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Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good
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Click through the list below to see recent press releases from the Salvation Army Northwest.
If you have have inquiries or questions, contact the Marketing and Communications team: MarCommNWDHQ@usw.salvationarmy.org.
On this third anniversary of the start of the Ukraine war, international leader of The Salvation Army General Lyndon Buckingham has reached out to survivors with words of solace and comfort, and has called for a new level of moral consciousness and civic responsibility from both sides to end hostilities.
‘Unfortunately, we do not know the extent of the impact of the war on the Russia side,’ said General Buckingham. ‘Details are scarce. But on the Ukraine side, The Salvation Army is working among people who have experienced great devastation as a result of the war.
‘Many thousands have died, nearly four million – including one million children – are displaced within the country and six million have fled their country as refugees. Our prayers for comfort and healing are with all who live in fear and who grieve the loss of loved ones.
‘Today, for the sake of their own people, I call upon the leaders of both countries to bring about a swift and just end to hostilities. I also call upon world leaders to do all within their power to come alongside both countries in a spirit of bipartisanship and peacemaking.’
The comments of The Salvation Army’s international leader follow closely behind the movement’s launch last week of ‘Three Years of War: Healing the Mental Health Scars’, an exhibition in central London that depicts the story of its work during the war. The exhibition includes the personal stories of survivors and shares how The Salvation Army has provided spiritual, emotional and physical support to individuals, families and communities.
The Salvation Army, now officially working in 134 countries, cares deeply about the welfare of all people and is committed to peacebuilding and ensuring people’s right to live without fear for their lives. Since its inception, it has responded to the needs of displaced people – whether fleeing conflict, violence, persecution, natural disasters or poverty – through the provision of practical, emotional and spiritual assistance.
The movement’s International Positional Statement on Refugees and Asylum Seekers upholds ‘all people having the right to life, liberty and security of person’ and supports ‘international efforts to eliminate persecution and displacement through the promotion of peace, tolerance, understanding and respect for human life and dignity’.
The prolonged conflict in Ukraine has resulted in serious mental health needs, ranging from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and panic attacks to insomnia, nightmares and problems forming attachments with others.
The Salvation Army within Ukraine and neighbouring countries is creating safe spaces for children and adults where their mental, physical, social and spiritual development can be nurtured and supported. The ‘Three Years of War’ exhibition is available to view online and at Gallery 101 at The Salvation Army International Headquarters, 101 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4EH, United Kingdom.
For more information, please visit: www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/ukraine-three-years-of-war
The Salvation Army International Positional Statements are available here: www.salvationarmy.org/isjc/ips
Click here to read about the partnership The Salvation Army had with Walmart this Christmas to help more families.
Click here to read about the domestic violence prevention program, The Salvation Army Community Advocacy Program (CAP) in King County.
In March 2023, Maricel Petrone was in her darkest hour. After 30 years together, she just lost her husband. She was trying to navigate life without him, figuring out how to pay the bills while caring for her three boys, two of whom have autism and one with acute needs.
“I was frozen and weak (in grief). I felt so lonely and didn’t know what to do,” said Maricel. “My friend came over to my house, knocked on my door and said, ‘let’s go to The Salvation Army’.”
Maricel and her friend first received assistance from The Salvation Army Puyallup Valley Corps’ Hope Market client-choice food pantry to help feed her family. However, she had more financial needs, especially to cover funeral expenses.
“I felt like I needed a miracle. Somehow, I need to bury my husband,” said Maricel. “I heard this angel say, ‘we can help you’. It was Stacy (Bleuel). I will never forget her voice.”
The Salvation Army provided financial support to help Maricel cover funeral expenses, as well as utility and mortgage payment assistance. Her kids also received back-to-school clothes and Christmas gifts from The Salvation Army.
“The ‘salvation’ part of The Salvation Army is not just a word for me. They saved my family and me, not only by easing our financial struggles, but also offering us food and emotional support,” said Maricel. “Stacy guides me with no judgement at all.”
Maricel was struggling with her faith because her husband died while under the care of medical professionals. She didn’t want to go through a lengthy legal process and experience the emotional heartache again. She has also been undergoing cancer treatment.
“My faith is still there 100%. One of the strengths I have is my The Salvation Army family. I’m thankful for everyone helping me to hold my faith and reminding me that in the darkest time, God never gives up on us,” said Maricel.
Maricel has been receiving support from The Salvation Army Puyallup Corps for two years and hopes to someday “pay it forward” by donating food and clothes.
“Even in the struggle, I still see the light out there,” said Maricel. “Coming here (to The Salvation Army) makes me feel like not giving up. Don’t lose hope. Don’t’ be embarrassed to ask for help.”
Click here to read the article in Bremerton's newspaper, The Kitsap Sun.
Fred Meyer ‘Fred Bear Toy Drive’ collects over 9,000 toys and $841,000 for The Salvation Army to help Washington families in need
Seattle, WA – Feb. 24, 2025 – During the 2024 holiday season, Fred Meyer customers and associates throughout Washington state generously donated more than 9,000 toys and $841,000 to The Salvation Army during the “Fred Bear Toy Drive.” The drive ran from November 29 to December 23 at 59 Fred Meyer locations in Washington.
“We are incredibly thankful and beyond blessed for the support we received during the holidays from Fred Meyer and its community-minded customers,” said The Salvation Army Northwest Division Commander Lt. Col. Cindy Foley. “Thanks to the generosity of our Northwest neighbors, we helped 23,650 children across our Northwest Division receive gifts to make this a joyous holiday season.”
During The Salvation Army’s 2024 red kettle holiday fundraising campaign, $841,000 in cash donations were received at red kettles located at Fred Meyer locations in Washington.
“Fred Meyer appreciates the partnership with The Salvation Army that allows our generous customers and dedicated associates to ensure local children have toys during the holidays," said Tiffany Sanders, Fred Meyer corporate affairs manager.
The Salvation Army’s Northwest Division, spanning across Washington, northern Idaho and western Montana, received a total of $3.4 million in donations via physical and virtual red kettles during the 2024 holiday season. The charitable contributions help fund vital, lifesaving services such as Hope Market food pantries, emergency shelters and transitional housing, utility and rental assistance, addiction recovery, and senior and youth programs.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army helps people overcome poverty, recover from disasters and economic hardships through a range of emergency disaster services and social services. The Salvation Army Northwest Division provides food for the hungry, clothing and shelter for the homeless, disaster relief, senior activity and outreach, adult rehabilitation, and opportunities for underprivileged children.
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Click here to learn all about how the Longview Corps is serving their community.
Use this link to learn how The Salvation Army in King County is providing warm beds and meals for homeless neighbors this winter.
Click here to learn more about how the Vancouver Corps shows up for neighbors in need.
This is a link to a recent job skills program that recently launched at The Missoula Corps. Read David's story of overcoming hardship and finding hope. At 60, David Filori found himself homeless in Missoula, Montana. Despite working in a kitchen, his income wasn't enough to meet his basic needs, leading him to sleep in his car.
Media Contact:
David Kennedy
Phone: 907-830-3139
Email: David.Kennedy@usw.salvationarmy.org
The Salvation Army Bellingham Corps receives $50,000 grant from Dolly Parton for Hope Market food pantry
The donation from the international superstar and philanthropist helped 4,750 Whatcom County residents free groceries during the holidays
Bellingham, WA – Jan. 23, 2025 – The Salvation Army Bellingham Corps has received a $50,000 grant to support its Hope Market client-choice food pantry as part of a $1 million donation from Dolly Parton announced in December.
“We’re so grateful for Dolly Parton’s incredible giving spirit,” said Major Shevaun Malone, The Salvation Army Bellingham Corps officer. “With her help, we provided healthy food for 4,750 people facing food insecurity in Whatcom County during the holiday season.”
In addition to groceries and holiday meals, The Salvation Army Bellingham Corps distributed 7,000 toys to 1,000 children from 420 families in Whatcom County during the holidays.
“Thank you so much for making our holiday so special. We are overwhelmed with gratitude,” wrote a Salvation Army Bellingham adopt-a-family client.
The Salvation Army opened its Bellingham Hope Market client-choice food pantry at its current Birchwood Avenue location in November 2021 and expanded the facility and program in March 2024.
“The food pantry has immensely helped my family and my kids for the better part of the year as I’ve been transitioning back into the work field,” said client Allese. “If it wasn’t for The Salvation Army, who has always been there in my time of need, I would not be able to take care of my family.”
In 2024, The Salvation Army Bellingham Corps assisted 9,100 people, including 14,500 grocery orders and 1,890 meals and snacks served or delivered.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army helps people overcome poverty, recover from disasters and economic hardships through a range of emergency disaster services and social services. The Salvation Army Northwest Division provides food for the hungry, clothing and shelter for the homeless, disaster relief, senior activity and outreach, adult rehabilitation, and opportunities for underprivileged children.
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Seattle Kraken Goalie and The Salvation Army Divisional Youth Ambassador Philipp Grubauer brings Christmas early for local youth
WHO
- Seattle Kraken Goalie Philipp Grubauer
- The Salvation Army Northwest Divisional Commander Lt. Col. Cindy Foley
- Underserved youth across King County
WHAT
Youth from The Salvation Army Community Centers across King County will experience an interactive open skating session with Seattle Kraken Goalie and The Salvation Army Northwest Divisional Youth Ambassador Philipp Grubauer at the Kraken Community Iceplex. Following the open skate, participating youth will be surprised with early Christmas gifts from “Santa Gru”, as well as “Gru Crew” medals and certificates.
- Salvation Army Corps locations throughout Washington state serve underserved youth with after-school and summer programming opportunities. This year, The Salvation Army will provide an estimated 5,000 King County children with toys for the holidays and 10,800 King County residents with holiday meals.
WHEN
Tuesday, November 19
- 4:00 to 4:30 interview availability with Grubauer and Lt. Col. Foley
- 4:30 to 5:30 open skating experience with Grubauer
- 5:30 to 6:00 Grubauer Q&A with kids/motivational remarks, surprises kids with holiday gifts
WHERE
Kraken Community Iceplex
10601 5th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125
MEDIA CONTACT
David J. Kennedy
The Salvation Army Northwest Division Communications Director
David.Kennedy@usw.salvationarmy.org
907-830-3139
Media Contact:
David Kennedy
Phone: 907-830-3139
Email: David.Kennedy@usw.salvationarmy.org
The Salvation Army to expand services in Yakima, launches $2.5 million capital campaign
New Salvation Army Yakima Corps Community Center will house comprehensive social services under one roof to help meet the growing needs of the community
Yakima, WA – Oct. 16, 2024 – The Salvation Army has announced its plans to expand in Yakima with the opening of a new Yakima Corps Community Center and client-choice food pantry named The Salvation Army Hope Market at the former Champion Center property at 509 N. 4th Street.
The property encompasses three structures. The primary 33,000 square-foot facility will house adult, adaptive, senior and youth programs, including gym activities, after-school care, meal programs, job training and church services. The annex building will be renovated into The Salvation Army Hope Market and include Pathway of Hope wraparound social services.
Anticipated move-in is sometime in 2025, pending construction renovation and the sale of The Salvation Army’s Yakima Family Services office and thrift store and current Yakima Corps Community Center.
The Salvation Army Yakima thrift store will close on November 15. The Family Services office and Community Center will remain open and continue to support those in need with food, utility assistance, case management, clothing and household items.
“We are bursting at the seams. Our new location in Yakima will be more accessible and convenient for the diverse clients we serve,” said The Salvation Army Yakima Valley Envoy Lisa Sargent. “We aim to serve as a one-stop shop where people can receive the physical, emotional and spiritual support they need. Our goal is to reduce barriers and bring multiple nonprofit service providers under one roof.”
The Salvation Army seeks the community’s support to help raise $2.5 million for renovation of the annex building to establish The Salvation Hope Market, which will remain open until 6:00 p.m. to accommodate families working during the day. Monetary donations can be made online at Yakima.SalvationArmy.org or by calling 509-453-3721.
“The Salvation Army is very thankful for the Yakima Valley community’s tireless support for 130 years,” said Sargent. “Together, we have helped thousands of families in their time of greatest need – thank you!”
In 2023, The Salvation Army Yakima Corps assisted 43,725 people, including food for 90 families per day through its Hope Market food pantry and 775 local high school students each month through in-school food pantries. During the holidays, more than 9,100 toys and 1,000 food boxes were distributed to families in need. Established in 1894, The Salvation Army Yakima Corps is the longest-running nonprofit in the Yakima Valley.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army Yakima Valley helps people overcome poverty, recover from disasters and economic hardships through a range of emergency disaster services and social services. The Salvation Army provides food for the hungry, clothing and shelter for the homeless, disaster relief, senior activity and outreach, adult rehabilitation, and opportunities for underprivileged children.
The Salvation Army Joins Forces with Marysville Toyota to Give Backpacks and Supplies to Students in Need
Toyota Lexus Minority Owners Dealership Association (TLMODA) and Marysville Toyota are teaming up with The Salvation Army to give away backpacks filled with essential school supplies to Marysville students facing economic hardship.
[Marysville, WA] (August 14, 2024) – As families across Snohomish County prepare for the upcoming school year, The Salvation Army proudly announces its partnership with the Toyota Lexus Minority Owners Dealership Association (TLMODA) and Marysville Toyota. Focused on aiding families dealing with financial burdens during the back-to-school season, they are striving to lighten the financial load by distributing crucial school supplies to those in need.
The distribution of backpacks to about 100 Marysville students will occur on Saturday, August 17 at 10 AM at Marysville Toyota.
“We are thrilled to partner with The Salvation Army to make a meaningful impact in our communities,” said Marysville Toyota Co-Owner Jim Colon. “By coming together, we can support students and families during this critical time, reinforcing our commitment to education and community empowerment.”
Marysville Toyota is one of 43 Toyota and Lexus dealerships nationwide participating in the backpack distribution with The Salvation Army.
“We are honored to stand together in support of families who shouldn’t have to choose between buying back-to-school supplies and paying essential bills like food and rent,” said The Salvation Army Marysville Service Center Director Joe Ortiz. “We’re grateful for a continued partnership with Marysville Toyota and their shared dedication to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable families and students in need. Together, we will work to ensure that students have the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.”
Each backpack will be carefully stocked with supplies, procured by Walmart and tailored to the specific grade levels of the recipients, ensuring they have the necessary tools for learning. Additionally, all backpacks will include a $10 Walmart gift card.
“At Walmart, we’re committed to helping people save money so they can live better. Our associates jumped at the opportunity to bring our purpose to life and pack backpacks of school supplies for students in need,” said Steve Schrobilgen, Senior Vice President, West Business Unit, Walmart U.S. “With the Salvation Army and TLMODA, we can spark good for students and their families this school year.
Since 2020, TLMODA has been partnering with The Salvation Army, contributing more than $1.75 million to address challenges families face across the country.
About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army helped nearly 24 million people in 2023 overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food, shelter, eviction prevention assistance, emergency disaster relief, rehabilitation, after-school and summer youth programs, spiritual enrichment, and more, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at nearly 7,000 centers of operation around the country. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on X @SalvationArmyUS.
About TLMODA:
TLMODA’s goal is to represent the needs of minority dealers within Toyota and Lexus. Any dealership which represents a minority group, based on 51 percent or more ownership, is invited to join as a dealer member. Some of the benefits available to dealer members include networking opportunities, mentoring support, collective representation within Toyota and Lexus, community involvement support, and development opportunities, among others.
Toyota Lexus Minority Owners Dealership Association (TLMODA) is a diverse dealer association focused on the growth and sustainability of Toyota and Lexus minority customers, and ethnic minority dealers. For more information, go to www.tlmoda.org.