Throw a game, support our shelter

Cornhole is becoming a tradition at Salvation Army events and tomorrow is no exception. Thanks to a generous donation from Indy Custom Cornhole, we’ll have 2 cornhole sets ready for players tomorrow at Apple Fest on Monument Circle.

So, gather up a group of co-workers and head on over to the Circle any time between 10am – 3pm and put those lunch dollars to work for a good cause – homeless women and kids. Enjoy some freshly grilled sandwiches and a bag of chips from Applebee’s, sodas and water from Ricker’s, apple cobbler from GFS Marketplace and make it a la mode courtesy of Kroger.

We’ll even give you a chance to work off some calories when you throw a game of cornhole before heading back to the office.

We’ve got plenty of food and fun in store. So, spread the word, stop by the ATM and meet us there. We’ll be waiting!

A True Survivor – Biting Back

What goes around, comes around. And I mean that in the very best way. Here at The Salvation Army, we’re always trying to inspire you to get in the game and do your best at “Doing the Most Good.” If you’ve not been moved thus far, the following testimony of one woman’s gratitude towards the Army will inspire AND convict.  Again, in a good way. You see, this woman didn’t just come to us and find help and hope.  She discovered the joy of giving back – even before she was able to do so.  She discovered the importance of keeping the cycle going between giving and receiving.  Read her story and see how it can apply to your perspective about giving back out of the blessings that you’ve received.

My name is Donna*. My life has been saved! This is a literal statement because the abuse from my husband had progressed to the point where he was going to kill me. And even worse than that he would have done so in front of my three children. He had never abused the children before, but the signs were all present and I knew it was just a matter of time before he started on them too.

People say, “Leave him! Go!” But where do you go? There was nowhere in the area to go, no shelters. How are you supposed to get out safely? And if you have children it becomes even more complicated. You leave on the spur of the moment whenever the opportunity becomes available to you.

Then you find out all of the shelters are full, no rooms available. I left home in the middle of the night with my three children with very few personal belongings. Who was there for us? The Salvation Army was there. They had a room for us. In the middle of the night at 11:00pm they were there. My kids and I were finally safe. They first provided us with food, clothing, personal hygene items. After that they provided us with spiritual encouragement and hope. We stayed at The Salvation Army for several months until I was able to save up money for a safe apartment away from my abusive husband.

Currently I am still not at a place where I can give back, but when I am I will give generously so that The Salvation Army can be there for someone else in need. Thank you and God Bless.

Names have been changed to protect the confidentiality of the client.  Donna* is currently enrolled in our Continuing Support Program and she continues contact with her case manager once a week.

Coming up – an opportunity for YOU to give back, or “bite back” as we like to say here!

October 7 at Monument Circle in downtown Indy – 10am – 3pm.   Your lunch purchase will benefit programs for homeless and abused women and children, just like Donna*.

Bringin’ the apples to Apple Fest

We chatted with our friends from Adrian Orchards this week and they’re all fired up to share their amazing apples and cider with everyone at Apple Fest on October 7th. We’re thrilled to invite them back and spread the word about a local business with a heart for giving back to the community.

So, mark your calendar now to join us for Apple Fest on Monument Circle on Thursday, October 7 from 10am-3pm. Applebee’s is donating freshly-grilled sandwiches and chips so all proceeds from lunch will benefit programs for homeless and abused women and children. And bring a few extra bucks for some apples, because they’re seriously good!

Got a business or organization you’re looking to promote – how ’bout a booth at Apple Fest? Just $50 to reach about 1,000 lunchgoers with your message. Call Kristen at 224-1019 to learn more.

Salvation Army teams up with Applebee’s as food sponsor for Apple Fest

Since Applebee’s will generously provide the freshly grilled entrees for Apple Fest on 10/7, more of your lunch dollars will help us help Indy’s homeless kids. We’re thrilled to have the opporunity to work with their team to again this Fall to bring you quality food that’s donated for a great cause – our campaign to end homelessness for Indy’s kids.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be working out the details and planning an event that will be worth spending your lunch hour with us. We’re asking you to mark your calendar now for Thursday, October 7 on Monument Circle. All the proceeds from this event will provide shelter, mentoring, tutoring and other programs for kids and their moms who come to our shelter in need of a safe place to stay and fresh start.

Stay tuned for updates…

Apple Fest – coming to a station near you!

Not familiar with Apple Fest? Well, here’s the cause – This year 1,500 kids will eat their meals and spend their nights on the streets of Indy. Come out to Monument Circle on October 1 from 10:30am – 1:30pm and Eat in the Street for homeless kids at Apple Fest.

The details for this year’s 6th annual event are coming together. We’re pleased to announce our media partner for this year’s event – Emmis Communications. Now I don’t mention one specific station, because all four of Emmis’ stations will be promoting Apple Fest together. We’re thrilled to be working with the folks from WIBC 93.1fm, ESPN 1070 The Fan, 91.7 HANK fm and B105.7fm! Listen for promotions to start mid-September on-air and via the web.

And, of course, we couldn’t have an event without our food sponsor. Applebee’s is on board to once again bring their tasty, freshly grilled sandwiches and ice cold lemonade to downtown lunchgoers. They generously donate all of their items so we can turn your lunch dollars into a fresh start for homeless moms and their kids.

We’d love it if you’d come out and enjoy lunch for a good cause. And if you want to help us end homelessness in Indy, give Kristen a call at 224-1019 to sponsor a booth. For just $100 ($50 for non-profits) you can show off your wares or services and support our work to give these moms and kids a fresh start.