ORLANDO, Fla. – Salvation Army Majors Roger and DeeAnn Glick are bringing years of experience and dedication to their new roles as leaders of the Salvation Army of Orange and Osceola counties.
News 6 spoke to the couple ahead of the start of Angel Tree later this week.
“It’s not too dramatic to say, but it really changed the landscape of my life, which has had a generational impact on our children,” Major Roger Glick said.
The couple, with decades of commitment to the Salvation Army under their belt, both have a deep love and history with the organization.
[WATCH: Here’s what it means to support the Angel Tree program (from 2024)]
“I was born and raised in the Salvation Army, my parents are Salvation Army officers, or were Salvation Army officers,” Major DeeAnn Glick said. “I have four siblings, and they are all Salvation Army officers and then I have grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, we’re very, very much in it. I was born and bred into it.”
Major Roger Glick described his journey into the ministry.
“I’m a first-generation salvation,” he explained. “So, I came to the Salvation Army simply because I had a need; I was living with my sister and her family, and they needed food. So we went to the Salvation Army and 40 years later, the rest is history.”
The couple, who have served across the Midwest, South and East Coast, were appointed to the Orlando Area Command last summer. They are eager to continue their mission in Central Florida.
“Each community, of course, has its own flavor. Has its own culture. So, you have to learn those things. Those are the things I think that we’re really navigating is what is the culture of the community? What’s the pulse of the community? What’s important to the community? So those are the things that we’re still in the process of discovering,” Major Roger Glick said.
[WATCH: Angel Tree Distribution Day at Salvation Army Joy Center (from 2024)]
The majors are preparing for their first Angel Tree program in Central Florida, working with the community and partners like News 6 and BFARR Contracting to provide a Merry Christmas to families in need across Orange and Osceola counties.
“We are going to take care of over 5,000 angels, each individual child, and then we’ll be taking care of over 1,000 senior citizens as well,” Major DeeAnn Glick said.
“It’s beautiful to be on this side where you see the tears and the gratefulness of these moms who are coming, who couldn’t give to their children.”
Applicants for the program are carefully vetted by the Salvation Army to ensure the greatest impact.
“When people visit SalvationArmyOrlando.org, they know that when they pick that angel, they really are picking a child that really needs help. I think that’s the other side of that, I think is really important and should give donors confidence, and I think that’s why there’s such trust in the Salvation Army, because we really do that to make sure,” Major Roger Glick added.
The Salvation Army is also gearing up for the annual Thanksgiving meal.
“We do anticipate that between the meals that are delivered and the meals that are going to be served here on site at the Salvation Army, we’re going to exceed 5000. That’s a large number of meals that are going to be going out,” Major Roger Glick said. “If somebody wants to support it, simply come to the website, click donate and tell us that’s what you want the money to go to.”
Red Kettle Season is also here, and volunteers and donations are always needed.
As for the Angel Tree program, it officially begins Friday at the Mall at Millenia.
There are two ways you can adopt an Angel. You can adopt your Angel virtually through the Salvation Army website or in person at participating locations. You can drop off unwrapped gifts at The Salvation Army Orlando (416 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32804) or the Mall at Millenia.