FDL Salvation Army Annual Community Report

Congratulations, appreciation and recognition.  Salvation Army Captains Steven and Telinda Wilson offered all three during the annual community report, highlighting traditions grown during The Salvation Army’s (TSA) 125 years in Fond du Lac, and recognizing Wink Chiropractic & Wellness Center, Sue Petrack, Little Farmer, KFIZ/107 The Bull, SIGMA and John Pelletier as 2015’s Outstanding Partners and Anchors of Service.  Each is profiled on The Salvation Army Facebook .

In 2015, 13,700 volunteer hours and community generosity combined , helping The Salvation Army “meet human needs in His name without discrimination.”   240 tons of food portioned out during 9547 food pantry visits;  207 families  received eviction, homelessness and utility disconnection help; 2400 individuals collected coats; 100 families with clothing and household items from the Thrift Store.

Red Kettles have dotted FdL’s Christmas landscape since the “army” first arrived.  2015’s Red Kettles Campaign raised $155,342.95, anchored by the 16th Annual KFIZ/107 The Bull Bucket Brigade, West Shore Group’s Christmas Eve $10,000 Kettle Match, and the mini counter kettles John Pelletier coordinates.   

The Salvation Army Childcare began in 1973 as Kindercare in St. Agnes Hall, relocated to the Mental Health Center in 1974, then  came “home” to 237 N. Macy in 1977.  The childcare closed; the Army remains dedicated to providing positive youth experiences.  In 2015, the gym housed its first 8 week youth archery class and music, dance, skill, character building and summer camp flourished.

The Salvation Army brought “Operation Back to School” to Fond du Lac in 1989; it’s grown to become the community school supply effort, “Back to School FdL.”   In 2015, Wink Chiropractic & Wellness Center partnered with The Salvation Army to create the Save a Sole program that helps fund new school shoes.

Brown Bag Lunch packed 2,600 free lunches when TSA launched it in 1993; last year, the lunch count reached 13,700.

Samaritan Free Health Clinic’s first office was inside The Salvation Army when it began December 8, 1993.  In 2015, 47% of TSA client- survey responses identified the need for preventative health resources and an ANSWERS Team formed to bring 32 categories of resources

The Pathway of Hope helped 10 families overcome obstacles to stability since 2012.  In 2015, one family was married in The Salvation Army chapel; another family’s story was heard by President Obama’s White House Council on Poverty. The Salvation Army was distinguished as 2015’s topmost referred service on the United Way’s 2-1-1 Referral Hotline.  “The community anchors our tradition of service and we are so grateful,” the Captains summed up.