SALVATION ARMY

Alejandra Ramirez, 6, is known for her fun personality and her love for her family, though her strongest suit is her bravery.

Christmas came early for the Salvation Army in Detroit, when a secret Santa donated a rare gold coin in a red kettle. >> Read more trending newsThe mysterious donor dropped a 1980 South African gold Krugerrand into a red kettle at the Kroger at 9 Mile on Tuesday night, the Salvation Army said in a news release. Rare coin donated to Salvation Army red kettle Volunteer Dayna Liski, seen holding the 1980 South African gold Krugerrand donated to the Salvation Army of Metro Detroit. (Salvation Army of Metro Detroit)The coin is estimated to be worth $1,765, according to the Salvation Army of Metro Detroit. The organization said the coin has brought it closer to its 2022 Red Kettle Christmas Campaign fundraising goal of $8.2 million.

A Central Florida couple is speaking about why they helped the Salvation Army raise a record amount of money for its Angel Tree program.

Kicking off a yearly tradition, gold coins were anonymously donated to the Salvation Army red kettle campaign outside stores in Batavia and Geneva.

When you look at Tim Mack, you probably see a resemblance to Jolly Old Saint Nick, but at the Salvation Army, he’s known as the senior who steps in to help.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Central Florida will be sunny and warm Monday. After a mini-front passed by, high temperatures in Orlando should reach nearly 80 degrees. Read: Salvation Army kicks off Red Kettle season at Orlando’s ICON ParkAnother front is forecast to arrive Wednesday night. Sunny and comfortable Monday after front moves through Central FloridaThat front will lower high temperatures in our area to around the 70s later this week. Giving Tuesday: Dr. Phillips Center set to kick off its 2023 Community Giveback InitiativeRain chances will remain low this week with no major storms expected.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Red Kettle season is here. ICON Park joined the Salvation Army for its annual kickoff event on Saturday, as the holiday season begins. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Salvation Army kicks off Red Kettle season at Orlando’s ICON Park Red Kettle season is here. ICON Park also donated a dollar from every ticket sold for the ride to the Salvation Army. The money that is put in the red kettle goes toward supporting community initiatives.

The Salvation Army kicked off its Red Kettle campaign at ICON Park on Saturday with its area commander riding the Wheel for 10 hours.

The Dallas Cowboys tight ends played their own live version of Whac-A-Mole.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Central Floridians gathered at Lake Eola on Thanksgiving for the annual Seniors First Turkey Trot 5K. Runners were at the starting line on Robinson Street early Thursday, despite the morning fog. Photos: Runners gather for ‘Turkey Trot’ in Orlando to help feed local seniorsExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 17 Runners gather for ‘Turkey Trot’ in Orlando to help feed local seniorsSome attendees even dressed up in turkey costumes for the occasion. Watch: Salvation Army works with Valencia College to serve Thanksgiving meals for thousands in needThis was the 33rd year for the fun run. Thanksgiving 2022: Quotes – funny and touching – to honor the holidayThe event raises money to help feed local senior citizens through programs like Meals on Wheels.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — One student from Valencia College’s Culinary Art program plans to give back to the community this Thanksgiving with the Salvation Army. Bruce Dorris graduated from the Salvation Army’s rehabilitation program, where he found a new passion for cooking. “It changed my life forever.”Now, his college is working with the Salvation Army to prepare Thanksgiving feasts for those in need. Read: ‘Paying it forward’: Kissimmee restaurant gives out Thanksgiving resources to those in needCertified master chef Alex Erdmann oversees the culinary program at Valencia. “It’s not a big deal.”Read: Seminole County man accused of animal cruelty after 30 dogs found living in deplorable conditionsHot meals will be handed out at the Salvation Army starting tomorrow morning.

The countdown to the annual Salvation Army Thanksgiving Day meal in Orlando has begun with culinary students, faculty and staff making more than 8200 traditional meals for Orange County’s less fortunate populations.

Eugine Blackshear was one of the many who got up early on Monday morning to make the long line at Exploria Stadium all to get a Thanksgiving meal for his family.

The holidays are the perfect time to give back to the community and there are a plethora of opportunities in the Central Florida area for you and your family.

It's that time of year again!

Brevard County is partnering with the Salvation Army to distribute flood cleanup kits to residents impacted by Hurricane Ian, officials announced Friday.

The Salvation Army delivered donations to Orange County hurricane victims Friday, just days after a donation drive with News 6 collected more than 100,000 items.

Marion County will be collecting hurricane relief donations through Oct. 22 in order to aid areas throughout Florida that have been heavily impacted by Hurricane Ian.

News 6 partnered with the Salvation Army to host a donation drive in Orlando — one that received more than 100,000 items to help victims of Hurricane Ian.

Experts says British sexual exploitation victims are viewed differently to those trafficked to the UK.

WFTV: Orlando City Council approves plan to improve, expand homeless services in Parramore Homeless shelters and services in Orlando’s Parramore area are set to expand. (Demie Johnson, WFTV.com/WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — Homeless shelters and services in Orlando’s Parramore area are set to expand. READ: State leaders call on governor to take on thrill ride bill to protect ridersCity leaders and homeless advocates say the project is well overdue. The project expands the Salvation Army, Homeless Coalition, and Christian Service Center of Central Florida, which are all located in Parramore. READ: Lower-income workers lead Orlando’s wage growthSome of the people who live in the area say the plan is problematic.

Community leaders in Osceola County are announcing a life-changing new program designed to help families purchase their first home.

The shelter that has served as a safe place for women and children for decades, will be renovated with a brand-new look at the Salvation Army in Orlando.

Three federal lawsuits claim residents of work-focused rehab centers do "grueling manual labor" for pennies per hour.

As shelters at the Salvation Army are overflowing, volunteers took to the streets on Saturday to make sure people in need had warm blankets and clothing ahead of this weekend's cold front.

Three cold weather shelters will be opened in Osceola County this weekend.

The Salvation Army is preparing to take in additional people seeking shelter from an upcoming cold front in Orlando this weekend.

(AP Photo, File) (Uncredited)(EDITOR’S NOTE: Hall of Famer Julius Erving, an NBA and ABA champion, is considered one of the greatest basketball players ever and one of the sport's finest ambassadors. As part of an Associated Press series on the NBA at 75, the player known as “Dr. Those of us who played in the NBA in the 1980s definitely played a role in what the league has become today. The public service ads and the public service involvement led to the commercial endorsements because people realized that the same guys, those same people doing public service ads could be good pitchmen, good spokesmen. A couple months ago I did a program at the Salvation Army, a fundraising program.

J" shares some of the experiences that helped make him who he is, and provided him with the foundation to help him lead the transformation the NBA during the 1980s.) Those of us who played in the NBA in the 1980s definitely played a role in what the league has become today. I was a Salvation Army kid. The public service ads and the public service involvement led to the commercial endorsements because people realized that the same guys, those same people doing public service ads could be good pitchmen, good spokesmen. A couple months ago I did a program at the Salvation Army, a fundraising program.

(AP Photo, File) (Uncredited)(EDITOR’S NOTE: Hall of Famer Julius Erving, an NBA and ABA champion, is considered one of the greatest basketball players ever and one the greatest ambassadors of the game off the court. Those of us who played in the NBA in the 1980s definitely played a role in what the league has become today. I was a Salvation Army kid. The public service ads and the public service involvement led to the commercial endorsements because people realized that the same guys, those same people doing public service ads could be good pitchmen, good spokesmen. A couple months ago I did a program at the Salvation Army, a fundraising program.

Hall of Famer Julius Erving says the commercial success he and other NBA players enjoyed in the 1980s didn't just happen.

(Christopher Rockwell/Salvation Army via AP) (Christopher Rockwell)FARMINGTON, N.M. — (AP) — Farmington-area residents of northern New Mexico donated gifts and money after somebody stole a Salvation Army van loaded with $6,000 worth of toys for children, an official with the organization said Saturday. “The Grinch will not have this victory," Salvation Army Lt. Christopher Rockwell told The Associated Press. The van and toys had not been recovered, and no arrest had been made or a motive determined, she said. Rockwell said he suspected a pickpocket stole the van's keys from a Salvation Army worker who was in the store. The Salvation Army is a Christian organization founded in 1865 in London.

Salvation Army It’s been a hectic few days for the philanthropically minded in northern New Mexico after a real-life Grinch stole a Salvation Army van packed with about $6,000 in holiday donations intended for more than 350 children. (Roman Tiraspolsky/Getty Images/iStockphoto)FARMINGTON, N.M. — It’s been a hectic few days for the philanthropically minded in northern New Mexico after a real-life Grinch stole a Salvation Army van packed with about $6,000 in holiday donations intended for more than 350 children. >> Read more trending news“The Grinch will not have this victory,” Salvation Army Lt. Christopher Rockwell told The Associated Press. According to a Facebook post by the Farmington Police Department, the 2011 Toyota Sienna originally sported two Salvation Army magnets on its sides that may have since been removed. “We have, like, a waiting list ... so we could see what we have left over,” Rockwell told the AP.

The Salvation Army says Farmington-area residents of northern New Mexico are donating gifts and money after somebody stole a van loaded with $6,000 worth of toys to be distributed to over 350 children.

FARMINGTON, N.M. — (AP) — Time is of the essence for the Salvation Army in New Mexico now that the Grinch has thrown a wrench into the group's holiday toy program. A van loaded with $6,000 worth of toys set to be passed out to hundreds of children was stolen this week from a store parking lot in Farmington. "It is a pretty Grinch-like thing to do," Farmington police spokesperson Nicole Brown told the Farmington Daily Times. Now, the hope is to replace the stolen toys before Monday. The Salvation Army operates out of 25 centers around New Mexico and provides church service, food for the hungry and shelter and clothes for the homeless, among other services.

Wednesday is Angel Tree distribution day at the Joy Center and families stopped by to collect the many gifts donated by the Central Florida community.

The organization says the shortfall is leaving 20,000 hours unfilled.

ICON Park is wheeling in the holiday season with The Salvation Army’s fourth annual Donation Rotation, according to an official release.

Mike Russell, 41, is finally home with his wife Kathryn and his two daughters Hannah, 4, and Brianna, 9.

Teens using Instagram and Tik Tok are trying to get the community to help the Salvation Army.

OCALA, Fla. — With temperatures expected to drop overnight in Central Florida, officials in Marion County are opening a cold weather shelter. Temperatures in Marion County are expected to reach the high 30s and low 40s Monday night and into Tuesday morning, with a slight wind chill. WATCH: Brevard Zoo collecting donations to establish dedicated manatee rescue teamDue to the lower temperatures, county leaders are expecting an influx of people seeking shelter. Officials said the Salvation Army will have sheltering accommodations in place for the upcoming cold weather for those that need to seek refuge. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

Hundreds of volunteers showed up to help out in this year's "HOPESgiving" event, an annual tradition that provides thousands of meals for people in need.

The woman passed away before she was able to fill out the Angel Tree paperwork.

Over a few cups of coffee, donuts and laughs, seniors at the Salvation Army in Orlando explained why the Angel Tree program is important and what it means to them during this time of year.

Red kettle find: A red kettle at a Salvation Army thrift store contained a gold tooth that officials believe is worth $300. >> Read more trending newsEmployees at a Salvation Army thrift store in Arizona found a gold tooth inside a red kettle near the cash register on Nov. 5, KPHO reported. Lee-Ann Henle, the coordinator and manager at the Salvation Army store in Quartzville, said the tooth weighs about five grams, putting its value near $300, the television station reported. The employees at a Salvation Army Thrift Store in Arizona got a unique donation — a $300 gold tooth! “In the past, Red Kettles across the country have received gold coins, valuable jewelry and checks of large dollar amounts, but this gold tooth is right up there on the list of unusual donations.”©2021 Cox Media Group

While the big charities get a large share of Americans’ dollars, they did not do as well last year as nonprofits over all. Overall, charitable giving last year grew 3.8% in 2020, according to estimates from the annual “Giving USA” report. To compete for funding in an environment in which the wealthy dominate charitable giving, United Way Worldwide has made big changes. Those big contributions meant that for the first time since 2014, United Way Worldwide’s donations grew year over year. While leaning on affluent Americans produced fundraising success at the legacy social services group, Tolli Love, chief investor relations officer at United Way Worldwide worries that the nature of United Way will change as it relies less and less on the working class.

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.

When the heat rises to dangerous levels, you’ll need more than fans to keep cool. Here’s a list of cooling centers.

At least 16 bodies were recovered a day after their death and 13 had been dead for less than a week

Canada Western Heat A Salvation Army EMS vehicle is setup as a cooling station as people lineup to get into a splash park while trying to beat the heat in Calgary, Alberta, Wednesday, June 30, 2021. Environment Canada warns the torrid heat wave that has settled over much of Western Canada won't lift for days. Hundreds of deaths were being investigated as heat related in Oregon, Washington state and British Columbia. Washington state authorities have linked about 30 deaths to the heat, with more reports coming in each day this week. It was the hottest day of the heat wave in many areas, with Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and other cities smashing all-time heat records.

The Southwest U.S. continued to bake, and weather forecasters kept warnings in effect for excessive heat in Arizona and Nevada at least through the weekend.

They will operate during the day amid the excessive heat warning declared by the weather service. “More records are at risk tomorrow,” the National Weather Service for Los Angeles tweeted. On Monday, Utah's capital reached 103 degrees to break a heat record for that date set nearly 50 years ago. The heat wave smashed daily temperature records in Montana and Wyoming and complicated the fight against several large wildfires. This is unprecedented,” said Bill Murrell, a weather service meteorologist in Riverton, Wyoming.

The previous high for the date was 115 degrees (46 Celsius), set in 1974. For the second day in a row, Salt Lake City set a heat record, hitting 105 degrees Tuesday, according to the weather service. On Monday, Utah's capital reached 103 degrees to break a heat record for that date set nearly 50 years ago. Forecasters said the highs Tuesday could approach 110 degrees (43 degrees Celsius) in portions of eastern Montana, shattering decades-old records. A daily record of 103 degrees (39 degrees Celsius) was set Monday in Billings.

Dangerous, record-busting heat is spreading across the U.S. Southwest and into parts of Utah, Montana and Wyoming.

The United States is recommending a "pause" for the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to investigate clotting reports.

Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released an update this week on the U.S. seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases, saying it could be because more variants are spreading.

As Floridians begin celebrating their Easter weekend, many of them are just days away from being eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

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.

Holiday singer uses voice rather than bell to get Salvation Army donations Sammie Wade is bringing holiday cheer outside a North Texas Walmart. His journey from homelessness to hope is inspiring many to give to the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign. Mireya Villarreal reports.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There are still few places where our homeless can go," Salvation Army Major David Yardley said at the group's downtown center. Blistering temperatures can endanger health, and can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death. The daily high temperatures in Phoenix were forecast to hit 110 degrees (43C) or very close to it during the extreme heat warning in effect through Sunday, National Weather Service forecasters said. The cooling stations in metro Phoenix open when the weather service declares extreme heat warnings They were also open for a string of days during an extreme heat warning in late April. In metro Las Vegas, where an excessive heat warning is in effect until Friday evening, four heat relief stations were open.

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.”

The partnership is made up of members from nearby churches: Bethany Lutheran Church, Christ United Methodist Church, Salvation Army and Macedonia Church of the Living God. LEESBURG A group of ladies from the Beverly Shores Elementary Partnership donated more than 90 handmade curtains to help Beverly Shores Elementary School in their improvement initiative. The partnership is made up of members from nearby churches: Bethany Lutheran Church, Christ United Methodist Church, Salvation Army and Macedonia Church of the Living God. The partnership has held multiple benefits including a back to school luncheon, a Christmas concert and a BBQ event. "I always try to instill that coming from an F school doesnt define the people or the kids," Christidis said.

Salvation Army bell ringers share personal stories about why they decided to raise money for low-income families. The donations collected throughout the holiday season help provide low-income families with clothes, meals and toys. Henley, a first-time bell ringer, smiles as people walk past, saying "Good afternoon" to some and "Merry Christmas" to others. Outside the Publix on LPGA Boulevard, another first-time bell ringer, Ronald Walton, clutched a golden bell. Those interested in becoming a bell ringer can sign up at registertoring.com or call the Salvation Army of Daytona Beach at 386-236-2020.

Despite her prodding, half a dozen people apologetically explained they had no cash to drop into the bright red kettle. The physical change to the kettles is subtle a tag containing microchip has been added to the Salvation Army sign attached to each red kettle stand. Any mobile donations are sent to the Salvation Army chapter nearest to the donor's billing zip code. This year's holiday calendar shaves six days off the Salvation Army's typical window for the red kettle campaign, and officials hope the mobile options will help make up for that lost time. Harper said she hopes the new options will increase donations to the Salvation Army.

Many organizations in Lake County are offering a free Thanksgiving meal for people to come out and be a part of their family. That is why many organizations in Lake County are offering a free Thanksgiving meal for people to come out and be a part of their family. Along with the free meal, live music and a bike blessing will be offered, but motorcycles are not required to attend. Saint Paul Catholic Community, 1330 Sunshine Ave. in Leesburg, will be hosting their annual Thanksgiving dinner following mass on Thursday. Whether your reason is from being homeless, financial issues or just no family to spend it with is the perfect reason to attend this Thanksgiving Dinner.

1 320 NE Eighth Ave. Station No. 2 2701 SE 36th Ave. Station No. 3 737 SW Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. Station No. 5 2340 NE 25th Ave. Station No. For more information, additional dropoff locations or to donate toys or gift cards, call 438-5990.

ORLANDO, Fla. - News 6 is teaming up with the Salvation Army for the annual Angel Tree Program. It's a way to spread holiday cheer and make sure children and seniors around Central Florida wake up to gifts Christmas morning. Donors can choose to adopt an angel from locations across Central Florida, including News 6, the Mall at Millenia, participating Chick-fil-A restaurants and the I-Drive District. Gifts should be returned to the location the angel was picked up from by Dec. 6. CloudSeminole CountyHunt Club | 3050 E. Semoran Blvd, ApopkaAltamonte Mall | 451 Altamonte Dr., Altamonte SpringsAltamonte Springs FSU | 234 W. State Road 436, Altamonte SpringsCasselberry | 80 Oxford Rd., Fern ParkLake Mary Blvd.

Thats where representatives with the Salvation Army said they were ready to build a shelter. TAVARES A homeless shelter in Lake County is getting closer to reality. After getting an update from the Salvation Army, the Lake County Commission on Tuesday directed staff to create draft proposals for shelter funding and organize meetings with city officials to discuss them. Thats where representatives with the Salvation Army said they were ready to build a shelter. The thing that I think really is going to get this thing moving is a financial commitment from Lake County, said County Manager Jeff Cole.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Dozens of people lined up outside the Salvation Army on Thursday as a nonprofit organization helped obtain crucial identification documents for those in need. "Identification really is the foundation of our society," Executive Director Michael Dippy said. Dyer said organizations like IDignity help support the city's Housing First initiative to break the cycle of homelessness. "People that are accessing apartment living need identification whenever they are signing up to get their house." "Being able to make this transition smooth is a blessing that I'm really, really grateful about."

Roommates return $41,000 found in used couch Three friends in New Paltz, N.Y. were stunned when they discovered $41,000 stuffed inside a used couch they had bought from a Salvation Army. The roommates were able to track down the original owner of the couch and they returned the money. WCBS-TV's Don Champion reports.