You are in: How is The Salvation Army doing ... these days?
I've been asked this question so often lately. What's so interesting, however, is not the question itself, but the way it's asked — with body language clearly saying, "I hope you guys are doing fine."
I am very appreciative of the people who ask such a question, because it is a demonstration of how crucial the well-being of The Salvation Army is to our community. With so many depending on us, we can't afford to go broke. Can you imagine us having to turn people down? What if we had to close our doors to the homeless and to the needy? What would happen if the 9,000 people who received toys and food boxes this past Christmas received them for the last time? Indeed, it would be terrible.
But, in such times, we see the good in people's hearts. The Red Kettle campaign of Christmas 2008 was successful, for which we are so grateful. The Salvation Army has a good, solid reputation … which we do not take for granted. As a matter of fact, we take it with a great sense of responsibility and humility. But we are also a people of faith. All that we do, we do because we are strongly motivated by our love of God; and God has been good to The Salvation Army.
During our last two campaign seasons, we've been deeply humbled by the great generosity of individual donations that have been sorely needed and greatly appreciated. You see, even in this time of crisis and recession, there are still amazing people — like you — willing to give to keep our organization going
So for those who wonder, "How is The Salvation Army doing … these days?" I respond: "Thanks to God, our wonderful community and the continued support of people like you, we are ‘Doing the Most Good’ here in Collier County!"
God bless you,
Captain Alejandro Castillo and
Captain Nelinda Castillo