Salvation Army

Press release:

Come join The Salvation Army for the 35^th annual WBTA and Ken Barrett Chevrolet Toy Drive from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 14^th.

This toy drive, held at the car dealership on West Main Street in Batavia, will enable us to help those less fortunate in our community.

Throughout the years, Ken Barrett and WBTA have partnered with us to make our Christmas efforts a success.

What a privilege it is to work side by side with these businesses to make Christmas dreams come true for the less fortunate in Genesee County. To date we have 375 youth registered in our program. Please donate the gift of hope for a child in need this season.

90 FOR 90 CHALLENGE -- The Salvation Army reaches midway point in Christmas Drive

The spirit of giving is alive and well in Genesee County. As people hurry to check items off their shopping list, decorate the tree and plan Christmas dinner menus, many may have overlooked the fact that today marks the halfway point of the Christmas shopping season.

Today also marks the midway point for The Salvation Army’s Christmas fundraiser. The proceeds raised each year fund assistance programs for impoverished local residents.

“We rely on this funding to carry us through the year in order to help those who are in need. All of the money raised stays in our area, so when you make a donation this Christmas, you are really creating change for your neighbors,” say Lt. Brad and Capt. Rachel Moore, commanding officers of the The Salvation Army locally.

“We are very grateful for the four local residents who took on the 90 for 90 challenge who have given us donations and we thank them for their kindness. We are still in need of $60,000 to reach our goal this year."

In Upstate New York, the majority of The Salvation Army’s funds are raised in November and December.

To learn how to help with The Salvation Army’s Christmas fundraising drive, please call (585) 343-6284.

To become a bell ringer, call us at 585-343-6284.

As snow begins to fall, many people bundle up for colder weather, begin the holiday decorating and baking and look forward to time spent with family and friends.

However, for far too many families the cold weather and holidays are not a time to rejoice.

“At The Salvation Army, we turn our attention to the tremendous need in our community for those less fortunate this holiday season,” said Captain Rachel Moore, Corps officer at the Batavia Salvation Army. 

For many years, The Salvation Army has run a holiday fund, along with its Red Kettle drive and other holiday programs. 

The holiday fund was an idea started by former Corps officer Major Leonard Boynton, to help “the neediest of the needy.”

This year, the holiday fund is being sponsored by The Batavian. Donations can be made payable to The Salvation Army and mailed or dropped off to:

The Salvation Army, 529 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.

This year, The Salvation Army has already taken applications from 175 individuals for holiday assistance, and they anticipate serving 300 applicants (and their families) throughout the Batavia and Genesee County area, Captain Moore said. 

“We rely on the giving hearts of those in our community to reach out and touch our families lives with hope this holiday,” she said. “Our annual Holiday Fund drive directly supports our Christmas efforts during the holiday season.”

One of The Salvation Army programs is the Angel Tree Christmas Program, in which applicants’ names and wish list are written on an angel cutout and placed on a Christmas tree. Members of the community may then choose an angel from the tree and provide the gifts listed. 

The Holiday Fund directly supports The Salvation Army’s efforts during the holiday season, Captain Moore said. 

“The annual program cost the Angel Tree program is $20,000 to serve 600 or more individuals, and we rely on the generosity of community members to help make this program successful,” Captain Moore said. 

Captain Moore and her husband Lt. Brad Moore said it is incredible to think about the need in our community.

Following are actual examples of requests The Salvation Army has taken for holiday assistance. The names have been changed to protect the anonymity of clients and their families. Each week, The Batavian will print some of their stories, including requests from senior citizens, who may be alone or without family for the holidays.

Harriet is a recent widow who not only lost her husband of 50 years, but her oldest child as well within the span of a few months. She was devastated and lost, but was still determined to enjoy the holiday season. It is The Salvation Army’s privilege to help her through this difficult time by providing more than just material gifts, but the gift of hope.

Dana is a mother of three wonderful and bright children, ages 3, 5 and 7. She recently left a domestic violence situation for her safety and the safety of her children. In an effort to rebuild their lives, they moved in with Dana’s mother until they can get back on their feet. She has just started a new job that she loves, but there just isn’t enough money to provide even the simplest of gifts.

Nov. 1, 2018 is a date that will forever cause this father heartache. The mother of his children tragically lost her life and he became the sole guardian and parent for his two children. He was overwhelmed, brokenhearted, confused and angry. He knew he needed to help his children cope through this holiday season as best they could, but he had no idea where to begin. He came to The Salvation Army to ask for winter coats and boots for the children, but he received so much more. His children will now be provided for through The Salvation Army’s holiday program. The Salvation Army was also able to help his family contact mental health professionals for counseling and care during this difficult time. 

The Batavian will continue to print weekly updates on The Holiday Fund until Christmas.

Press release:

Each year The Salvation Army launches its famous Red Kettle Campaign. The funds raised between Nov. 16^th and Dec. 24^th are a major part of the annual budget for each local outreach. In Genesee County we invite volunteers to man our red kettles and ring the bell outside local retailers, as willing community member place donations into the well-known red kettle buckets.

With the increase in online ordering, as well as the use of credit/debit cards as the main form of payment at stores, it becomes more and more difficult for us to reach our $90,000 goal. We are looking for 90 people who are willing to give $1,000 each to accomplish our challenge of 90 for 90!

Each week of our Red Kettle Campaign, we will host a Facebook live video on our Facebook page (TheSalvationArmyBataviaNY) honoring those who have answered the call in our 90 for 90 challenge.

Our mascot Ty the T-Rex will be live each day to announce our challengers and do his DINOmite appreciate dance.

If you would like to be one of our 90 for 90 challengers, simply send in your $1,000 donation directly to 529 E. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020 or call our office and let us know which kettle location you are taking your $1,000 gift to and Ty the T-Rex will be at the red kettle to congratulate you!

Maybe you’re a business owner who wants to give back? Maybe you and your family or friends want to pull together to donate $1,000 to bring hope to those in need? Maybe you’re a local church who is looking for a unique avenue of ministry?

Each and every one of you are part of our community of 58,242 and if we work together we can accomplish amazing things.

Will you take up the challenge today and challenge others to do the same?

The Salvation Army of Genesee County

(585) 343-6284

fax: 585-343-6717

Rachel.moore@use.salvationarmy.org

As many know The Salvation Army is quite busy this time of the year preparing for Christmas. This year we expect to help approximately 300 families here in Genesee County. This will include food for Christmas dinner.

We work hard to be able to give each family a turkey. In years passed Holiday Ice has generously provided freezer space to store the turkeys as we collect them between Thanksgiving and our distribution date just before Christmas.

We were just informed that this option is not available to us this year. We desperately need to find someplace to store frozen turkeys this season.

Our onsite freezers are near capacity. Is there perhaps a restaurant or other facility that could help us with this dire need?

Todd L. Rapp
Office Manager
Director Emergency Disaster Services 
The Salvation Army 
Batavia, NY 14020
585-343-6284 (office)
585-734-8145 (cellular)

The Salvation Army is gearing up to host its 37th annual Harvest Festival Auction on Oct. 6, one of the biggest fundraisers for the Batavia branch.

All proceeds will go to support ongoing programs for youth in Batavia and Genesee County, said Captain Rachel Moore.

“When we brought the Harvest Festival back last year, we weren’t sure what to expect, but we were overwhelmed by the generosity of the Genesee County community,” said Capt. Moore, who revived the event with the help of her husband Lt. Brad Moore, volunteers and staff. “Because of the generosity of the community, businesses, individuals and donors, we were able to raise nearly $3,000 to support our ongoing programming to reach individuals and families in need.”

Several donations have already come in from local businesses for all kinds of services to be auctioned off during a live auction, including spas, auto shops, car dealerships and veterinarian offices.

“We have also received a number of gift certificates and items from businesses for our silent and live auctions,” Capt. Moore said. “The items will be a great fit if you’re looking for a gift for anyone of any age.”The event will include dinner from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. for a cost of $5, followed by the auction. All ages are welcome to attend and enjoy this family-friendly event.

Cash, charge card or check will be accepted for items bid on during the auction.

“We are so grateful for the support we have already received,” Capt. Moore said. “Participation and partnership in this festival and auction will be a wonderful opportunity to support the work of The Salvation Army and help us continue to do the most good here in Genesee County.”

Capt. Rachel and Lt. Brad Moore are hoping for a wonderful turnout of visitors to the Harvest Festival Auction and are looking for sponsorships, which range from $25 to $100. Anyone wishing to support The Salvation Army by becoming a sponsor or donating items for the auction may call 343-6284 or e-mail rachel.moore@use.salvationarmy.org.

There was no sign of snow, but that didn’t stop The Salvation Army from celebrating “Christmas in July” during its senior luncheon on Tuesday.

The Salvation Army has been putting on the luncheon weekly for at least 20 years, said Captain Rachel Moore, who leads the Army with her husband, Lt. Brad Moore.

Shirley Cassatt, of Batavia, has been coming to The Salvation Army luncheons for 15 years.

“This is also my church,” she said.

Tuesday’s lunch was extra special because of the Christmas theme, which was organized by Sharon Breton.

The Salvation Army used the theme as a way to encourage donations to their food pantry. Every senior who brought in a nonperishable food item received a ticket for a drawing for dozens of Christmas decorations.

Cassatt was thrilled when her ticket was pulled and she chose an animated Santa, which she said her grandchild would love.

The Women’s Auxiliary, whose members cook the meals each week, kept with the theme by serving Christmas dinner of baked chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing, carrots, and assorted pies and cakes.

Mary Shaughnessy got into the act by knitting red, silver and green Christmas bells for each guest.

As guests waited to be served, Captain Moore played Christmas songs, urging seniors to listen carefully, because they would need to know the titles for a game later on. The game entailed identifying the songs from cartoon drawings. The winning tables got to choose prizes from the table of Christmas items.

This is the first time The Salvation Army has celebrated Christmas in July, but there was no doubt from the smiles on seniors’ faces, they really are like kids at Christmas.

Top photo: Shirley Winter, left, seated with her daughter Diane, shows the wreath she won at the senior lunch Tuesday at The Salvation Army.

Shirley Cassatt, right, holds an animated Santa she won during The Salvation Army’s “Christmas in July” luncheon Tuesday. Looking on at left is Mary Olix.

Captain Rachel Moore, seated at keyboard, plays Christmas songs before the senior lunch Tuesday at The Salvation Army in Batavia. The theme for the lunch was “Christmas in July.” Photos by Virginia Kropf.

Folks from Arc of Genesee Orleans were among the first to show up this morning with gifts for the annual Salvation Army toy drive at Ken Barrett's Chevrolet and supported by WBTA.

To donate new, unwrapped toys, head over to Ken Barrett's on West Main Street, Batavia, by 4 p.m.

This is the 23rd year WBTA has sponsored and supported the toy drive.

The Salvation Army offices on East Main Street will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday Aug. 1st, and the Senior Luncheon will be cancelled due to an interruption in water service at that location only. We plan to be back up and running our regular events on Wednesday. 

Temperatures tonight are expected to dip as low as 10 degrees, and in each of the past two winters, a group of volunteers has created a warming shelter for anyone who might need a warm bed for a night like this, but this year, shelter will be provided on a case-by-case basis.

Last year, a local church provided the shelter, but a church secretary referred us to the Salvation Army and the Salvation Army referred us to Tim Yaeger, emergency management coordinator for Genesee County.

Yaeger said he and officials at the Salvation Army discussed options and the best course -- given the low demand for beds in cold weather locally, and with limited staff available -- is to respond to requests for shelter rather than keep a shelter open all night.

If anybody finds themselves without shelter at night, they should either call emergency dispatch or go to the nearest fire hall. That will trigger officials to contact the Salvation Army to assist that person or group of people with finding a safe place for the night. 

The local Salvation Army doesn't have the staff available to specifically keep a shelter open all night, but staff is always on call and available to assist anybody with an urgent need for shelter, Yaeger said. 

During the weekdays, the Salvation Army at 529 E. Main St., Batavia, is open for anybody who needs assistance.

In the past, the shelters have been barely used, if used at all. People living in the area who may lack permanent housing seem to be able to find a friend or family member to stay with in cold weather.

There is a lake effect snow watch in effect now until 1 a.m., Thursday. Storm totals of 5 to 10 inches of snow are expected in the region. Winds will reportedly be 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph, creating blowing and drifting snow and low visibility.

The Salvation Army Toy Drive is underway today at Ken Barrett Chevrolet on West Main Street, Batavia.

The event is hosted by Ken Barrett and WBTA and sponsored by several local businesses.

Top photo: Lt. Rachel Moore, Colton Moore, Joan Stevens and firefighters Jerry Yoder and Adam Palumbo.

Pete Zeliff dropped off a barrel of toys.

Ken Barrett and Dan Fischer.

"Expedition Norway" is the theme of a free summer program for children in grades K-6 sponsored by The Salvation Army.

It will be held every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 14 through Aug. 25 at the headquarters at 529 E. Main St. in the city.

Transportation to and from The Salvation Army is available to children in the city.

A morning snack and lunch is provide each week.

Participants can experience the unique food, fun games and activities of Norway. Make new firends and learn about an amazing culture. There will also be incredible music and surprising adventures!

Attend four out of the six sessions and get a free pass to the Niagara Falls Aquarium.

Phone 343-6284.

Press release:

The Salvation Army is looking for students in grades six through 12 to participate in a brass ensemble. Musicians will meet on Sunday afternoons for rehearsals and perform every two months during a youth-led worship celebration and on special occasions.

A limited number of instruments are available to be loaned out and a drum set is available. All levels of proficiency are welcome.

If you are interested or would like more details please contact Major Patty at 585-861-0747 or patricia.kurtz@use.salvationarmy.org

Donors once again filled the beds of two pickup trucks with toys for local children during the annual toy drive at Ken Barrett's Chevrolet in Batavia.  The drive his hosted every year by WBTA and benefits the Salvation Army. Pictured are Dan Fischer, owner of WBTA, and radio personality Wayne Fuller.

Press release:

 The Salvation Army has extended the application deadline for receiving holiday assistance. Families and individuals who are in need of assistance with food and toys this Christmas are welcome to apply until Wednesday, Dec. 16.

Applicants must bring picture ID, proof of residence in Genesee County, documentation for all the household income and expenses. Families with children should also come with a list of toys for children 12 years old and younger.

Families and individuals in need are encouraged to come in at their earliest convenience to ensure an appointment to pick up their food and toys. Applications are taken Monday-Friday 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:15 p.m.

For more information please contact Major Patty at 585-343-6284 or patricia.kurtz@use,salvationarmy.org

Members of the Pembroke Teachers' Federation volunteered Saturday, along with their family members, to be bell ringers for the Salvation Army.

If you, your family or group would like to participate in the Genesee County Red Kettle Campaign, contact Major Robert Kurtz at 585-861-0676 or robert.kurtz@use.salvationarmy.org.

Photos submitted by Aaron K. Brown.