Making a Difference in the Midwest During COVID-19, June 10
Today we are experiencing a global pandemic, recession, and are engaged in a social movement for equity. During the past week, The Salvation Army has provided ways for communities to heal, recognize heroes and share joy.
A Time to Grieve, Lament, Listen, Pray, Repent and Worship
The death of former Salvation Army employee George Floyd launched a national conversation and movement which calls attention to systemic racism. On Tuesday, June 2, we led prayer gatherings and walks across the Midwest which honored Floyd’s life and offered prayers of peace, reconciliation and healing for communities. “We feel deeply for our world, our country, our brothers and sisters, our city, God's Kingdom,” said Commissioner Sue Swanson, during one of the prayer gatherings in Chicago. “We all wanted to express care and felt that one means of mobilizing was to join with others in grieving, repenting, listening and praying. We have not yet ‘overcome.’ But we pray and work for the day when we shall overcome by faith.”
During the Muscatine, IA prayer walk, Lieutenant Greg Bock discussed his motivation. “The response to pain should always be to find the root cause and heal it, and for some reason, we’ve become okay with just dulling the pain of our brothers and sisters, instead of actively working to understand their pain and helping them heal. This is what inspired me to organize this walk. We wanted to show that we can help be instruments of peace for black lives, because Black Lives Matter.”
The Minneapolis Temple Worship and Service Center used the day to host a food distribution event followed by a prayer vigil and march for justice. Marchers walked to and prayed at George Floyd’s memorial site. More than 100 officers from around the Midwest participated in this moving event.
A Doughnut Day Unlike Any Other
Like so many annual events, National Doughnut Day 2020 looked a little different this year. The event, held on Friday, June 5, channeled its roots from just over a century ago. Just like that first National Doughnut Day, which honored World War I heroes, this year The Salvation Army used the day to honor first responders and healthcare heroes in the war on COVID-19. Partnering with favorite local doughnut shops and coffee roasters, we spent the day delivering tasty treats to medical professionals, fire stations, police departments, national guard troops, veterans and more. It is reported that sugary joy was had by all.
Cards Filled with Care
Keeping our most vulnerable individuals safe from COVID-19 requires strict social distancing. For seniors living in The Salvation Army Booth Manor Senior Residences in Chicago, that means visitors are prohibited, social activities canceled, and communal spaces are closed.
17-year-old high school student Mindy Huang noticed an opportunity posted on Volunteer Match to send greetings cards to Booth Manor residents. Mindy also knew something about social distancing. Illinois’ stay at home order required that she finish her school year at home, and she misses spending time with classmates.
Mindy used her origami skills to create handmade greeting cards for Booth Manor residents. Each included an inspiring message. Mindy noted: “I believe that there is just so much that is expressed in a handmade gift, for it conveys my appreciation and love for that person, and the same goes for people that I have never met before. With our current situation, I want people across the country to feel loved and supported.” The recipients were delighted to receive these special gifts which had clearly been created with such precision and care. Many even wrote thank you notes to Mindy.
In total, Mindy sent 20 cards to Booth Manor and another 20 cards to Booth Lodge, a Salvation Army homeless shelter in Chicago.
Whether it is through handmade cards filled with love, a special doughnut delivery, or time to come together in healing and prayer, now more than ever, we need to support our families, friends, neighbors and communities. To help The Salvation Army care for those in need in your community, please consider donating and join us in the Fight for Good.