‘I did it:’ Man arrested on arson charge after fire destroys Salvation Army building in Kissimmee
In a release, the Salvation Army said that the service unit at 700 Union Street had been vandalized and set on fire, with the suspect believed to be someone who previously frequented the building for services.
‘It’s so hard to put into words:’ For volunteers on Salvation Army Angel Tree Day, emotions run deep
As the sun came up over Central Florida, thousands of white bags filled with Christmas gifts waited at the Salvation Army’s joy center — gifts that will bring smiles to families in need this holiday season.
Giving to top charities rose 3.7% in 2020, driven by wealthy
In the wake of the most devastating public-health emergency in a century and the resulting economic uncertainty, Americans provided more charitable dollars to United Way Worldwide than any other nonprofit focused on direct aid, followed by the Salvation Army and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, according to new rankings by the Chronicle of Philanthropy.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/ZG4ZZKSAORGPHN5744NG4557NI.jpg)
Cold shelter to open in Ocala as frost advisory issued in Marion County
A cold shelter will open in Ocala on Thursday after a frost advisory was issued in Marion County. MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A cold shelter will open in Ocala Thursday evening after a frost advisory was issued in Marion County. The frost advisory will be in effect until 9 a.m. on Friday. Freezing temperatures and frost expected tonight and tomorrow night. Remember the 5 P’s of cold... Posted by Marion County Sheriff's Office on Thursday, January 28, 2021The Salvation Army said the shelter location at 320 NW 1st Ave. in Ocala will open at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/Y3BUXQXROFBLVAAW3KVJJU7POA.jpg)
‘It’s a great blessing:’ Angel Tree distribution takes on new meaning in 2020
Scenes from the Dec. 16, 2020 Salvation Army Angel Tree distribution day on Orange Avenue in Orlando as families pick up their gifts. Year after year, the Central Florida community shows its support for the Salvation Army Angel Tree program by buying gifts for those who otherwise wouldn’t have anything to open Christmas morning. “When I first came to Florida, I had nothing and so Salvation Army helped me,” said volunteer Maureen Campana. Jessie Chapman, Orlando area commander for The Salvation Army, said the training process this year for distribution day wasn’t an easy feat. This year has been a really, really hard year,” said a woman named Edith.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/12-16-2020/t_dd25a543a2e5461da99c053d0836706e_name_image.jpg)
Pandemic makes Angel Tree distribution day even more meaningful this year
ORLANDO, Fla. – The spirit of Christmas came alive during the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree distribution day at the Joy Center in Orlando on Wednesday. This year the annual event meant more to some because of economic hardships tied to the coronavirus pandemic. Thousands of families and seniors will receive gifts thanks to the kindness of the Central Florida community. When I first came to Florida, I had nothing, and so Salvation Army helped me. “Our biggest challenge is re-training everyone even me,” Captain Jessie Chapman, commander for the Orlando Salvation Army said.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/12-16-2020/t_2f966a6eacf44c29b1b9a39f567b96e1_name_image.jpg)
3 mothers receive holiday help from Salvation Army Angel Tree program
ORLANDO, Fla. – Hundreds of cars lined up outside the former Orlando Sentinel building in downtown Orlando on Wednesday, waiting for assistance from the Salvation Army. Adams said she believes the long line was the result of more people needing help this year, a notion confirmed by the Salvation Army. Cars waited in line along Magnolia Avenue on Wednesday as the Salvation Army delivered gifts at a drive-through event. As part of its annual Angel Tree program, 1,000 more children were adopted by members of the public who purchased toys, clothes and other gifts for them. “(My friend) lost her job, too, but Christmas is for the kids, and we are doing the best thing that we can do,” Rojas said.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/12-16-2020/t_9eec3a77860e4137906eb11eb2ff63a3_name_image.jpg)
6-year-old girl spends vacation volunteering for Angel Tree
ORLANDO, Fla. – At the age of 6, Isabella Hermosilla was the youngest volunteer helping out during distribution day for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, which provides gifts to those in need. Isabella and her family, of Colombia, are visiting Orlando for the holidays with her family. Her mother said they found about the Angel Tree event and they wanted to give back by helping. Full Screen Full Screen 1 / 22 Scenes from the Dec. 16, 2020 Salvation Army Angel Tree distribution day on Orange Avenue in Orlando as families pick up their gifts. “God delivered, our community delivered, and it’s going to be a Merry Christmas in Orlando,” Chapman said.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/12-15-2020/t_8832d46e644144889a2c38348af293c5_name_image.jpg)
Altamonte Springs boy donates to Angel Tree program, Salvation Army surprises him
ORLANDO, Fla. – It was on Giving Tuesday two weeks ago when Joseph Ackerman, 11, caught our eye during the News 6 Angel Tree phone bank. “Honestly, I didn’t really want anything and also I want everybody to have a good Christmas, so I donated my money,” he said. Ken Chapman from the Salvation Army gave Joseph a big thank you. And that wasn’t all, Chapman surprised Joseph with a brand new bike after a donor heard about his generosity. And with that said, Joseph wanted to sign off with his own special message to all.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/D3SPJXD27VFN7CZV3RZIQYM2TU.jpg)
Donations soar but nonprofits still struggle with pandemic
Despite record amounts of charitable donations this year, nonprofits across the country are being suffocated by the effects of the pandemic. December is typically the most important month for nonprofit revenues, as Christmas and end-of-year tax deductions drive a flood of charitable giving. That’s a $60 million drop for the iconic fundraising drive being crippled by the pandemic in numerous ways. Fidelity Charitable said it has distributed 32% more grants and seen a 20% increase in people setting up investment accounts for charitable giving this year. The national advocacy group projects 12,000 arts and cultural nonprofits are at risk of being wiped out forever.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/12-10-2020/t_293109a69d3b4b9d9ca61277b7cdccaa_name_image.jpg)
Mother and daughter donate Christmas stockings for Angel Tree program
ORLANDO, Fla. – Christine Dathe is along time volunteer at the Salvation Army along with her teenage daughter, Megan. This year, they are donating dozens of Christmas stockings to boys and girls in need. Dathe volunteered during the Angel Tree distribution day last year which motivated her family to help out even more. They are even thinking of donating bikes to the Angel Tree program this time around. “I really enjoy it like I enjoy looking for that special thing that treat.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/12-02-2020/t_3ec990cbfdd24ea7aabcb99ed55c633c_name_image.jpg)
News 6 viewers donate $211,478 to fund Christmas presents for children, seniors
The annual program started last month with the goal of adopting 5,000 angels, including 4,000 children from infants to 14 year olds, in Orange and Osceola counties. The other 1,000 angels are seniors who might not have a Christmas if it were not for donations. By 8 p.m., News 6 viewers had donated $187,000, and after adding in online donations, the number increased to $211,478. Angel Tree supports families like this Orlando couple raising an 8-year-old and two foster children suffering financial hardships due to the pandemic. To see a full list of locations, click here and to adopt an Angel click here.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/12-02-2020/t_3be71991d96a4221a97af2cf95b7dde4_name_image.jpg)
Salvation Army says Red Kettle donations down 83%
ORLANDO, Fla. – Bells are ringing at the Salvation Army’s Red Kettles, but the organization is seeing record low donations. The Salvation Army in Orlando says donations are down by 83% from last year. Captain Ken Chapman says in 2019 the organization collected $16,963 during the opening weekend of the campaign. This year, only $2,986 was raised during opening weekend. Donations to the Salvation Army can be done virtually at www.SalvationArmyOrlando.org.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/12-02-2020/t_cbe563e4c35e48aca4de6f68e178fdb9_name_image.jpg)
Angel Tree program expands after News 6 viewers help raise $211,478
On Wednesday, volunteers with the Salvation Army worked hard to get results for kids and seniors in need. On Giving Tuesday, News 6 viewers helped raise more than $187,000 during a day-long phone bank for the Angel Tree program. Chapman said the funds raised Tuesday will be used to help out even more families struggling to put gifts under the Christmas tree, including children who are not registered in the Angel Tree program. Chapman said the Salvation Army is in need of more volunteers to help at the Joy Center. If interested, you can reach out to the Salvation Army Orlando for more information at https://salvationarmyflorida.org/orlando/.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-24-2020/t_2ba48cc28bd2496dbb8ec424dd6d51d1_name_image.jpg)
HOPEsgiving: Salvation Army handing out 500 turkeys to those in need
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Salvation Army of Orlando’s annual Thanksgiving dinner will look a lot different this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. On Thanksgiving Day, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Salvation Army in Orlando will distribute 5,000 pre-packed Thanksgiving meals from its gymnasium on 440 W. Colonial Drive. In addition, the agency is hosting a HOPEsgiving Turkey Drive on Tuesday, two days before Thanksgiving. So you can tell this pandemic has had a very devastating effect,” Captain Ken Chapman with the Salvation Army said. It’s a reality millions across the country are still facing as we approach the holidaysBut on Tuesday, some of those struggling families felt a sense of hope with the Salvation Army’s HOPEsgiving day event.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/QRNH2H3SPZGRDHCS2MCJMAE4RA.jpg)
‘This has been an unpredictable year:’ Orlando church helps fill stockings for Angel Tree program
ORLANDO, Fla. – An Orlando church is making sure thousands of Central Florida children and seniors will have stockings for the holidays. Elevation Church is partnering with the Salvation Army and filling 2,000 stockings for its Angel Tree program. According to the Salvation Army’s website, officials are anticipating a much higher need for services of the Angel Tree program this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. For Buzyan, helping the Salvation Army is personal. Click or tap here for more information about the Angel Tree program and to learn how you can donate.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/FJRJYMLRZZB2HHR7QBZNNGGJJY.png)
Navy veteran serves his community through Salvation Army
For the past 24 years, the grandfather of three has been volunteering for the Salvation Army. When asked what the organization means to him he had this to say:"It means salvation for one through Jesus Christ. "And the Salvation Army, we're saved to serve, so that's what we do." A servant who has also seen tears of joy during the Salvation Armys Angel Tree event, where families less fortunate receive gifts donated by the community for Christmas. Carr said he appreciates the recognition, but is happiest when hes in the background, just serving the community he loves.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/PHJUCLRNUJFXLGST57MK5AIXFE.jpg)
Salvation Army hands out 1,300 boxes of food for families affected by pandemic
ORLANDO, Fla. Hundreds of cars lined up outside the Salvation Army building in Orlando Thursday for a food box giveaway. Each car received a 30-pound fresh food box with chicken, cheese, butter, milk, fruits and vegetables. "We had traffic backed up all the way around the lake so it's evident that people are really needing things this summer," Captain Ken Chapman with Salvation Army said. "I think it's wonderful because I'm a disabled person and every bit helps," Glover said. The Salvation Army will be doing a food drive-by distribution every Tuesday till the end of August till 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Salvation Army-Orlando Area Command 440 West Colonial Drive.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/WMUCGQ2IQZBH5IE25OUIPUXABA.jpg)
Salvation Army to give out $65,000 in food to Orange County families in need
ORLANDO, Fla. The Salvation Army will be giving away more than $65,000 worth of food to Orange County families in need Thursday as part of the organizations COVID-19 relief efforts. A large semi-truck filled with 1,333 grocery boxes delivered the supplies to The Salvation Army Mens Shelter located at 440 West Colonial Dr., Orlando on Tuesday ahead of the event. According to the organization, 30-pound boxes containing a variety of perishable foods like chicken breast, milk, fruits, vegetables, cheese, and other nutritious goods will be given out to those in need. Supplies will be given on a first-come, first-served basis from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/05-15-2020/t_b2a46a51cac84ceab905c8b1ed592dbf_name_image.jpg)
Salvation Army feeds Central Florida families
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Salvation Army continued to do its part for the community by hosting its seventh different food distribution in Orlando on Friday. Central Floridians were lined up in downtown Orlando to get kits featuring snacks like peanut butter, apple sauce, and potato chips. More than 500 families were fed. “Whatever we can do to make life better is what we’re trying to do,” said Ken Chapman, captain of the Salvation Army of Orlando. “We’ve been very blessed with donations, the community has been very supportive, the businesses have been supportive so today was a great day because not only are we giving out some food but we’re bringing in a little bit of hope that you’re not alone.”
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg.s3.amazonaws.com/public/S3MWYBNNO5DPFHAAS3LL6CLK4A.jpg)
Helping the homeless in Bradenton could worsen outbreak
Unfortunately, not everyone who helps the homeless is doing the same, nor are some of the homeless helping themselves during this coronavirus pandemic. “Unfortunately, what’s happening is the homeless are taking advantage of that and are crowding onto those buses,” said Laura Licoski, founder of Facing Homelessness, Bradenton. “That message clearly isn’t getting through to a lot of people.”TAKING PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY DURING PANDEMICBrown is known in the homeless community as a straight shooter kind of guy. “I don’t ask nobody for help and I don’t steal from anyone even though they steal from me.”Brown is frustrated with how the homeless community is handling the crisis. Brown said the homeless community is very much aware of the coronavirus and if behaviors in their own community don’t change, “I don’t think they can handle it.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg.s3.amazonaws.com/public/BUBQFSHSSJFEFHQNF6LJOTLM3U.jpg)
Buttigieg backs black leaders after Indiana event disrupted
African American leaders held an event Wednesday night to dispute the notion that Buttigieg lacks support from the black community in South Bend, the South Bend Tribune reported. Video shows a protester interrupting speaker Sharon McBride as he shouts, “Who chose these people as black leaders?” He then takes the microphone and yells repeatedly, “This is a farce!" The man was wearing a T-shirt that said “Black Lives Matter South Bend,” the newspaper reported. Buttigieg, who is gay and married to his husband, Chasten, also responded to criticism over a past dealing with the Salvation Army. However, the Salvation Army has pushed back at its critics’ portrayal of the group as discriminatory.