Tag / Salvation Army

by Frank Maduri

Bring Hope To The Isolated: Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief

Hurricane Maria brought fierce destruction to the island of Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory home to about 3.4 million people. The island has no power, and the situation there is worsening by the day. Our fellow Americans are at risk of malnutrition, dehydration, disease, and death from the conditions at this point.

The images of the destruction in Puerto Rico are disturbing. The situation is almost apocalyptic. The power grid is down, the generators need gasoline to run, gasoline is scarce, the ATM machines are running out of cash if they even work, and water is scarce. Those effected need to bring in enough water to bathe and also it takes about one gallon of water to flush a toilet which needs to be brought in to apartments in high-rise buildings that could be twenty floors up.

I put myself in their shoes, in that situation, and I have to try to do something besides just sending in some money, which is a good start. However, this is a much larger effort and something has to be done. The federal government has to get some emergency funds allocated since FEMA is so stretched from the other recent hurricanes in Texas and Florida, and that has to be a top priority.

I have seen certain drives for fundraising or for gathering gifts-in-kind (supplies) taking place in New York City, Atlanta, Washington D.C., and other cities. We need more of those types of events from a grassroots level.

I know it can be difficult to determine how to trust that the charity will allocate your money to the actual relief effort in Puerto Rico. I know that the island territory feels isolated and cut off from the world. These people are our sisters and brothers. They are fellow Americans, and we must act to help them.

Here are some charitable organizations that have active operations there:
Convoy of Hope : www.convoyofhope.org
Samaritan’s Purse: www.samaritanspurse.org
Salvation Army: www.salvationarmyusa.org
Food For The Poor: www.foodforthepoor.org

These organizations are highly reliable and transparent. Please donate whatever you can to help in the efforts of relief for what is a dire situation in Puerto Rico.

Some other ways that you, your family, or your community can give:
1. Organize a local fundraiser and send the funds to these charities
2. Collect donations at your workplace, job site, or office these charities will provide written letters of receipt for your donation
3. Start a fundraiser or supply collection (food drive) at your local church or community center or with an organization you may be involved with
4. Contact your local representatives in Congress and ask them what I call the two questions: What are you doing Senator X or Rep. Y to help with aid to Puerto Rico? What can I do to help aid in this effort?
5. Contact your local organizations: Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, Rotary, Elks Club…and find out if they have a fundraiser you can help with.
6. Get your friends from school together or work together on social media and decide on an event you can create and promote locally and then send those proceeds to the relief effort.
7. Pray for the people there and pray for guidance on how to best serve and help them in this time of great need.

In the event that you have relatives, friends, associates, or colleagues in Puerto Rico and you have not heard from them; please call this number: 202-778-0710 and keep trying because it might be busy. This number will allow you to get the latest information and check on the status of your loved ones there on that ravaged island.

In my own life, I have visited Puerto Rico on a cruise during my honeymoon. I have very fond memories of the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, the Fort (El Morro), and the white sand beaches. Those places are decimated, the people there are living in very dangerous conditions. They could survive the storm and die of malnutrition or starvation. The children on that island are the most vulnerable as are the elderly.

I ask you to put yourself in their shoes, and search your soul. We are all capable of doing something, and the time for action is now. Please help the people of Puerto Rico. Thank you and God bless you and God be with the people of Puerto Rico.

by Frank Maduri

Entenmann’s Teaming With The Salvation Army

Entenmann’s Bakery announced that they are teaming up with The Salvation Army for a sweepstakes on June 5th to mark National Donut Day which will benefit the millions of people helped by that charitable organization.

 

The Salvation Army actually started National Donut Day to pay homage to the “Donut Lassies”, volunteers of the organization who provided donuts to the soldiers during World War I. That simple but important gesture of compassion and service to the men in combat became the impetus for the incorporation of the donut into the American snack food mainstream.

 

National Donut Day provides recognition to those who served our country then and those who live a life of service today whether it is through the military or in a charitable service capacity. The Salvation Army continues to strive to serve those who are underserved in our society.

 

The sweepstakes with Entenmann’s will feature a $1 donation by the bakery giant for each sweepstakes entry posted on June 5th going to The Salvation Army. The sweepstakes has a website set up with full details on the donations and how you can help The Salvation Army serve the disabled, the poor, the ill, and the homeless in our communities.

 

The Salvation Army provides services to 30 million Americans each year and is a vital resource for those who often have nowhere else to turn. The organization provides 10 million nights of shelter and 58 million meals to the hungry each year. They need your help to continue this critical service to those in desperate need throughout America.

 

The Salvation Army was particularly important in the Jersey Shore area following Hurricane Sandy in providing crucial services to those in need of food, clothing, shelter, and other basic necessities.

 

Entenmann’s Bakery was originally founded in 1898 in Brooklyn, NY and expanded rapidly over the years to become the preeminent bakery in the New York metropolitan area and throughout the Northeast. They are famous for their “all butter loaf cake” which they have sold over 700 million of that product since the inception of the company.

 

Entenmann’s has over 100 products and is currently part of Bimbo Bakery Systems. The company has numerous donut offerings including “Pop Ems” and the ubiquitous chocolate covered donut.

 

In order to learn more about how you can enter the sweepstakes or make a donation to The Salvation Army please visit www.entenmanns.com or visit www.salvationarmy.org to help make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate as well as honor those volunteers and service members from World War I.