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Last Updated: Dec 29, 2011 - 2:18:31 AM |
Freeport, Grand Bahama - The Salvation Army celebrated it’s 80th Anniversary of service to the Bahamas this year. It opened it’s doors in Freeport 26 years ago in 1985.
We are all familiar with the “Red Kettle Campaign” during Christmas Time, where the Volunteer bell ringers collect for the work of The Salvation Army. But, do we really know much more about The Salvation Army and what they do the rest of the year.
The Salvation Army serves the Freeport community with spiritual guidance, while tending to the material and emotional needs of the less fortunate in our community. The army is always there in times of crisis. They provide clothes, food and even a hot shower to the homeless. They do not receive any grants, funds or subsidies from the government.
The Salvation Army is funded through local donations, income from the Thrift Shop, the Red Kettle Campaign, a bi-annual mail appeal and local fundraisers. In 2010, The Salvation Army provided over 1100 meals, 750 food packages during the year, 440 Food Parcels at Christmas and 12,000 pieces of clothing to local persons who were in need. Each week food packages are distributed to needy families.
They provide after school clubs for boys and girls which includes an afternoon snack. The children are taught crafts, cooking, sports and other activities while providing a safe after school environment. In addition, a sailing club for boys is entering its second year. During the summer months, for the last 26 years, The Salvation Army has offered Camp programs that have taken such forms as music camps, scouting camps, Young Men’s camps and sleep away camps.
The Salvation Army also raises money through small fund raisers. This year a group of local women, the SA Women’s Auxiliary, have organized a “Tea Party” to help raise funds for the upcoming Christmas Season and ongoing programs.
The Mad Hatters Tea Party will be held on
Saturday, November 12, at the Grand Bahama Yacht Club at the Club House, from 2:00 – 5:00 pm. The affair boasts lots of good food, a silent auction with great prizes including a trip to Fort Lauderdale, a stay at the Marriott of your choice, a Celebrity Cruise Gift Certificate and many more. They will have a very unusual fashion show, actually Freeport’s first “green” fashion show, featuring clothes from the Thrift Shop……you will be surprised to see what’s there.
Please come and don’t forget to wear your hats…pretty hats, silly hats, ugly hats we have prizes for all categories.
The donation for the “Tea Party” is $35.00 per person and you will definitely get your money’s worth…..of tea, food and fun. Tickets are available at The Seventeen Shop and The Salvation Army Thrift Store.
Please come out and support an organization that supports our community. We want to see you there.
© Copyright 2011 by thebahamasweekly.com
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