Volunteering is a great way to give back to our community. Being a part of charities and helping needy people is an excellent way to set the example in today’s harsh society. The good example is The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army does not discriminate on a person’s faith, religion or sexuality preference. Whether brief or long term I believe everyone should be a part of this wonderful organization. Just one day of participating or volunteering can impact, and make a difference.

The Salvation Army is an organization created by an evangelist from England named William Booth in 1852. He preached to the poor, hungry, homeless, and destitute. William Booth had the ability to convert people such as prostitutes and gamblers from non-believers to believers. In 1872 he had about 1,000 volunteers, and by 1885, numbers grew to 250,000 followers under the same Christian mission. The Army’s mission statement is to help people from bad habits, and achieve their goals in life. The Salvation Army is a great organization that helps people struggling physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Recently, the members of a club I participate in, the Big Mountain Leo Club, were able to take turns, alternating to receive donations in front of Hannam Chain Market in Koreatown. We were delighted to see and meet elders who wished us good luck in our small fundraiser. Many of these people who donated were people who knew the importance of this program and had received help as well when they were in need. They hoped that certainly those few dollars that they donated would soon become part of a bigger sum and be given to someone else in need. And they were right. Everybody who donated had taken part in a great program to help those from their sufferings. With the donations that are made, the Salvation Army helps single mothers to find a home. They receive food to feed their children so that they are capable of living a full life just like other children.

After an amazing experience with my friends and family members while collecting donations, I realized the true importance of this program. No matter how little that donation may be, it will definitely contribute to a bigger sum that will be used to help someone.

<Alison Moon / Palms Middle School 7th grade>