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The Army Behind the Army

By Colonel James Sullivan

When Maud and I arrived in Las Vegas in January 1983, the city had approximately 250,000 residents and Clark County about 500,000. The total budget for The Salvation Army was $1,390,800. In 2002 it was 12,000,000. With the rapid growth in Las Vegas has also come a rise in social problems. Every charitable program in Clark County has been stretched almost to the breaking point. The May issue of the "Chronicle on Philanthropy" contained the results of charitable giving in the major cities of America. Surprisingly, at the top of the list was Detroit, Michigan. The number 2 spot went to Salt Lake City, Utah. Las Vegas, Nevada was so far down on the list you quit reading before you got there. Does this mean that the people in Las Vegas don't care?

I have found that people here care a great deal. When we have told them of the need, donations have flooded into our storehouses. Since becoming an Army officer way back in 1960 I have found that the most generous people in town are the seniors. At first I thought the seniors gave to The Salvation Army because they were the ones who were touched by the "donut girls" of World War I. Most of these seniors have been promoted to glory; and increased donations have been given to the Army by seniors. No, it's more than the donuts. Seniors give because they have been there. They have experienced hard times. When they hear that families are out of food - utilities will be shut off - that an eviction notice has been served - seniors give. They give 'til it hurts. No, they give 'till it feels good.

"What greater gift can one give than food where there is hunger, shelter where there is cold, counsel for those who have lost their way and hope when all is lost? The Salvation Army is an Army, a Charity, a Church", says The War Cry (May 10, 2003).

There are seniors in almost every program operated by The Salvation Army. Alcoholism, drug addiction, and gambling addiction affect seniors. Our Adult Rehabilitation Program serves seniors. Mental illness affects seniors and we serve them in our PATH, Pathways, and SafeHaven mental health programs.

Homelessness touches every age and seniors are assisted through the Army's homeless programs. Poverty includes every age and our Family Services provide food, clothing, and utility assistance to seniors as well. Seniors make up a large percentage of our church services. The Salvation Army's missionis to meet human needs, without discrimination.

Seniors are an Army behind The Salvation Army. You partner with us. You invest with us. You support us. Together we are making a difference in Las Vegas, one life at a time. God Bless.