Community Shows Generosity at Salvation Army Event

There were people holding hand-lettered cardboard signs at The Salvation Army recently, but the Sharpie scrawls did not read, “HOMELESS. ANYTHING HELPS!” A dozen people shared “before and after” signs at the non-profit’s annual luncheon, demonstrating how their individual lives had been transformed by The Salvation Army. One woman held a “drugs, gangs, jail" sign which she put down and replaced with a sign that read, “full time Mom & CNA!” (certified nursing assistant). The event aimed to provide a visual to supporters of just a few of the lives that are transformed by their donations. The Annual Transforming Lives Luncheon was held on Oct. 28, 2015 at the new San Bernardino Salvation Army, located at 2626 East Pacific Street and met its goal of raising $50,000 to provide meals for the hungry, shelter for the homeless, hope for the hopeless and refuge for children. James Ramos, Chairperson of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, was the keynote speaker and Lieutenants Kelly and David Cain shared their individual testimonies and journey from struggling with addition to turning to The Salvation Army for help and being completely changed individuals. They each became Salvation Army soldiers, met at church, married and now give their lives to The Salvation Army as Corps Officers, serving in Moreno Valley. “We are deeply grateful for this caring and giving community, and this luncheon is an opportunity to say thank you, and share individual stories of lives transformed,” says Major Daniel Henderson, administrator and pastor of The Salvation Army San Bernardino. The Salvation Army has been based out of San Bernardino since 1887, and also serves the communities of Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, and surrounding areas assisting more than 2,000 people each month with: - Meals and food for the homeless - Shelter and safety for abused, homeless, and previously incarcerated neighbors - Housing and training for men recovering from substance abuse - After-school care and summer camp for at-risk children - Scouting programs for children and teens - Church services and spiritual guidance - Emergency services in times of disaster