TELLING THE SALVATION ARMY STORY FOR 42 YEARS • 1983–2025
NEWS FROM THE SALVATION ARMY USA WEST • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025 • VOL. 43, NO. 6
Mattel celebrates 80th birthday with Salvation Army parties for kids and seniors The iconic toy company and The Salvation Army celebrate their ongoing partnership.
The Salvation Army
30840 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
PAID
PERMIT NO. 1831 LOS ANGELES, CA
NON PROFIT US POSTAGE
BY KAREN GLEASON The Salvation Army has long relied on Mattel to help bring joy to children and families—from An‑ gel Tree toy donations to Santa’s Workshop to emergency relief. This year, as Mattel celebrates 80 years, the company highlighted that partnership with two birthday galas in Southern California: one for kids and seniors at the Long Beach Red Shield, and another for children at the Los Angeles Red Shield—epitomizing joyful giving. The gatherings were just one expression of a much larger story. As part of its “80 Moments for 80 Years” campaign, Mattel is spotlight‑ ing more than 80 nonprofit partners worldwide. With The Salvation Army, that has meant co‑hosting birthday parties, delivering tens of thousands of toys, and standing alongside fam‑ ilies during the holidays—and in times of crisis. “Anytime we show up in the com‑ munity, whether with volunteers or product, it is our curated play ex‑ perience come to life—there are
Commissioners Douglas and Colleen Riley |PHOTO BY JOHN DOCTER
Rileys farewell from Western Territorial leadership Children at the Long Beach Red Shield received gifts from Mattel as part of the toy company’s 80th birthday celebration. Another celebration took place at the Los Angeles Red Shield. |PHOTO COURTESY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DIVISION
so many ways it can play out, lit‑ erally,” said Brittany Cruickshank, Associate Manager, Mattel Chil‑ dren’s Foundation and Corporate Philanthropy. “We’re thrilled to be here and to celebrate with you,” she added during the Long Beach Red Shield party. “This is such a special way to mark our 80th anniversary with one of long-standing partners.”
Mattel’s toy donations reach families across The Salvation Army Western Territory during the holiday season, including through Alaska’s Operation Santa. For Christmas 2024, the company provided more than 7,000 toys territory-wide to support the Angel Tree program. But the collaboration goes beyond toys and events. Mattel MATTEL PAGE 13
BY CHRISTIN THIEME The Salvation Army Western Territory will farewell Commissioners Douglas and Colleen Riley from territorial leadership on Jan. 1, 2026, as Douglas Riley retires from active service. Colleen Riley will take on a new role as Territorial Officer Care and Support Secretary. From their first appointment as corps officers in Port‑ land to their most recent service as Territorial Command‑ er and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries (TPWM), the Rileys’ journey has been defined by their love for peo‑ ple, their steadfast faith and a deep commitment to hope. For the Rileys, officership has always been rooted in calling and their covenant with God. “It was emotional,” said Douglas Riley, recalling the mo‑ ment he signed his officer covenant. “I remember thinking, this is a covenant with God. We were committing our lives RILEYS PAGE 11
‘Give With Joy’ launches across America The Salvation Army launched a new campaign across the U.S. this holiday season called Give With Joy, designed to redefine the meaning of helping others. “Giving shouldn’t feel burden‑ some or overwhelming. It should uplift, not just for the receivers but for the givers,” according to cam‑ paign materials released by Nation‑ al Headquarters. The concept is rooted in 2 Cor‑ inthians 9:7: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Science agrees, as research from the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley confirms generos‑
ity can improve health, lengthen life, strengthen relationships and increase happiness. At Christmastime, the Army acti‑ vates with urgency—serving meals, providing shelter and helping fam‑ ilies put toys under the tree. Last year alone, more than 2.5 million people received holiday assistance thanks to gifts made through the iconic Red Kettle campaign. Give With Joy is an open invita‑ tion to all officers, donors, volun‑ teers and anyone who longs to ease the burdens of others to join The Salvation Army in lifting humanity with a smile on their face and in their heart. See more on the Red Shield Toolkit. NFC
INSIDE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD General Lyndon Buckingham's 2025 Christmas Message. PAGE 3
ECHELON EXPANDS
Young leaders mobilize to help communities in the West. PAGE 5
KARAOKE WITH CLUB 60
Seniors at the Chula Vista (California) Corps find connection. PAGE 6
PROCLAIMERS OF TRANSFORMATION
New session of cadets welcomed. PAGE 8
See more about the impact of The Salvation Army and how you can join in today at
GIVE WITH JOY
6 ways you can embrace generosity this Christmas. PAGE 15
caringmagazine.org