Cell phones can be a lifeline for homeless people

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There was a recent story in Portland, Oregon about the prosecution of two homeless individuals who stole power from a street outlet to charge their cell phones. The community was outraged at the move because of the cost of the hearings and the injustice of it all. The Salvation Army, on the other hand, heard the story and got to work creating a phone charging station in the entryway of their women’s shelter. It was exactly the right response and it’s been met with lots of gratitude. Here’s a link to the story.

School supplies can help low-income kids make lasting change

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Every day, Salvation Army do gooders – whether they work here full time or support our mission in their spare time – dream up ways to create good and lasting change for people in need. We’re always working on new and existing programs, bright ideas and special projects to give people opportunities they don’t know how to make on their own. One of our favorite ways to create good and lasting change is to make sure kids from low-income families are excited about school and have everything they need to succeed.

Salvation Army hosts Special Olympics athletes for breakfast in LA’s South Bay

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Forty athletes from Haiti, Benin and Suriname will be guests of The Salvation Army in Redondo Beach for breakfast this week in the lead up to the Special Olympics’ opening ceremony on Saturday, July 25th. The athletes range in age from 16 to 40 years old are are staying at hotels in the Redondo Beach area. Each morning they’ll be shuttled to The Salvation Army on Beryl Street for scrambled eggs, waffles, bagels and cream cheese, and fresh fruit!

Unpaid tickets – often the 1st stop on the road to financial ruin

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What happens when someone can’t afford to pay their tickets? If they can’t pay the fine, their unpaid tickets mount up and their license is suspended or their car is towed to an impound lot. Sadly, for many low-income or working poor people, getting their car towed sets off a string of events that can lead to financial disaster.

CommuniGift platform makes birthday’s special for low-income kids

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Harry’s mom and dad are hard working and loving parents. They can afford to give him the basics but sometimes the extras many of us take for granted are beyond their reach. Like a birthday party with his friends, complete with cake and gifts.

Thankfully, that’s where our favorite new online do-gooding platform comes in handy: CommuniGift!

L.A. Clippers & Chris Paul bless Salvation Army in Compton, CA

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Here at The Salvation Army, we love a do-gooder! One of our favorites is Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers. Paul’s family foundation is responsible for a lot of good around Los Angeles as is the very generous team he plays for. Last Friday we got to see what the Chris Paul Family Foundation and Denise Booth’s crew from the L.A. Clippers Foundation did to create an environment for learning and play at The Salvation Army in Compton, California.

That homeless lady and dog in the nearby alley need your help. Here’s how.

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Have you ever wondered where a homeless job searcher would keep their pet while looking for work? Showing up for an interview with a dog on a leash or a birdcage in hand probably doesn’t make a good first-impression. And for those who live in their car, leaving a pet inside is a major no no during warm weather. On an even more serious note, can you imagine leaving your beloved family dog with an abusive spouse so you could flee to safety?

Find a National Donut Day event in the Western US!

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Next week is a major holiday we observe here at The Salvation Army in the US. It’s not a religious holiday imbued with deep meaning and eternal significance. No, it’s National Donut Day on Friday June 5th.

Because, donuts.

In keeping with our tradition to honor this fine day by revering our nation’s veterans and eating donuts (surprise!), here’s a list of activities that are open to the public so you can make this holiday part of your life too!

The post Find a National Donut Day event in the Western US! appeared first on Expect Change.