17 April 2015

     

Editor's Notes:  The photos accompanying this story are intended to represent some of the many people who have volunteered their time to help The Salvation Army in its mission of Doing Good for others. These photos are not the actual people named within the story.

Meet Gayle - Mesa, Arizona

By Melany Stroupe

At The Salvation Army Mesa Corps food pantry, clients will most likely be greeted by Gayle Sherod, 78, who handles everything from managing inventory to overseeing shipments. But what he enjoys most is the personal interactions that come with distributing food to clients.

Sherod has worked at the food pantry for about eight months. Retired and bored, he searched for a volunteer opportunity. He approached a food bank and was turned down because he didn’t have experience. Then one day he prayed for the right opportunity, and thought of The Salvation Army. He visited the Mesa Corps and was put right to work. He now volunteers about 30 hours every week.

This isn’t Sherod’s first encounter with The Salvation Army. When he was a young boy, his war veteran father passed away, leaving his mother to raise six children on her own.

“There were times if The Salvation Army had not been there, we would have been without food,” Sherod said. “We especially struggled at Christmas and Thanksgiving and they were always there. I will never forget it.”

Now, Sherod is the one that is providing food and hope. Many people look forward to rest and relaxation in retirement. Sherod, however hopes to pick up a Friday shift, extending his schedule to five days a week.

     

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Be A Volunteer

Kindness. Compassion. Time. Every day, The Salvation Army relies on the work of volunteers to help accomplish its mission of "Doing the Most Good". Whether it's standing in a soupline serving meals, spending time with a shut-in or senior, or something as simple as vacuuming carpets nad emptying the trash, volunteers the mission possible. If you - or someone you know is looking for volunteer opportunities, why not check out our volunteer database. New opportunities are being added almost daily. Click HERE to search by city, state or zip code. You'll be glad you did!

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Help The Salvation Army Care For Others All Around The World

The continued work of The Salvation Army around the world also relies on the generosity of donors. If you would like to help us provide programs such as food banks and nutrition programs, emergency and homeless shelters, as well as other vital services, please consider making an online donation today. Your donation will stay within your community to fund much-needed community programs for those in need. Every donation you make helps The Salvation Army continue "Doing The Most Good" today and in the future.

Click HERE to make a donation. Thank you!

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