been privileged to support so many in our community. We could not provide the services we do without all of our partners, supporters, and volunteers who make the ministry of the Army possible.”
Worldwide, The Salvation Army is at work in 132 countries. In 2020 the organization provided more than 155 million meals between March and September alone, 1.6 million nights of COVID shelter, 6.6 million food boxes, and emotional and spiritual care to 857,000 people all across the United States. With more than 7,500 centers of operation in the U.S., The Salvation Army is uniquely positioned to meet the greatest needs in Jesus’ name, without discrimination – wherever it exists.
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Click Here to Learn About Our Volunteer Opportunities - Or Call Bailee Lynn at (309) 253-9909.