Restoring Hope

Our daily mission is to Restore Hope and Transform Lives

The Salvation Army is many things to many people. Those struggling to make ends meet find a helping hand to move back toward self-sufficiency. During times of disaster, those affected receive accommodations, a hot meal and assistance getting things back to normal. Families going through difficult times experience spiritual care to restore hope provided by Corps Officers and loving support from a community of believers.

Whether it's a hot meal, warm blanket, a fan, school supplies, or a box of groceries to make it to the end of the month, we are there to help. The Salvation Army stands ready to share the love of Jesus Christ with everyone without discrimination. We must meet the needs for Wichita and South Central Kansas Area throughout the year. 

SPECIAL ANNUAL PROGRAMS

TOOLS FOR SCHOOL 
Each year in August, we provide basic school supplies to school aged children in low-income families. Last year, we distributed more than 2,500 backpacks filled with school supplies across the city. We have also supported Sedgwick County teachers and students providing an exclusive by-appointment school supply shopping days or have identified especially challenged schools .

WARM HEARTS WINTER WEAR 
With the help of local businesses, media, and individuals we collect thousands and thousands of coats, plus winter items such as hats, gloves, scarves and blankets. These items are distributed in the month of October each year. Anyone in need of warm clothing is eligible for this program. Please know, we try to provide weather related clothing any time of the year, if available. Each year, we give out tens of thousands of winter wear supplies, mostly coats. 

CHRISTMAS ASSISTANCE
Each year, Christmas assistance is provided to families and individuals in need. Families are given food assistance for a Christmas meal. Toys are provided to children 16 and younger through the Angel Tree program. Additionally, food and gifts are provided to senior citizens. In 2022, we were able to provide toys to over 8,300 children and served more than 3,300 families. Christmas assistance applications are taken late October through mid-November and our Angel Tree distribution usually occurs early December. Applications are currently closed.

ANGEL TREE & STAR OF HOPE
You can host an Angel Tree at your business, church, or social club. Donate toys or items that will bring joy to families and children that may not have Christmas gifts otherwise. Paper Angels are hung from a Christmas tree with the names and wish lists of children, so that donors can shop for real presents for families to put under their trees. 

The Star of Hope program provides food and needed items to senior citizens through the Angel Trees. The Stars are specifically for senior citizens who may need additional help during the holidays. If you would like to host an Angel Tree at your business or organization, please contact Dulcy at (316) 425-6142 or email dulcy.palnau@usc.salvationarmy.org

RED KETTLES
Make a donation during our Red Kettle Campaign at area businesses and grocery stores where you see a Red Kettle and a bell ringer. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving and continuing through Christmas Eve, the Red Kettle Campaign raises funds that support our emergency social services year-round. Donations made to Red Kettles stay right in your local community, wherever your donation is made. Bell Ringing is fun too! Bring your friends or family and dress is your most festive holiday gear. Sign up here to Register to Ring!

SHARE THE SEASON 
Made possible through partnerships with INTRUST Bank, NonprofitGO, The Salvation Army, and The Wichita Eagle. Assistance is given to working families who have experienced a recent financial hardship, such an unexpected medical bills or car repairs. Since the year 2000, Share the Season has raised more than $4.4 million and helped over 4,200 families. Applications are currently closed. 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
There are so many ways for you, your family, and friends to get involved with programs and services provided by The Salvation Army through the year. If you would like to make a real difference in the lives of people who may be struggling, click here to see all our volunteer opportunities. 

Restoring Hope to Transform Lives can only be accomplished through the generosity of our neighbors and friends in the Wichita area. Monetary donations are always appreciated, but we also need the prayer support for the people that come through the doors of The Salvation Army and the employees that are here to be an example of Christ to those that come to us for help. 

CALL (316) 263-2769 FOR MORE INFORMATION.