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Bell Ringer breaks record with 34 hours in a row [here]
TSA helps with food, housing - renewing faith [more]
From 'Gates of Hell' to 'Gates of Heaven' [more]
In two years, everything has changed for woman [more]
Area residents help fill Empty Stocking [more]
It's back to school in style-Kid's Spree [more] [video]
Soup Run touches lives in Colorado Springs [more]
Katrina Evacuees More Accustomed to Giving [more]
Recovering Addict Makes "Fresh Start" [more]
Single Mom Finds New Hope at Shelter [more]
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The Salvation Army Responds to Holly Tornado
The Colorado Springs Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) has deployed employees and volunteers following the devastating tornado that ripped through the small town of Holly Wednesday night.
The Salvation Army services are located at the Holly Senior & Community Center, 208 S. Main St in Holly.
The organization is serving over 2,200 meals per day, providing three meals per day, snacks, and drinks to the first responders, survivors and those without power.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Holly community," said Shelly Tombleson, Director of EDS for El Paso County and Holly Incident Commander. "The Salvation Army will be here to lend a hand as long as we are needed."
The Salvation Army has also sent workers and equipment, including a mobile canteen and food trailer, from Baca County, Prowers County and Denver.
Both The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross are coordinating the food distribution.
To make a monetary donation please send a check payable to The Salvation Army earmarked "Disaster Relief" to 910 Yuma St. Colorado Springs, CO 80909, call (719) 884-1050 or donate online.
Jim & Rose Mertz Appointed as Lieutenants, Corps Officers
Salvation Army Corps get used to transition. Every four years or so, officers will move to a new appointment and new officers will take their place. Majors David & Janet Howarth have recently been assigned to Nottingham, England, their home country. While the transition can be a challenge, it's also a time of excitement and possibility as new leadership takes the helm. But for those in the Colorado Springs Corps, the new leaders are not new faces. Jim and Rose Mertz, who have been very involved in the life of the corps for two years, were appointed by Major Don Gilger in June and are now our new Corps Officers.Jim and Rose bring nearly 40 years of ministry experience to the Colorado Springs Corps and have lead four different churches including planting a church in Missouri. Before accepting the position to lead the corps, Jim was a Field Representative for The Army's Service Extension Department at DHQ in Denver. Rose is the Director of Development for The Army in El Paso County.The Mertz's have been married for 36 years and have two children, Angel and Matthew, and two grandsons, Brett and London. They are expecting their third grandchild in October. Contact Jim & Rose Mertz [here]
Local TSA Team Wins Denver Tournament
 6th Grade Boys Win Gold Crown Tournament, Finish 17 - 1
After finishing first in the 6th grade boys Gold Crown division with a 17-1 record, The Colorado Springs Salvation Army Red Shield Basketball Team went on to become champions at the Gold Crown League Post-season Tournament in Denver. “Thank you for sponsoring our Colorado teams,” said Coach Rob Abeyta. “The Salvation Army is such a blessing to youth and the game, not to mention our community.”The Boys 6th Grade Gold Division consists of 28 teams, eight of which make the post-season tournament. The Salvation Army Colorado Springs Red Shield team beat the 12-3 Chaparral Blue team to win the championship. The Salvation Army Colorado Springs Red Shield 6th Grade Girls made it to the tournament quarterfinals and finished with a record of 12 - 6.Gold Crown Basketball was founded in 1986 by former NBA great Bill Hanzlik and Colorado business leader Ray Baker and is the largest youth basketball program in the state.
Community Puts Red Kettles Over the Top
Local campaign is “Best in the West”
The Salvation Army’s Red Kettles overflowed this holiday season thanks to the generosity of our local community. The 2005 annual campaign raised $480,310 breaking 2004’s record of $379,000. The goal set for 2005 was $400,000.With this second record breaking year, El Paso County raised more money than any other red kettle campaign in the 13 western United States."Once again the goodness and generosity of the people of El Paso County has come through,” said Major Don Gilger, El Paso County Coordinator for The Salvation Army.“So many of our neighbors are in need of a hand up, and that number only grew as thousands of hurricane survivors came to Colorado after losing everything. Many people were helped at Christmas and many more will be helped during the coming winter months. The Salvation Army’s pledge is to do the most good with your contributions in El Paso County. Thank you and God bless you all!”All donations made to The Salvation Army, including Red Kettles, are used locally to support programs such as Christmas assistance to families, The Salvation Army New Hope Center (shelter), crisis and long term aid to families, companionship to the elderly and ill, nurturing underprivileged children, relief for disaster victims and workers, and assistance to the disabled and addicted.”Colorado Springs is a very giving community, obviously one of the most so in the west,” said Kevin Brocksieck, Kettle Campaign Manager. “They see the great need and give freely.”
The Salvation Army Responds to Colorado Wildfire
The Salvation Army emergency disaster relief personnel are assisting emergency first responders and evacuees in southern Colorado that have been affected by Mauricio Canyon Fire. The wildfire has forced the evacuations of up to 100 households and has destroyed over 6,000 acres in Las Animas Huerfano counties by late Sunday.Two Salvation Army emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) were deployed to Mauricio Canyon Fire to provide food, water and a relief to weary firefighters who have been battling the fire. The canteens have been strategically placed north and south of the wildfire.Over 200 meals have been served to date."The Salvation Army is serving the firefighters and relief personnel, and we will be there as long as we are needed. The best way to help is by sending monetary donations," Lt. Gerald Koch, Salvation Army Emergency Disaster coordinator .Monetary donations may be sent your local Salvation Army earmarked "Disaster Relief", made online or by calling 884-1050.
2005 Red Kettle Kick-off is “Doing the Most Good!”
Red Kettle Campaign Launches with Annual Breakfast
The Salvation Army will launch their 2005 Red Kettle Campaign with a kick-off breakfast Nov. 16 at The Antler’s Hilton beginning at 7:00 a.m. “Doing the Most Good (with your contributions of money, time and resources)” is the theme of the event.This is The Salvation Army’s 2nd annual breakfast celebrating the start of their broadest fund-raising event of the year. The morning will feature great food, moving stories of how the Kettle Campaign changes lives in Colorado Springs and the 2005 ‘Celebrity Bell Ringers’.The ‘Celebrity Bell Ringers’ are local businesspeople and officials who collect money in their own red kettle for several weeks before the kick-off. At the breakfast, the celebrities’ donation kettles will be counted and the 2005 Celebrity Kettle Awards will be presented.Last Year participants included Mayor Lionel Rivera, Commander Ron Gibson, representing The El Paso County Sheriff’s Dept., Tom Perkins of Perkins’s Dodge, and Tim Leigh of Hoff & Leigh Real Estate who won in 2004 by bringing over $30,000 in donations to the breakfast.The event is open to anyone who would like to support The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign. Attendees will have an opportunity to contribute at the breakfast. Businesses, organizations or individuals can also host a table by committing to fill all 10 seats.The breakfast is free but reservations are required. For more, call 884-1050 or e-mail here.
 Reception, Awards Honor Volunteers
Tim Leigh Receives Highest Honor
The Colorado Springs Salvation Army honored their volunteers June 9 with a volunteer appreciation reception. The evening's theme was Diary of a M.A.D. (making a difference) Volunteer, based on Tyler Perry's undiscovered but critically acclaimed film Diary of a Mad Black Woman. "There are many wonderful life lessons in this movie, " said Alma Scott, Salvation Army Volunteer Coordinator, "I found it very inspiring in my work with volunteers who strive to help the down and out." Tim Leigh, owner of Hoff & Leigh Real Estate was inducted into the Order of the Red Apron, the Army's highest honor for volunteers. Leigh, who has been on the El Paso County advisory board for three years is only the fifth member inducted into the order. Volunteer of the Year was granted to Lon Matejczyk, Publisher of the Colorado Springs Business Journal, recognizing his vast contributions over the last year. Key volunteers were also honored in various programs including Family Services, Transitional Housing, New Hope Center, New Hope Center's Discovery Zone, and the homeless feeding programs. The event kicked-off volunteer recruitment efforts for the next year, including the 2005 Christmas Campaign, which relies on the work of thousands of volunteers. If you would like to volunteer for The Salvation Army, visit the Volunteer Page or call 636-5266.
 Majors Don and Ronda Gilger Appointed El Paso County Coordinators
Feb. 16, 2005
The Salvation Army has appointed Majors Donald and Ronda Gilger as El Paso County Coordinator and Associate Coordinator. They will oversee all Salvation Army work in Colorado Springs and El Paso County. The Gilgers are replacing Majors Joe and Eileen Hoogstad who retired in January. Majors Don and Ronda Gilger were most recently stationed at Intermountain Divisional Headquarters in Denver where he was the Divisional Secretary for Program and she was Secretary for Women's Ministries. The Gilgers have been Salvation Army Officers for 21 years. Their first appointment happened to be in Colorado Springs, and they are glad to be back. " I requested to come to Colorado Springs," said Major Don Gilger. "The [Salvation] Army is so vibrant and growing here, something I wanted to be a part of. It's the perfect community and very supportive of The Army's work. And it's such a beautiful area!" Since their first stay in Colorado Springs, the couple has served in Greeley, Co., Torrance, Ca. and eight years in San Diego where he was the Divisional Youth Secretary for Southern California. The Gilgers have four children and two grandchildren, all of whom live in California except their youngest, a senior at Doherty High School. Both Don and Ronda hold degrees from Azusa Pacific College in Azusa, Ca. and attended The Salvation Army School for Officer's Training in Rancho Palos Verdes, Ca. Ronda is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Psychology from Fuller Institute. The Gilgers are looking forward to serving El Paso County, where they design to help more and more people. "I see us enhancing services to the homeless and families in need while increasing our outreach to at-risk youth. We are also in the process of applying for a Joan Kroc Center grant. The Center will assist many more people and totally revolutionize Salvation Army services in The Springs." The Gilgers say they are passionate about working for The Salvation Army because they love working for an organization that truly helps those who need a hand up. Ronda adds, "People make it worth it all. We've seen 'every-day miracles' first hand!" The Gilger's offices are at The Salvation Army complex on Yuma Street in Colorado Springs. Send them a welcome message by clicking here.
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Members of the Red Shield Community Center's After School Program joined professional models for the Women's Auxiliary 2007 Fashion Show April 26, 2007
Red Shield Community Center Summer Day Camp & After School Programs
Location: 908 Yuma Street
Contact: Noelle Dunnan, Director
[e-mail] or 884-1044
Other:
Space is limited, some financial assistance is available to those who qualify.
Volunteers Honored by
Center for Nonprofit Excellence
Monument Hill Sertoma Awarded in Group Category
The Salvation Army nominated several groups and individuals to receive outstanding volunteer awards from the Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE). These Salvation Army nominees were honored at a luncheon ceremony April 26: Group: Monument Hill Sertoma for their continued support and management of the Red Kettle Campaign in Monument. Monument Hill Sertoma was announced a winner in the group category and received a CNE award presented by Rob Quirk – Master of Ceremonies, Amanda Mountain – Volunteer Center Director and Alma Scott, The Salvation Army Volunteer Coordinator.
Military Category: Headquarters & Headquarters Co. 7th Infantry Division Food Program Management Office for their volunteer commitment to our annual Community Holiday Dinners. Corporate Category: Lennar Corporation was recognized for their volunteer commitment to FreshStart Program. Leadership: Bob Robinson for his continued leadership support in the Red Kettle Campaign. Adult: Leonard Derek Chamberlain for his outstanding volunteer role with children at the Red Shield Community Center – After School Program. All nominees were recognized and treated to a great luncheon at The Antlers Hilton. For more information about volunteering for The Salvation Army, visit the volunteer page.
Staff Member Receives “Service to Mankind” Award
Kevin Brocksieck, Director of Public Relations for El Paso County, was recently nominated for and awarded the annual “Service to Mankind Award” by the High Noon Sertoma Club.Ron Graybill wrote Brocksieck’s essay which recapped two decades of volunteer service and work in the non-profit sector, most of which has been with The Salvation Army. The essay has been submitted for Sertoma’s national awards which will take place later this year in Irvine, CA. Kevin’s father, Lt. Colonel Harry Brocksieck flew in for the ceremony from Chicago where he is Secretary for Personnel at The Salvation Army's Central Territorial Head Quarters.The Service to Mankind Award is awarded to a non-Sertoman who has exhibited extraordinary service to their community and worked to improve the lives of those around them. Kevin became involved with Sertoma through the annual Red Kettle Campaign, which he has managed for the last two years. To view the essay click pdf or word document.
‘Day of Warmth’ Helps with Home-Energy Costs
Culver’s Restaurant to Donate 10% of Sales Nov. 15
Energy is unaffordable for a growing number of households. After several
years of dramatic price increases, Coloradans are again facing another 30-50 percent price increase for natural gas and a 20 percent hike in electricity. This means energy prices have tripled in Colorado over the last three years. These hikes can lead to
difficult choices for many faced with budgets already stretched to the breaking point, especially the elderly. To help provide important energy relief, Culver’s? restaurant at 2925 New Center Point Dr., near Powers and Constitution in
Colorado Springs, will donate 10 percent of sales Tuesday, Nov. 15 as part of a ‘Day of Warmth’ partnership with Energy Outreach
Colorado. Culver’s guests will also have the opportunity to make a personal donation at the event.“Utility bills are a fact of life, but for those on a fixed income, unemployed or facing other hardships, paying for home
energy becomes a day-to-day struggle as healthcare costs and other needs overtake stretched family budgets,” said Skip Arnold,
executive director of Energy Outreach Colorado.“When energy prices climb, so does the demand for assistance. We are grateful for Culver’s initiative to help meet this growing
need through its Day of Warmth.” Energy Outreach Colorado partners with The Salvation Army of Colorado Springs, Northern Churches Care and Project COPE to
distribute energy assistance funds in Colorado Springs. Last year, more than 12,500 El Paso County families received about $4.5
million in energy assistance.
This year, Culver’s Day of Warmth will cover 14 states. Funds collected are used to offset home-energy bills in the county of the
Culver’s restaurant from which they are raised, directly benefiting local residents in need.“Choosing between paying a utility bill or a medical expense is a choice no one should have to make,” explains Lea Culver, Culver’s
co-founder.
“That’s why our local franchisees have embraced the Day of Warmth event. We know some of our neighbors need help paying
those energy bills and we are happy to help.” Energy Outreach Colorado www.EnergyOutreach.org.
Culver’s Restaurants www.culvers.com.
Weekend with General Holds Many Highlights
 General Eva Burrows, retired international leader of The Salvation Army, visited Colorado Springs Sept. 25Emergency Disaster Services Sending Out an SOS! The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) Department is currently seeking first responders and support volunteers to help in major disaster situations. EDS is an on-site support service that provides meals and supplies to the victims, fire, police, and other first responders, making sure front lines are equipped to engage any emergency situation. EDS also offers counseling, pastoral care and follow-up long-term care to help disaster victims get back to normal as quickly as possible.The Salvation Army will train volunteers immediately in emergency disaster response which includes necessary certifications and optional electives. Experience in mobile disaster relief, counseling or emergency services is helpful in various areas, but not required. EDS first responder teams are on call on a rotating basis throughout the year. Members have flexible schedules and are able to be on location for 1-2 days. EDS support volunteers assist in collecting, sorting and delivering supplies to disaster areas and acting as relief for EDS first responders.
We need you today! Please download a volunteer application or contact Alma Scott (636-5266) for more information.
 Women's Auxiliary Celebrates Fashionable 5th
"Helping is Always Fashionable" Helps Children in Need
The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary presented Helping Is Always Fashionable May 5 at the Sheraton Hotel, Colorado Springs. This was the group's fifth installment of the annual fashion show and luncheon which raises funds aiding children of low-income families Lymberopoulos of News 5/30 hosted the event which modeled spring and summer fashions from Dillard's.
Who are the Gilgers?
An Interview with Our New Leaders
by Kevin Brocksieck, Director of Public Relations
Feb. 16, 2005
El Paso County Command is happy to welcome Majors Don & Ronda Gilger as the new County Coordinators. I recently sat down with The Gilgers and wanted to pass on the good time I had getting to know them.
KB: You've been officers for 21 years. Where has it taken you? DG: Colorado Springs was our first appointment 21 years ago. Following that we spent 5 years in Greeley, CO, then five in San Diego plus three years as the Divisional Youth Secretary in Southern California. We were also Corps Officers in Torrance, CA.KB: Any favorites? DG: Favorite place? They all had great things about them. I loved San Diego, and Colorado such a beautiful place. RG: We end up "adopting" family and friends everywhere we go! KB: What do you love about being SA officers? DG: Making a difference, being a part of an organization that really does something for those who need a hand up. People make it worth it all. RG: I know I have seen "everyday miracles" - firsthand! I've seen the grace of God in those starting lives over again. I've seen families reunited, and those who have hit bottom reach up again. We've traveled the world and met people we never would have met because of The Army. KB: You requested coming to C.S. What drew you to us? RG: My husband is always up for an adventure! He volunteered (unbeknownst to me!) But I'm excited we'll be a part of the wonderful things God has in store for The Springs! DG: I volunteered because The Army is vibrant and growing - something I wanted to be a part of. It's the perfect community, very supportive of The Army. And it's so beautiful! KB: What are the most exciting things you envision for the next five years? DG: I see us enhancing the services to the homeless and families in need while increasing our outreach to at-risk youth. We are in the process of applying for a Joan Kroc Center that will make a huge difference in our community. The Center would revolutionize SA services in The Springs. RG: I see lots of potential and creativity in the Women's Auxiliary. It's a fun, energetic group and I expect we'll keep busy. The Corps will continue to thrive; The Howarths (Majors David and Janet) have such great skills. There's been so much growth here. There's a "can do" spirit in the officers, staff, volunteers and community - with an outstretched hand, there's no stopping The Salvation Army! KB: Tell me about your family. DG: Our oldest is Noelle (25) who works for TSA in San Pedro (CA). She's mom to our oldest grandson, Renton. Erin (23) lives in Arvada (CO) with our second grandson, Zachery. Erin works in the Youth Dept. at DHQ. Alyssa (21) lives in Hawthorne (CA) and is a zoology major at El Camino College. And Matthew (17) will graduate from Doherty High School in May and plans to enter the U.S. Army. We are so proud of his choice to protect our Country. KB: Tell me about the two of you. RG: Before I joined TSA I went to Graphic Arts School and also studied marketing. I had a small Mural Business in Spokane (WA) and worked for The Spokane Tribune. We both graduated from Azusa Pacific. I'm currently working on my Masters Degree in Counseling from Fuller Institute. DG: I'm really proud of what Ronda is doing. Me, I love all sports and I am a serious golfaholic. KB: What book (aside from the Bible) would you suggest to someone curious about Christianity? DG: Fresh Wind by Jim Cymbala. RG: Max Lucado's He chose the Nails KB: What else do you like to do? RG: Read inspirational books, books on intrigue, counseling and the study books (odd, I know.) I also crave art books. I love most all movies except CREEPY ones, and searching for information on the Internet. DG: I like to read books on leadership, and movies like Field of Dreams and Simon Birch. And I love American Idol! KB: Well we look forward to all the great things you'll do in Colorado Springs. D&RG: Thanks.
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