TELLING THE SALVATION ARMY STORY FOR 42 YEARS • 1983–2025
NEWS FROM THE SALVATION ARMY USA WEST • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 • VOL. 43, NO. 1
Wildfires char Los Angeles, The Salvation Army responds
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Just days after the world had its eyes on Southern California to kick off the New Year, multiple wildfires driven by high winds devastated the Los Angeles area—a disaster that as of press time had damaged or destroyed more than 12,000 structures, killed at least 24 people and forced tens of thousands from their homes. The full scale of destruction will take time to assess but the fires are already some of the most destructive in state history having burned some 63 square miles across the Los Angeles region. For comparison, the entire city of San Francisco is 49 square miles. The Salvation Army mobilized teams Jan. 8 to care for survivors displaced from their homes, Salvation Army staff and volunteers at the Santa Monica Corps prepare sandwiches and other food for distribution at the temporary evacuees and emer- American Red Cross shelter at the Westwood Rec Center. |PHOTO BY JOHN DOCTER gency responders with meals At the Westwood Recreation and emotional and spiritual care. serving our actual neighbors,” have been evacuated, but I’m As of Jan. 14, teams continue to said Lt. Colonel Mike Dickinson, humbled to say that those same Center in LA’s Westwood neighserve at multiple Red Cross op- Divisional Commander of The people have remained on duty, borhood, Santa Monica Corps erated evacuation centers with Salvation Army in Southern Cal- doing what The Salvation Army soldier and volunteer Destithe knowledge that this disaster ifornia, as the disaster unfolded. is known for—providing food, ny Elias was a part of a group “Many of our officer families, staff, shelter, the basic needs and that prepared some 240 sandis far from over. wiches served alongside salad, “The Salvation Army is out here as well as several of our shelters hope, all in the name of Jesus.”
Hear from Captains Nick and Becky Helms about their experience and how their ministry is adapting in The Do Gooders Podcast Episode 215. snacks and beverages Jan. 9. “I just felt really bad for the people,” she said. “I know they’re going through it emotionally and physically, so the least I could do is just be there for them, and try to help them.” In response to a disaster, The Salvation Army works in conjunction with government and nonprofit agencies. In Southern California, the organization has 13 emergency vehicles ready for deployment upon government partner request, including six mobile kitchens, five transit vans and two shower trailers. Southern California General Secretary Major Anthony Barnes told CNN Jan. 9 many people are trying to figure out next steps. “That’s where we get to come alongside them, point them to directions... that they can get those needs met so we can sit WILDFIRES PAGE 12
Suisun City Kroc Center earns ‘Best Christian Workplace’ distinction
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The Suisun City Kroc Center team celebrates its certification as a Best Christian Workplace. |PHOTO COURTESY SUISUN CITY KROC CENTER
BY KAREN GLEASON In late 2024, The Salvation Army Suisun City (California) Kroc Center was named a “Best Christian Workplace”—the first Kroc Center in the Western Territory to receive the distinction and a testament to the impact a Kroc Center can have not only on the community but also on its staff. “It’s very humbling to speak about it. It was definitely a team effort,” said Officer Services Secretary Major Joanne Louangamath, who served at the Kroc Center during the certification process. SUISUN CITY KROC PAGE 13
INSIDE 2025 ROSE PARADE
215 Salvationists march in the annual New Year’s tradition. PAGE 3
THERAPY DOGS
GO TEAM visits Booth program for young parents. PAGE 5
FULL CIRCLE
A visit to a Salvation Army food pantry changed one family’s life. PAGE 6
HOLIDAYS BRIGHTENED
9 ways The Salvation Army assisted thousands this Christmas season. PAGE 8
See more about the impact of The Salvation Army and how you can help Do Good today at
YEAR-ROUND VOLUNTEERS
Ways to engage holiday volunteers for year-round impact. PAGE 15
caringmagazine.org