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At today’s play off game (1 p.m. EST) between the Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys The Salvation Army’s Red Kettles will be mobilized in support of The Salvation Army’s Haiti relief.

If you can’t make it to the game, you can text “Haiti” to 52000 to donate $10 to The Salvation Army’s relief efforts via your phone bill. It is important to confirm your donation with the word, “yes.”

Monetary donations can also be made through:
o www.salvationarmyusa.org and via PayPal
o 1-800-SAL-ARMY
o The Salvation Army World Service Office
International Disaster Relief Fund
PO Box 630728
Baltimore, MD 21263-0728
*Please note that your donation is for Haiti Earthquake relief*
o Even before donations are processed, The Salvation Army is committing and spending money on relief efforts in Haiti; Donations are critical now and also help ensure that the long-term needs of the Haitian people are met.

Angie's Father Bob Poff, Director of Disaster Services in Haiti, was 2 miles from the earthquake's epicenter in Port au Prince

When news reached Angie Pennington in Lincoln, Nebraska of the catastrophic earthquake that struck Haiti, she was gripped with distress worrying about the state of the country and its citizens, but Angie’s anxiety came from more than just her humanitarian heart – she knew her father was in the middle of the chaos.

Angie Pennington, a Salvation Army Captain, is the daughter of Bob Poff, The Salvation Army’s Director of Disaster Services in Haiti whose account of the earthquake we posted yesterday. Amazingly, Angie had no idea if her father was alive until she saw him in the news, giving interviews to the national news networks that are covering the scene.

The Lincoln Journal Star featured the story of this crisis that really hit home for one Salvation Army family. Read it here:

Lincoln Salvation Army leader has familial connection to earthquake relief efforts

We are incredibly thankful that Bob and other Salvation Army officers and staff are safe and working tirelessly to help those who are in the midst of great suffering.

Through media interviews, Bob Poff  has been doing an incredible job of making the outside world aware of Haiti’s turmoil and overwhelming need. The relief efforts have only just begun, so please take a moment to visit our donations page where you can instantly contribute to the massive aid effort that is currently underway.

Lisa Thompson is the National Liaison for the Abolition of Sexual Trafficking at National Headquarters.

Recently Lisa and her work with the Army to end sex trafficking was featured in “Christian Single” magazine.

Download the entire article and learn more about how you can help abolish sexual trafficking.

You can read more about The Salvation Army’s position on sexual trafficking on the national website and find out about events to spread awareness and support of victims on the Combating Human Trafficking webpage.

When it comes to Ben Stein – his monotone voice, dry humor and sarcastic wit – most people either love him or hate him.

The Salvation Army Greater Houston Area Command is hoping for the former.

The Houston Business Journal reported that the Command will host Ben Stein as its keynote speaker at its annual luncheon fundraiser.

Though perhaps most famously known for his role in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and as the dry spokesvoice for Visine ads, Stein is also a noted economist, bestselling author, comic, and former New York Times columnist.

The luncheon is scheduled for Nov. 3rd at the Hilton-Americas Hotel and the proceeds will benefit the Army’s programs in Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties.

To learn more about the event or to get tickets, refer to the Greater Houston Area Command’s website.

Captain Jolinda Shelbourn, Women's Ministries Director, left, talks with member of Women's Ministries Priscilla Boothe, right, of Bloomington, while playing bingo during The Salvation Army Women's Ministry in Bloomington Sunday late afternoon, September 13, 2009.(THE PANTAGRAPH/B MOSHER)

Being able to serve others efficiently means knowing the unique needs of your audience.

While The Salvation Army prides itself on its ability to help meet the basic needs of all men, women and children, it also knows that sometimes, special attention is a need all of its own.

The Salvation Army in Bloomington, Illinois, sought to meet that need for 25 girls and women as it hosted a Women’s Day event Sunday, September 13th.

Pantagraph.com covered the all-female party that offered everything from bingo to health screenings and certificates for free haircuts at the local cosmetology college.

“We’re hoping to touch the community,” said Capt. Jolinda Shelbourn, director of women’s ministries for the Salvation Army in McLean County.

“Women are working, teaching, raising their kids, and they need some time away, and we provide that. Sometimes, they just want something clean, free and fun that they can do with their families. We are trying to uphold women in society and let them know that there is a lot of good things they can do together or without anyone else.”

The Army intends to hold similar events once or twice per year.