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WASHINGTON, D.C., June 24, 2009 — The National Capital Area Command Disaster Response Team was on high alert since the evening of Monday, June 22nd until approximately 1:00 a.m. Wednesday morning in response to a deadly commuter train accident in the District of Columbia.  One Metro train slammed into the back of another on the Red Line at the height of the evening rush hour, killing nine and injuring 80 others in the deadliest accident in Metrorail’s 33-year history.  

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Nationwide, camps are opening their doors and offering children and youth a positive, safe, healthy camp experience. As the result of the emergence of H1N1 in a number of camps across the country, the media has focused on camp closures and flu outbreaks - raising questions and concerns among many parents. ACA has advised families to work with their individual camp director on specific questions regarding information on preparedness, procedures, refunds, and closures - and will continue to do so.

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HUNGER DOESN'T TAKE A SUMMER VACATION

(Harrisonburg, VA)  When schools close their doors for vacation this summer, over 12 million poor children, who qualify to receive a free or reduced price lunch during the academic year, will be deprived of this vital meal.  The implications for these children's health and well-being are significant.  For over two months, the vast majority of these children will not have access to nutritious meals like the ones they receive during the school year.  We cannot accept this nutrition gap.  By working together to provide these children with adequate nutrition during the summer we can improve this situation significantly.

In Harrisonburg Virginia, The Salvation Army is working to meet the need of local children, bridging the gaps for the health and nutrition of local children.

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Petersburg Salvation Army Holds Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner; Honors John Tyler Community College and Hundreds More…

Earlier this month, the Petersburg Salvation Army held its 2009 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at the Colonial Heights Moose Lodge. This event, attended by close to 100 volunteers and Salvation Army staff, was held to honor those individuals who give so much of themselves to assist The Salvation Army in the Tri-Cities area and also featured a keynote address by Petersburg Sheriff Vanessa Crawford, who discussed the importance of giving back to your community.

“We can never thank the community enough for all they do to help us help so many in need right here in the Petersburg area,” said Captain Vickie Lesesne, Petersburg Salvation Army Corps Officer.

Last year alone, more than 10,000 individuals volunteered their time with the Petersburg Salvation Army; either at Christmas through the Red Kettles, Angel Tree and more; the Emergency or Transitional Shelter serving a hot meal to shelter residents; the Community Education Center teaching someone invaluable computer skills; or in dozens of other ways.

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Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club Members Tour Several North Carolina Colleges

As written by Paul Granger, Teen Director at The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club

Huddled up, with arms tightly crossed, a group of 21 teens from Church Hill braved the bitter wind and light rain as they passed Duke's massive chapel. But instead of asking, “why are we out in the cold?” they asked “what GPA do I need to get into Duke.”

In fact, despite far-from-ideal weather conditions, these teens from The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club spent three days exploring, on foot and in questions, five of North Carolina's better-known campuses.

From the fame of Duke; to the student-architecture of North Carolina A&T; to the personal connections of Winston-Salem and the urban feel of Shaw; and finally to the quiet beauty of Campbell, the teens traveled enthusiastically.

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Richmond Salvation Army ARC Opens New Family Store; Donations Down - Demand for Goods Up

On Saturday, May 9th, The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) opened a brand new 15,000 square foot family store. This store, the ARC’s fourth in the Richmond area, is located at 11000 Midlothian Turnpike.

The grand opening was an all day event and occured at a time when donations are lagging while demand for gently used and thrift store goods increases.

“We are in desperate need of household goods, children’s clothing, men’s suits and women’s dress clothes,” Major Paul White, ARC Administrator said. “People are coming to us because they can’t afford to buy new things, and we offer them a cheaper alternative.”

White estimates that ARC Family stores are seeing anywhere between 25-50% more shoppers than normal and of those, a vast majority are purchasing, what he calls, “interview clothing.” This trend is even more evident with the store’s female patrons; with 3 out every 5 making these purchases, according to White.

The Salvation Army ARC provides shelter, food, counseling and work for up to 81 men suffering from substance abuse. These men are provided with work therapy and are involved in counseling groups to help recover from their addictions.

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