Making a Difference in the Midwest During COVID-19, May 26
Across our 11 Midwestern states, incredible work continues to be done to assist those who have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Let’s take a look at just a few of the stories of help and generosity, including one from a veteran that touched our hearts.
The Journey of 100 Miles
Cyclists call it a century – riding 100 km or 100 miles on your bicycle in one ride. But WWII veteran Mickey Nelson of Clarks Grove, MN plans to complete his century on foot. By the end of this summer, he intends to walk 100 miles to benefit The Salvation Army and to celebrate his 100th birthday.
The idea was inspired by a similar effort in the UK and born of Mickey’s need to help his neighbors. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mickey sees too many in his community without jobs and in need of help. “I know that people are struggling, either from the illness or a job loss from all the businesses shutting down,” Mickey said recently. “I just thought there was something I could do to help.”
If you want to support to Mickey’s fundraiser, or simply offer him some words of encouragement or thanks, see www.SalvationArmyNorth.org/mickey.
A Doughnut Day Salute to First Responders
National Doughnut Day originated in 1918 as a fundraising campaign to support The Salvation Army’s WWI War Service work for the troops. This year, National Doughnut Day 2020 is an opportunity to thank our first responders who are providing vital services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Eastern Michigan and Indiana Divisions are holding drives for notes of thanks to be distributed to area first responders on Friday, June 5 – National Doughnut Day.
All notes must be received by June 3. If you would like to contribute a note of appreciation, visit:
https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/emi/news/volunteer-letter-writing-campaign-for-donut-day-2020
https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/indiana/news/national-donut-day-2020
The First “Virtual” Soldier
Larry Woods had enjoyed the Noble Worship Center’s hot lunch program and then, this February, he began attending church at the corps, too. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Larry continued to deepen his involvement in the corps and relationship with God by participating in men’s fellowship programs, Bible studies, prayer meetings and more. Even though the coronavirus kept people from attending church in person, it couldn’t keep The Salvation Army from welcoming new church members, called Soldiers. Larry was recently enrolled as the Northern Division’s first “Virtual” Soldier during a livestream holiness meeting. Congratulations, Larry!
Nothing Can Stop Us from Helping Seniors in Need
The Chicago Midway Corps realized that the residents of Midway Pointe Senior Living may have difficulty reaching the corp’s new curbside food pantry. So, they made plans to bring the pantry to the seniors. But when a Midway Pointe resident tested positive for COVID-19, the plans for the pantry delivery were in jeopardy. Despite the new challenge, that didn’t stop the Army or Midway Pointe from finding a way to help those in need!
The corps reached out to Midway Pointe administrators and developed a system that would allow The Salvation Army to drop off the food boxes, and then Midway Pointe staff would deliver the boxes to the residences. Thank you to Midway Pointe for their partnership in ensuring this vital source of nutrition remains intact for seniors in need.
Once again, we say thank you to everyone involved with The Salvation Army. It is through you that we continue to impact lives and make a difference in our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.