Tree of Lights Tribune 2010

The Salvation Army

The Tree of Lights Tribune

Western Division Headquarters 3612 Cuming Street Omaha, Nebraska 68131-1900

Major Paul D. Smith, Divisional Commander Joanne Bemis, Development Director Susan Eustice, Public Relations Director Kristin Webb and Joanna Leflore, Public Relations Interns

Partners in Caring: Small Businesses Give Back to the Community in a Big Way

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID The Salvation Army

the the

tree of lights

This holiday season, faced with a tough economy, economic uncertainty and a strained giving climate, small businesses are leveraging their philanthropic efforts in the community by partnering with The Salvation Army.

TRIBUNE

ue:

Iss s i h eT

Insid

s Light f o e Tre n tle Ru t e K enter C Red c o r the K t a s a hristm

A Special Edition on The Salvation Army Tree of Lights Greater Omaha Campaign - 2010

C

Tree of Lights Kick-Off The Tree of Lights Campaign Kick-Off Ceremony was an exceptional beginning to the 2010 holiday season. With rain limiting the planned program, the spirit of the cause lived on throughout the night. The $3.1 million goal was announced by Honorary Vice Chairmen Hal & Mary Daub.

Santa’s Elf ~ Sidney Johnson Fremont, Nebraska is thankful each holiday season for toymaker and giving citizen, Sidney Johnson. Johnson, 91, makes about 200 wooden toys each year and donates them to the Fremont Salvation Army’s Joy Shop which provides Christmas gifts for under-privileged children. Johnson has donated these toys for the past three years and last year he made and donated a total of 300 toys.

“When he was at home, we limited him to one a day otherwise he would stay up until all hours of the night until he got each toy done. He’s doing what he can to make sure every child gets a toy.

He feels bad to think any child has to go without toys for Christmas,” said Sidney’s son, Randy Johnson.

Johnson began his hobby making the wooden toys for his 15 grandchildren. Building helps him fill his time and make the most of his days at the assisted living center, and he knows that these toys will go to needy children.

“Every time I see him putting these toys together it just puts a shiver down my spine simply because I know he is doing it selflessly,” said Tim Gardner, Fremont Corps Officer of The Salvation Army.

Yes Santa, there is an elf in Fremont, Nebraska! Pictured with Santa is wooden toymaker Sidney Johnson. Sidney has donated hundreds of the handmade toys to the Fremont Salvation Army every Christmas for the past four years.

Thank You

to the angels who supported the Angel Tree Program: Ackerman Elementary Aksarben Cinema Alegent Medical Access Center American Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) American Medical Response Archer Perdue Suzuki Bailey Lauerman Ballantyne Strong Burke High School Honors Marketing Class Burton Plumbing Cassling Central States Health & Life Company of Omaha Church of the Holy Spirit Red Hat Group Clark Chiropractic Clinic College of St. Mary Community Covenant Church Cracker Barrel Creighton EMS Education Creighton School of Law Crossroads Culvers Face to Face Salon & Spa First State Bank G & G Manufacturing Company Harland Technology Services Hewlett Packard Imagination Station Inflection Jazzercise JCPenney Journal Broadcast Group KMTV LaVista Fire Department Lockwood Development

Midwest Eye Care Millard South High School Millard West High School MMIC Group National Guard Armory Neihardt Elementary Nobbies No Frills Northwest Bank NP Dodge Management Company Oakview Mall Omaha Door & Window Company Omaha Fire Department OPPD Roto-Rooter Sam & Louie’s Pizzeria Shopko Shout St. Cecilia’s Spiritual Life Group TD Ameritrade Travel & Transport Treasure Mart Troy E. Woods Association Two Men and a Truck UNMC College of Medicine Upstream Brewing Company US Bank Valentino’s Vetter Health Services Village Inn Restaurants Walt Disney Elementary Warren Distribution Weber Orthodontics Westroads Mall

Save The Date The Salvation Army 2011 D.J.’s Hero Awards Luncheon May 9, 2011 ~ 11:45 AM Qwest Center Omaha

The Salvation Army Brass Ensemble began the musical entertainment for the evening while guests enjoyed sandwiches, cookies and socializing. Santa arrived with his reindeer and took photos with children. Even the Grinch from the “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” musical joined the festivities. First graders from Brownell Talbot were able to visit with the Grinch and take the stage during the lighting of the tree.

While larger companies in the community assist in many ways and their contributions are greatly appreciated, it’s the smaller businesses that may appear to be overlooked. A smaller business with fewer employees and resources may proportionately be giving more (something akin to the widow’s mite) than a Fortune 500 company. The greatest gift of small businesses to the cause of The Salvation Army isn’t always measured by the size of a check they write. The knowledge and skills of their business and the volunteer time of the employees that they underwrite are invaluable resources.

Working with The Salvation Army helping in the community is a win-win situation for all involved. A small business cares about its local community not only because their employees live there, but so do their customers. Employees are most enthusiastic in helping with charitable efforts when they can see those efforts make a difference. Focusing on a partnership with one organization like The Salvation Army keeps the efforts focused locally and helps the small business reinforce and extend their business practice while at the same time making the community stronger, safer, and more sustainable.

As a group, small businesses contributed greatly to the 2010 Tree of Lights Campaign. The Tree of Lights is a fitting symbol of how the generosity of many local small businesses came together with the efforts of The Salvation Army to create one big, bright beam of light in the darkness.

We thank all of our Omaha small businesses!

Adopt-a-Family Radiothon Sets New Record Once again Star 104.5 hosted the 11th annual Adopt-aFamily radiothon held on Dec. 2 & 3 at The Salvation Army Lied Renaissance Center. Listeners were asked to call the Windstream Communications Adopt-a-Family hot-line and choose from families ranging in size from one to twelve or more members. Callers were instructed to shop for the family’s gifts and then personally deliver them before Christmas.

Donors were asked to make three commitments: provide a toy or clothing for each child, provide a gift coupon for a holiday meal and coordinate a time for the delivery of gifts with their assigned family.

As soon as Santa and the Grinch were taking the stage to light the tree, the first snow of the year began to shower over the shining tree. Musical guests Nikki Boulay with Finest Hour led the crowd in Christmas carols with the snow still falling.

The Tree of Lights Kick-off is a signal to the community that the holiday campaign has begun. Tree of Lights Leadership includes Honorary The Salvation Army’s Tree of Lights Chairmen Dan & Shirley Neary, Vice-Chairmen Hal & Mary Daub, General Chairman Joleen David and General Vice Chairman Tim Harrison.

With money scarce and the need even greater, small businesses looking to give back to the community need to match their company mission, competencies, and resources to make a meaningful impact. In partnership with The Salvation Army, small businesses save time in evaluating their response to charitable giving requests because they know the mission of The Salvation Army focuses on those in the local community with the most need.

More than 200 volunteers staffed the phone bank pairing callers The Grinch! John Kotouc, and wife Wende brought several first graders from Brownell Talbot School to help the Grinch light the Tree of Lights.

Team Star 104.5 celebrates a record breaking year of supporting over 2,300 families through the 2010 Adopt-A-Family Radiothon.

2010 Tree of Lights Campaign and Leadership

with low-income families while others processed applications. This year a record 2,300 local families, representing 8,700 individuals, were adopted by local businesses and individuals. The Salvation Army thanks Hy-Vee for once again sponsoring the radiothon.

Christmas trees vary in size, shape, and decorations, but they all represent the true spirit of Christmas. It is a time to renew faith, spread hope, and love thy neighbor. Christmas gifts are given generously, and family life is celebrated.

The Salvation Army Tree of Lights Campaign and its tree are symbols of hope for all in our community. The Campaign each year brings to light Omaha’s Christmas spirit as the community comes together in goodwill towards all men.

The 2010 Tree of Lights Campaign led by Dan Neary, CEO Mutual of Omaha, reached out to the Omaha community. Neary encouraged all to join with The Salvation Army in doing the most good.

The 2010 Campaign created excitement for the young and the old alike. Mutual of Omaha’s advertising department graciously gave of their time and talent to create an informative and exciting fund-raising site on Facebook. Texting by mobile phone was an addition to our fundraising efforts, and Dan encouraged all of Mutual’s employees to participate. Through Dan’s leadership, many other companies participated in what became known as company texting days. The Kettle Klub Cabinet, comprised of Omaha Salvation Army Advisory Board members and community business leaders under Dan’s guidance, actively participated in all aspects of the Campaign.

! u o Y k n Tha

The Red Kettles and the bell ringers were visible symbols of reaching out to people to bring them together for a common purpose -- above and beyond self. On some of the coldest and windiest days of the season, bell ringers stood for hours as beacons of hope.

KMTV Toy and Food Drive

Dan Neary’s leadership shepherded the Campaign to a successful ending. The people of Omaha can be proud to know that they helped bring hope to many within our community.

To assist families and children in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa during the holiday season, The Salvation Army and KMTV Action 3 News partnered for the second annual Toy & Food Drive.

Thank you Dan Neary, Mutual of Omaha, Kettle Klub Cabinet, and the people of Omaha. The spirit of Christmas is alive and well!

Together they encouraged the public to donate non-perishable food items and new unwrapped toys for children ages 0-16 years. The Toy & Food Drive began Nov. 29 and lasted until Dec. 16. The collected toys were distributed Dec. 17-22 to needy families during The Salvation Army’s “Toyland Days”. The non-perishable food items helped stock the shelves of the Army’s food pantries. Last holiday season, Salvation Army Christmas programs helped more than 24,000 people in the Omaha metro area.

2010 Tree of Lights Leadership Honorary Chairmen Dan & Shirley Neary

CEO Mutual of Omaha

Featured Speaker Apolo Anton Ohno Eight-time Olympic medalist and most decorated U.S. Winter Olympian in history For more information log on to www.givesalvationarmy.org or call 402.898.5906

Jerry Lindvall, known as the “Food Man”, makes sure that Salvation Army volunteers and the Star 104.5 team are well nourished during the two-day event.

Pictured left at the radiothon is Jerry Lindvall. Jerry, known as the “Food Man” at the last 11 radiothons, makes sure that volunteers and staff are happy, energized and well-fed around the clock. Jerry works with scores of area restaurants that donate food and beverages for those who volunteer for the two day radiothon. Joanne Bemis, director of development, says, “The radiothon is the only event where you can consume great food for 24 hours and lose weight!” Indeed everyone involved worked very hard to make this Adopt-a-Family radiothon a success year after year.

Ed Burchfield, Christine Johnson, Steve Seline, Mary Daub, Hal Daub, U.S. Congressman Lee Terry and Robin Terry

Honorary Vice-Chairmen Hal & Mary Daub Partner Husch Blackwell

General Vice-Chairman Tim Harrison CEO Harrison Financial Services

General Chairman Joleen David President SKAR Advertising

Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army Major Paul D. Smith

Food and toy drop-off sites included Shopko and No Frills locations in Omaha and also No Frills stores in Denison and Glenwood, IA and Blair, Plattsmouth and Ashland, NE. The Salvation Army thanks the sponsors of the 2010 KMTV Action 3 News Toy & Food Drive that included No Frills Supermarkets, Shopko and Payless Office Products.

Cris Hedgpeth, a Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary member, volunteering during Toyland days

Second Annual Fight Hunger Campaign Each Girl Scout makes the Girl Scout promise that includes the phrase “… to help other people at all times…” The mission of The Salvation Army is to “meet human needs in the name of Jesus Christ without discrimination”.

These two organizations lived up to their promise and mission this past October when they collaborated for the second annual Fight Hunger Campaign.

Girl Scout Daisy Troop 157 was one of 80 troops that participated in The Salvation Army’s second annual Fight Hunger Campaign

In several Nebraska communities nearly 900 Girl Scouts hung more than 17,000 door hangers the second weekend of October and then returned the following Saturday to collect donations of food left out in response to the appeal. The drive resulted in more than 15,000 non-perishable food items collected to assist The Salvation Army in stocking its food pantries. Even though Nebraska has a lower rate of unemployment than most other areas, the number of families turning to the food pantry for help in making ends meet has risen by nearly 30% in just the last year. Working class families who never imagined they would need to turn to a food pantry are calling for the first time.

The Girl Scouts who participated are proud of their accomplishment. One troop leader said it well. “Our girls learn so much when they help The Salvation Army in helping those in our community.”

“I think the amount of time and effort the Girl Scouts put into this drive was amazing,” said Dennis Snook of The Salvation Army food pantry. “The girls made the effort to get the word out in the community and then followed through not only with collection but loading and unloading the items. The volunteers and donations made this campaign successful, and the Girl Scouts played an important role helping us to help others.”

Santa’s Helpers For the holiday season, WOWT Channel 6 created a donation page on their website titled Santa’s Helpers. This page compiled campaigns, projects and year-end initiatives from the community on one site. Donors could easily find their specific way to give during the holidays whether it was time, money or specific items.

We were able to send WOWT a total of 11 holiday events from The Salvation Army to post on their Santa’s Helpers website. We shared volunteer opportunities, donation opportunities and special event information that included:

Red Kettle Run JCPenney Angel Tree Program Trans Siberian Orchestra Performance Christmas Sign-up Red Kettle Campaign (Bell Ringing)

Tree of Lights Campaign Kick-Off Winter Night Watch Star 104.5 Adopt-A-Family Radiothon Goldenrod Christmas Luncheon Toyland Days

Thank you WOWT!

BELLS TOWARDS EAGLE

Jacob Hoffman, Eagle Scout candidate from Soaring Eagle District, helped the Bells Towards Eagle project become a reality this holiday season. Advisory Board member Hal Daub oversaw this project and made sure it was conducted properly so it will grow every year. The Chairman was Ed Burchfield and his Co-Chairman was Kevin Simmonds who are also Advisory Board members.

The Salvation Army thanks the owners, managers and employees of these Tree of Lights bell ringing and counter kettle sites A B’s Gas Station American National Bank Amsterdam Falafel & Kabob Bag ‘N Save Baker’s Barrett’s Barry O’s Old Market Bass Pro Shop Big Lots!

Blimpie’s Cabelas Center Hardware China Palace Dillon Brothers Harley Davidson Fantasy’s Food & Fuel Fareway Foods Farmhouse Café Fuddruckers Garbo’s Regency Gordman’s Hobby Lobby Husker Hounds Hy-Vee JCPenney Kmart La Casa

The “brain child” behind the Red Kettle Run was Allie Baxter, a junior at Millard North and daughter of Advisory Board member Anne Baxter.

She realized the few weeks before the holidays is the time the need for food is the greatest. Being a cross-country runner herself, she came to The Salvation Army with the idea of hosting a 5K run/ walk fundraiser.

Numerous parents, grandparents and other caretakers have called to thank The Salvation Army for Prison Toylift.

A grandmother of six called and mentioned this act to be a miracle. She cannot afford to buy more than the bare minimum and to know her grandchildren are getting a real gift from their parents makes her feel blessed.

“Can you imagine not one toy for Christmas?” the grandmother mentioned, “God bless you people who don’t even know my family or me. Thank God for The Salvation Army.”

“I started the Red Kettle Run because I had an idea that I thought could help The Salvation Army at a time when they needed support. My grandmother and parents have been involved with The Salvation Army, and I wanted to find a way to get involved as well. I thought that a race would be a great way to kick off the Army’s holiday season. It is really wonderful to look back on The Red Kettle Run and start planning for next year!” said Allie.

On-site at the Red Kettle Run, Allie Baxter is interviewed by KMTV Action 3 News

Because of the outstanding success of the first annual Red Kettle Run, the next one is already on the books. Mark your calendar for next year’s Red Kettle 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, October 29, 2011.

Allie Baxter (r) organized the first Red Kettle Run last October with inspiration from her mother, Salvation Army Advisory Board member, Anne Baxter (l)

Christmas at The Salvation Army Kroc Center with a musical performance by Jim and Susie Mertz on December 16, 2010

One Family makes a BIG Difference The Burger King Feed The Need Breakfast was a resounding success thanks to help from members of the M&M Family Foundation.

The Foundation was established in 2006 by longtime Salvation Army supporters Mickey and Mary Landen. The M&M Foundation is managed by fourth generation Landens who are committed to making a positive difference in the Omaha Community.

1. Please give a brief history of the M&M Family Foundation. Also, Entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus made for a festive atmosphere at the Feed The Need Breakfast could you share some information about your great grandfather who founded the camp in South Omaha in 1943? What was his motivation behind this?

“In 2006 my grandparents, Mickey and Mary Landen, along with my parents, aunts and uncles established the M&M Foundation. The M&M Foundation is actively managed and operated by fourth generation Landens who through research and site visits provide their time and resources to help make a difference in the Omaha community.” James Landen Jr.

Members of the M & M Foundation, named for their grandparents Mickey & Mary Landen, volunteer at the Feed The Need Breakfast at Burger King on Dec. 23

Clarence Landen was served by The Salvation Army in his youth and was then involved his entire adult life as a supporter and board member. He felt that there needed to be a camp for people in need in our community to give children and families the opportunity to get out of the city and have some fun. Clarence was close friends with Eugene Eppley who, during his career, was a very successful hotel operator. Clarence presented him with the opportunity to acquire a piece of property on the Platte River south of Omaha to establish a camp for The Salvation Army. Eppley liked the idea, and the camp was created.

2. What is the mission of M&M? How do you feel this mission relates to the mission of Salvation Army? Are they similar? If so, how?

“The purpose of the M&M Foundation is to preserve family values and build relationships while considering the importance of giving back. The Salvation Army strives to meet human needs without discrimination. Both the M&M Foundation and The Salvation Army aspire to improve the quality of life for others by providing people with resources to make a positive difference in their lives.” James Landen Jr. 3. What is your greatest personal reward from volunteering?

“Actually seeing how your service makes things better for others.”

Jordan Kerr 4. What is the importance of community service?

“Giving to those that are less fortunate.” Charlie Landen 5. What is appealing about The Salvation Army?

“They have powerful programs that do important things like rehabilitating people and helping them reenter society.” Becca Huerter “The variety of programs that can affect so many different people in need.” Megan Huerter

The first annual Red Kettle 5K Run/Walk kicked off the Red Kettle holiday season on Saturday, October 30. Over 400 runners and walkers participated in this event at Zorinsky Lake. Instead of an entry fee, runners and walkers brought 10 non-perishable food items or $10 for the food pantry. From these donations, a total of 16,500 food items were collected.

For over a decade Prison Toylift has touched the hearts of many children and prison inmates.

In 2009, Prison Toylift sent out 916 gift cards to the children of these incarcerated parents. A total of 1,131 children received a gift card during the 2010 Christmas season. This is a 23.4% increase.

The Salvation Army Kroc Center

Red Kettle Run featuring Allie Baxter

Prison Toylift Story Many inmates say they feel ashamed to contact their children because it is difficult to explain why they are in jail and not at home. Prison Toylift allows them to keep in touch with their children during the holiday season with heartfelt wishes.

Salvation Army Omaha Advisory Board Members Hal Daub & Ryan Horn ring bells at Wal-Mart

Please visit us online at: www.GiveSalvationArmy.org

Lloyd Roitstein Mid-America Council Chief Scout Executive, supported this project with enthusiasm. Bells Towards Eagle is a new way to build the scouting program. It gives the scouts a good feeling to help the community Attending an Omaha Advisory Board meeting is Eagle Scout candidate Jacob they live in. It is a win-win for The Salvation Army, which needs volunteers, Hoffman pictured with from left, Ed Burchfield; Brian Hoffman, Jacob’s Dad; Hal Daub and Divisional Commander Major Paul Smith and the Boy Scouts, who need service hours. This project helped these young men understand the importance of civic responsibility for the community in which they live.

The Salvation Army’s Prison Toylift program reaches inmates of the Douglas and Sarpy Correctional Centers and Youth Center. Every year, Salvation Army staff go to these centers to meet the inmates and offer them the opportunity to write a personal Christmas card to send to their children. Along with the card, The Salvation Army sends a gift card on the inmate’s behalf.

! u o Y k n a Th

Le Peep Lisa’s Radial Café Little King Mama’s Pizza Mangelson’s Nebraska Furniture Mart No Frills Nobbies Omaha Hair Choice Orsi’s Patrick’s Market-Old Market PRC Professional Research Consultant Quizno’s Sam’s Club Sears Council Bluffs & Oak View Mall Security National Bank Sgt Peffer’s ShopKo Sortino’s Subway Super Saver Sweet Magnolia Walmart Westlake Hardware Wheatfield’s Wohlner’s

The Salvation Army Kroc Center hosted its first Christmas Concert on Friday, December 16, in the Joyce Mammel Assembly Hall. The Christmas Concert featured Susie and Jim Mertz, popular Christian artists, along with other talented singers and musicians and the Kroc Center Youth Choir. While the concert was free, dinner was available for purchase prior to the event, and proceeds were donated to The Salvation Army. The Kroc Center offers a variety of events throughout the year, and information can be found at www.OmahaKroc.org.

6. What would you tell others about community service? How would you explain to others the meaning or purpose for community service?

“Not only a gift to others, it’s a gift to yourself.” Megan Huerter

Omaha Nighthawks quarterback, Jeff Garcia, donates $10,000 to The Salvation Army Kroc Center

The UFL’s Omaha Nighthawks’ captain and quarterback Jeff Garcia kicked off the 2010 holiday season with a $10,000 donation to The Salvation Army Kroc Center. The Kroc Center was the all-inclusive training facility for the Nighthawks through the 2010 season, hosting their meals, meetings, practices and church services and will be their training center again during the 2011 season. “Just being able to see the influence the Kroc Center has on children and their families was awesome. It gives them a safe haven to study, learn and participate in daily activities and consequently encourages a positive outlook on their daily lives.”, Garcia said. The donation will provide Kroc Center membership scholarships that will help kids from disadvantaged families learn to swim, participate in sports, use computers and, overall, provide a safe place to learn and have fun.

The team from Burger King went the extra mile to make sure guests enjoyed their visit to the Feed The Need Breakfast

7. Describe your volunteer experience. What did you enjoy most?

“The most enjoyable part of the experience for me was seeing how grateful people were to receive a nice warm meal. The smiles on the children’s faces as they took pictures with Santa and the reindeer are priceless possessions that those families can keep forever.”

James Landen Jr.

HEARTLAND HOEDOWNERS VOLUNTEER PROFILE “Heartland Hoedowners” entertained shoppers as they helped raise money for The Salvation Army Tree of Lights Campaign.

The Heartland Hoedowners have been “clogging” for The Salvation Army bell ringing drive for the past six years. They are always looking for ways to do more community service, and The Salvation Army does so much good for others, they decided it was a nice fit. The women divide their time between ringing bells, clogging to holiday music, and singing Christmas carols. This has become a great tradition for the Hoedowners, and the holiday shoppers respond generously. This year, they had someone come up to say that her daughter called from inside the store to tell her Heartland Hoedowners lend talent an time to about the cloggers. She came by and was so impressed, that she decided to give!

The Salvation Army Tree of Lights Campaign Every year at the studio Heartland Hoedowners post the thank you letters received from The Salvation Army telling how much was raised. It is positive feedback for an afternoon of service.

The group’s main focus is to bring clogging entertainment to those who need a lift during the holiday season. The Hoedowners perform an average of 40 shows each year. Many of the performances are at retirement homes, Veteran’s homes, and at special occasions including Camp Monroe-Meyer and Camp Easter Seals.

tree of lights 2010

The Boys Scouts of America and The Salvation Army have a long-standing international partnership, “Good Turn for America.” In Omaha our Eagle Scout program, “Bells Towards Eagle”, is a pilot program that could ultimately go global since every Cub and Boy Scout is required to complete community service hours to advance in rank.

KROC CENTER CHRISTMAS