Friday, May 29, 2015 Darren presented Arcadia Rotarians with a fantastic overview and insight into The Salvation Army.  Darren grew up in the UK and at 22 years old moved to Portland Oregon and is currently serving with The Salvation Army in the San Gabriel Valley area.  Darren illustrated the difference between life in the UK and the USA noting that in the US we have a Congress, Johnny Cash, Bob Hope & Stevie Wonder; while in the UK they have a Parliament but no Cash, no Hope and no Wonder!  Great applause was given for this observation. Most recognize the Army Shield Logo, but often people think only of the Salvation Army as a church organization.  They are that, but much more. Founded by William and Catherine Booth in 1865, The Salvation Army is an international organization and evangelical part of the universal Christian church that meets the physical and spiritual needs of people in more than 125 countries around the globe, without discrimination.

The Salvation Army is about Changing Lives and they use the motto of “Doing the most good” by feeding needy people, providing clothes and shelter for people in need, most importantly providing spiritual hope and support for all people.  In the San Gabriel Valley alone they house about 200 homeless people each night.

A question was asked about assistance with drug recovery? Darren explained that the Army provides a solid program for individuals in need that takes over 6 months to retrain people, help them develop new friends, new habits and replace the drug habit with a spiritual foundation. In this area there are recovery facilities in Glendale, Pasadena and Pomona.

A question was asked about funding the organization? Darren explained that they receive donations from many sources and do generate funds with the red kettle and bell that we see outside of business periodically.  Joan Crock (heir of Carl’s Junior) donated $80 million to build a facility in San Diego with first class equipment and furnishings.  Following her death, The Salvation Army was pleased to learn that she donated $1.5 billion to the organization, the largest donation in their history.

David McMonigle is on the Salvation Army advisory board for this area.  Darren noted that the Salvation Army band plays in the Rose Parade each year as well.  A Rotarian ask about opportunities to volunteer with the Salvation Army? One way that groups often volunteer is by sponsoring “a kettle” for a day at a local business, rotating volunteers for an hour each.  Financial gifts and donations can also be made via a will or trust or online and can specifically state the area that funds should be used for.  In comparison to other charitable organizations, a very high percentage of the funds raised go directly to assist people, only a modest amount is used for administration.  In closing Mike Ojeda thanked Darren Norton for his excellent presentation.