Courtney Grau is the latest addition to The Salvation Army and she brings a lot to the table. We couldn’t be happier. She’s local. She’s experienced. And she has an asset that’s vitally important to working in the non-profit sector: tons of energy accompanying an ever present smile.

Courtney begins work here on August 02, and we hope that you’ll take the time to get to know her. If you don’t get to sit in on committees with her or volunteer here at The Salvation Army, you’ll be hearing from her soon enough. In the meantime, stay posted to this site and our Facebook page for exciting updates on ministries Courtney will be leading.

Click on the photo to see the pics to prove it.

Those seeking assistance can now easily find information by the type of assistance they seek, and they will find multiple resources in each category.

This services site will also be helpful for donors or volunteers looking for a specific field in which they would like to provide their time or treasures.

Whatever the need, this site shows The Salvation Army’s commitment to the intricate web of Monroe County non-profit organizations that we partner with on a daily basis. We also understand that it can be hard to find the services that are needed. Our desire is that this website will help.

It’s really a simple process. Head to the Borders store in Bloomington and select the books you want to buy for your own collection. At the counter, the friendly assistant will ask you if you’d like to donate pre-selected books to children at The Salvation Army. The preselected titles include many childhood favorites that staff hand-picked.

The books will benefit the children enrolled in our Childcare, Afterschool and Day Camp programs. As preschoolers to 6th graders discover favorites on the shelves, they’ll value reading and reap its benefits. According to the American Association of School Librarians, the type of reading done at The Salvation Army is linked “to growth in vocabulary, reading comprehension, verbal fluency, and general information. Students who read independently become better readers, score higher on achievement tests in all subject areas, and have greater content knowledge than those who do not” (ALA). Heading to Borders is a great way to give back to our community.

Borders Books is a fine retailer of books, and generously gives back to local charities. Please visit them today!

Divisional Commander, Major Richard Amick presents the award to Susie White and Scott Guffey of Wal-Mart

Bloomington’s Wal-Mart won The Salvation Army’s Divisional Corporation of the Year. Their exemplary efforts to combat local poverty won them this state-wide recognition. Among their accomplishments are providing staff incentives to support charity, donating food for the holidays and supplying hard-to-find materials for those in need.

Of equal importance, is the positive and forward-thinking attitude of Wal-Mart staff and leadership. They set a strong corporate example by taking the time and energy to create innovative programs and putting forth substantial personal efforts in their compassionate endeavors.

Congratulations Store #1991!

Sidewalk Sale
The kickoff event to the 2010 National Salvation Army Week was a great success. We offered unbeatable prices on boutique clothing, furniture and household items as a way to thank the community for their material, financial and spiritual donations. And the community showed up in force; three times more customers visited than what’s average.

Donut Day
It was a cold, rainy day this year, but so much the better for a nice, warm cup of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and a napkin full of freshly-prepared Munchkins. From The Salvation Army Emergency Services Vehicle, Advisory Board members and volunteers served 15 pots of coffee and an estimated 9 dozen Munchkins. Dunkin’ Donuts staff really did a great job and we are very appreciative.

Library Ribbon Cutting
See our recent story about the new library for children here.

Their new library boasts brand-new laptop computers loaded with educational and creative software. The reading corner is a large space with new shelves, bookcases and hundreds of new books for every level of reader. In another area, tables are neatly arranged for children to do homework, crafts or reading.

The new literary space is a result of a community partnership between The Salvation Army and the Target Corporation who granted $25,000 to support education in Monroe County.

In a partnership between Dunkin Donuts and The Salvation Army, we are thanking you, the community, for supporting the needy. It’s very simple. In one week, head into downtown Bloomington and look for the Dunkin Donuts store on Kirkwood Ave. just off the Sample Gates. Parked there will be a Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services vehicle, from which friendly volunteers will be offering delicious donuts and tasty coffee.

This fun, annual event is a part of our week of celebrations for National Salvation Army Week. For a list of the tasty, exciting and educational events here, visit National Salvation Army Week in Bloomington.  Or for a list of all the other great events throughout our fair state, visit National Salvation Army Week in Indiana.