The Salvation Army established National Donut Day in 1938 to honor The Salvation Army’s Donut Lassies, who traveled to the front lines in WWI in 1917, where they provided essential supplies and made donuts for troops to boost morale. More than 135 years later, The Salvation Army Central Virginia is still serving on the front lines in the fight against poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, addiction and other issues impacting vulnerable individuals and families living in the 16 localities across the Greater Richmond Area.
National Salvation Army Week originated in 1954 with a proclamation by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, as a reminder to Americans to give freely. Celebrate with us May 13-19, 2024.
This year we celebrated with events around Central Virginia, from bowling and popsicles in the park to a baseball clinic and throwing the opening pitch at Faith Night at The Richmond Flying Squirrels.
Coach Tom celebrates a successful baseball clinic with our Corps (church) youth.
Bowling for fun at the local lanes with our youth.
One of our baseball clinic participants throws the opening pitch at the Flying Squirrels Faith Night.
Cooling off with friends during Popsicles in the Park.
Watch the short clip from DTMG Awards Luncheon keynote Kelly Till, president and publisher from Richmond Times-Dispatch, as she empowers us with 5 key takeaways on compassionate, collaborative and kindness-centered leadership. She reminds us that we are all leaders in our own right, leaders charged with Doing The Most Good.
About the Luncheon
The Salvation Army Central Virginia's Leaders Doing The Most Good (DTMG) Awards Luncheon recognizes non-profit, corporate and individual excellence in Greater Richmond. The Salvation Army’s trademark shield is synonymous with human services work and has been recognized as a protector and server Doing The Most Good for those of the utmost need for almost 160 years globally and nearly 140 years here in Greater Richmond.
Held in April every year, National Volunteer Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the contributions of volunteers. It is an opportunity to join the impact of volunteerism and encourage more people to get involved in their communities.
Here in Central Virginia, you will find selfless individuals with a passion for helping and making a difference. They graciously volunteer at programs such as food banks, street outreach and Christmas supports.
Our annual Volunteer Appreciation Day Celebration is our way to say "thank you!" This year the theme was "Kids for an Afternoon" with fun stations like "Build Your Own Lunch-a-ble," "Let's Create" and "Sweet Treats." We capped off the afternoon with a classic -- the Cupid Shuffle -- and a raffle thanks to generous donations from Tommy's Express Car Wash, MISSION BBQ and The Great Big Greenhouse & Nursery. Thank you volunteers for #DoingTheMostGood 24/7/365.
A volunteer enjoys filling up his candy bag with goodies from the Sweet Treats station.
Major Christine Kim and a volunteer share laughs and stories from their volunteer experiences.
Volunteers and staff explore their creative side.
Goody bags filled with handwritten thank you cards from our youth and a handy dongle for a volunteer on-the-go.
The Salvation Army Angel Tree program reaches millions of children every year. In Central Virginia, thanks to the generosity of corporate and individual donors, volunteers and community partners, 2,226 families / 4,231 individuals had a warmer and brighter Christmas morning. We are #PeoplePowered and are able to do the #MostGood because of dedicated and supportive community here in Central Virginia.
Our Red Kettle Campaign is The Salvation Army's biggest, annual fundraiser, and funds raised stay local to support all programs and services here in Central Virginia, from financial and housing support to food service and youth ministries.
It's Distribution Week at the Christmas Center! Thanks to generous corporate and individual donors, and thousands of volunteers who received, organized, packed and tags nearly 4200 Santa bags, Christmas is here.
Sam has been a devoted bell ringer in the Richmond area for more than 20 years. Take a look at how he's mastered the art of bell ringing, without wearing himself out on a full day's shift.
The Salvation Army Central Virginia and Richmond Christmas Mother Jacquelin Ukrop Aronson, wish everyone very Merry Christmas in the annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade in Richmond, VA.
At The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Richmond, it is our hope that every child has a safe, nurturing, and supportive community to call their own. A place to laugh. A place to learn. A place to grown. A place to belong.
The first Run for Hope benefited The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Richmond, which offers low to no-cost after school programming and summer camps, serving youth in the East End of Richmond.
We offered a 1 mile fun run/walk option as well as a timed 5k option. The run is on a paved course, along the water in Byrd Park.
We did it! Thanks to our sponsors who made it possible.
Rounding the corner with smiles and conviction.
This smile says it all. Empowering youth into strong and resilient leaders.
And the celebrations continue...
One youth remarks: "I'm proud of finishing what I started and I can't wait to do it next year."
OTHER EVENTS
National Night Out (NNO) takes place the first Tuesday in August and is an annual, national, community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. The best way to build a safer community is to know your neighbors, and National Night allows us to rediscover our communities and reflect on community ties and the obligations we have to one another.
Club members and staff get creative at the art station.
Building Community: Major Samuel Kim, Sheriff Antoinette Irving PhD and Sheriff Department staff and team members from the Black History Museum of Richmond.
Major Christine Kim and Councilmember Newbille take a moment meet, greet and learn from one another.
Who says learning can't be fun? Mr. Sam demonstrates how electricity moves through your fingers upon contact of a conductor (aluminum), to play music on the computer.
Building character with a friendly game of tug-of-war.
Future NBA player? It starts here at NNO.
Flying high with friends in the community.
Thank you Sheriff Irving, #DoingTheMostGood.
Held on the last Wednesday in October, The Richmond Citadel Corps (our church), hosts a free event with the community, for the community.
Firestation 8 and their ladder truck paid a visit and let the kids explore the ins and outs of fire safety.
What's a festival without face painting? Thanks to the volunteers who made all the activities, possible.
Nothing sweeter than cotton candy and smiles!
Superheroes making some super shots.
A local firefighter assists our NASA astronaut with some heavy lifting.
What kid doesn't love being in the driver's seat of a firetruck? These two do!
At the Corps (our church), it's about fun, family and fellowship. All are welcome. All are served.
Bouncing with friends is the perfect way to kick of the Fall Festival festivities.