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Salvation Army

Big shout out of thanks for Salvation Army Christmas donations from the folks at Batavia Valu Home Center

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Valu Home Centers Team would like to thank everyone who donated warm clothing and toys to the Salvation Army this Christmas season.

You generosity helped make this a truly Merry Christmas for many.

Thank You!

Barbara A. Nicolas, store manager Batavia Valu Home Centers
Jeffrey E. Donahue, associate / Christmas Project coordinator Batavia Valu Home Centers

Photos: Christmas toy drive today at Ken Barrett's

By Howard B. Owens

Folks from Arc of Genesee Orleans were among the first to show up this morning with gifts for the annual Salvation Army toy drive at Ken Barrett's Chevrolet and supported by WBTA.

To donate new, unwrapped toys, head over to Ken Barrett's on West Main Street, Batavia, by 4 p.m.

This is the 23rd year WBTA has sponsored and supported the toy drive.

Senior Luncheon at Salvation Army on Tuesday cancelled, offices to be closed one day due to water service problem

By Billie Owens

The Salvation Army offices on East Main Street will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday Aug. 1st, and the Senior Luncheon will be cancelled due to an interruption in water service at that location only. We plan to be back up and running our regular events on Wednesday. 

 
Todd Rapp
Office Manager
The Salvation Army
529 E. Main St.
Batavia NY 14020

In cold weather, Salvation Army ready to provide shelter if needed

By Howard B. Owens

Temperatures tonight are expected to dip as low as 10 degrees, and in each of the past two winters, a group of volunteers has created a warming shelter for anyone who might need a warm bed for a night like this, but this year, shelter will be provided on a case-by-case basis.

Last year, a local church provided the shelter, but a church secretary referred us to the Salvation Army and the Salvation Army referred us to Tim Yaeger, emergency management coordinator for Genesee County.

Yaeger said he and officials at the Salvation Army discussed options and the best course -- given the low demand for beds in cold weather locally, and with limited staff available -- is to respond to requests for shelter rather than keep a shelter open all night.

If anybody finds themselves without shelter at night, they should either call emergency dispatch or go to the nearest fire hall. That will trigger officials to contact the Salvation Army to assist that person or group of people with finding a safe place for the night. 

The local Salvation Army doesn't have the staff available to specifically keep a shelter open all night, but staff is always on call and available to assist anybody with an urgent need for shelter, Yaeger said. 

During the weekdays, the Salvation Army at 529 E. Main St., Batavia, is open for anybody who needs assistance.

In the past, the shelters have been barely used, if used at all. People living in the area who may lack permanent housing seem to be able to find a friend or family member to stay with in cold weather.

There is a lake effect snow watch in effect now until 1 a.m., Thursday. Storm totals of 5 to 10 inches of snow are expected in the region. Winds will reportedly be 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph, creating blowing and drifting snow and low visibility.

Photos: Salvation Army Toy Drive

By Howard B. Owens

The Salvation Army Toy Drive is underway today at Ken Barrett Chevrolet on West Main Street, Batavia.

The event is hosted by Ken Barrett and WBTA and sponsored by several local businesses.

Top photo: Lt. Rachel Moore, Colton Moore, Joan Stevens and firefighters Jerry Yoder and Adam Palumbo.

Pete Zeliff dropped off a barrel of toys.

Ken Barrett and Dan Fischer.

Salvation Army to hold free summer program for kids on Thursdays: 'Expedition Norway'

By Billie Owens

"Expedition Norway" is the theme of a free summer program for children in grades K-6 sponsored by The Salvation Army.

It will be held every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 14 through Aug. 25 at the headquarters at 529 E. Main St. in the city.

Transportation to and from The Salvation Army is available to children in the city.

A morning snack and lunch is provide each week.

Participants can experience the unique food, fun games and activities of Norway. Make new firends and learn about an amazing culture. There will also be incredible music and surprising adventures!

Attend four out of the six sessions and get a free pass to the Niagara Falls Aquarium.

Phone 343-6284.

'Unplugged' - Family Game Night is Saturday at The Salvation Army

By Billie Owens

Unplug and enjoy quality, family time for all ages at The Salvation Army on East Main Street, Batavia, on Saturday, May 14, starting at 7 p.m.

Starting at 7 p.m. there will be games and activities for all ages and families. This includes adult coloring and puzzles, a bounce house, and at 7:30 an adult Yahtzee contest.

There will also be Wii Frisbee Disk Golf and Outdoor Challenge, apples to apples, headbands and more! At 9 p.m. there will be a teen life-size Tic-Tac-Toe game.

Plus popcorn and snacks, too!

Sixth- through 12th-graders wanted for Salvation Army Brass Ensemble

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Salvation Army is looking for students in grades six through 12 to participate in a brass ensemble. Musicians will meet on Sunday afternoons for rehearsals and perform every two months during a youth-led worship celebration and on special occasions.

A limited number of instruments are available to be loaned out and a drum set is available. All levels of proficiency are welcome.

If you are interested or would like more details please contact Major Patty at 585-861-0747 or patricia.kurtz@use.salvationarmy.org

WBTA and Ken Barrett team up for another successful toy drive

By Howard B. Owens

Donors once again filled the beds of two pickup trucks with toys for local children during the annual toy drive at Ken Barrett's Chevrolet in Batavia.  The drive his hosted every year by WBTA and benefits the Salvation Army. Pictured are Dan Fischer, owner of WBTA, and radio personality Wayne Fuller.

Salvation Army extends deadline to apply for holiday assistance until Dec. 16

By Billie Owens

Press release:

 The Salvation Army has extended the application deadline for receiving holiday assistance. Families and individuals who are in need of assistance with food and toys this Christmas are welcome to apply until Wednesday, Dec. 16.

Applicants must bring picture ID, proof of residence in Genesee County, documentation for all the household income and expenses. Families with children should also come with a list of toys for children 12 years old and younger.

Families and individuals in need are encouraged to come in at their earliest convenience to ensure an appointment to pick up their food and toys. Applications are taken Monday-Friday 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:15 p.m.

For more information please contact Major Patty at 585-343-6284 or patricia.kurtz@use,salvationarmy.org

Photos: Pembroke teachers participate in Red Kettle Campaign

By Howard B. Owens

Members of the Pembroke Teachers' Federation volunteered Saturday, along with their family members, to be bell ringers for the Salvation Army.

If you, your family or group would like to participate in the Genesee County Red Kettle Campaign, contact Major Robert Kurtz at 585-861-0676 or robert.kurtz@use.salvationarmy.org.

Photos submitted by Aaron K. Brown.

Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign begins Friday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Salvation Army in Genesee County will begin its annual Red Kettle Campaign on Friday, Nov. 13.

“This year our goal is $70,000,” said Major Robert Kurtz. "The money raised not only supports our holiday assistance programs but also enables us to provide emergency services.

"Last winter we provided 12 men a warm place to sleep, helped 15 families avoid homelessness, and gave away over six tons of food.”

All funds raised during the Red Kettle Campaign are used to provide food, toys and other services to Genesee County residents throughout the year.

Again this year individuals have the option of creating their own virtual Red Kettle online. Money raised through this online tool will be added to the Red Kettle Campaign and be used for Genesee County residents.

If you are interested in “ringing the bell” online go to our secure Web site www.empiresalvationarmy.org to create your “kettle."

Volunteer bell ringer slots are still available. If you, your family, or group is interested in participating in the Genesee County Red Kettle Campaign please contact Major Robert Kurtz at 585-861-0676 or robert.kurtz@use.salvationarmy.org.

Use your smartphone to check out our bell ringing app @ red kettle bell.

Salvation Army seeks turkeys, toys and food for Holiday Assistance Program

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Salvation Army of Genesee County has begun receiving applications for the Holiday Assistance Program. This year an estimated 1,200 families will receive toys, food and gifts as part of the Emergency Holiday Assistance Program.

To meet this need The Salvation Army is need of turkeys, traditional holiday menu items, and toys.

“Soon the Angel Trees will be in place; this gift-giving program is a great success and provides numerous toys directly to local children," said Major Patty. "The WBTA/Ken Barrett Chevrolet Toy Drive, on Friday, December 11th is another venue for individuals to donate toys.”

Donations of turkeys can be dropped off during normal business hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m to 4 p.m. at The Salvation Army on East Main Street. Monetary donations can be mailed to: The Salvation Army, 529 E. Main St., Batavia NY 14020 and in the memo write: Banquet in a Box.

For more information contact: Major Patty at 343-6284 or e-mail at patricia.kurtz@use.salvationarmy.org.

Local Batavia Edward Jones Branch Office supports Salvation Army Food Drive

By Billie Owens

Local residents and businesses may help those less fortunate in the community by bringing in items to the Edward Jones branch office during regular business hours from Thursday, Oct. 1st to Thursday, Nov. 19th.

The items needed for the food drive include: canned and boxed items such as cereal, pasta sauce, peanut butter -- of which they are currently low in stock. Canned fruits, vegetables, gravy, soups, pasta and canned meats are always needed. potatoes, pasta, desserts, and gravy.

The branch address is 7 Jackson St. Batavia, NY 14020.

Edward Jones, a Fortune 500 company, provides financial services for individual investors in the United States and, through its affiliate, in Canada.

Mark your calendar: Salvation Army Backpack Program announces giveaway schedule for school supplies

By Billie Owens

The Salvation Army's Backpack Program is coming to a community near you to distribute free backbacks and school supplies on a first-come first-serve basis. You must provide proof of address, proof of income, a supply list from your school, and picture ID.

Only parents, guardians or an adult can pick up items. If a parent or guardian cannot attend the distribution event, a flier from the Salvation Army must be completely filled out and presented. To get one, call 343-6284 or stop by the Salvation Army headquarters at 529 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia, or e-mail:  patricia.kurtz@USE.salvationarmy.org

Distribution events will be held as follows:

Aug. 17  --  10 a.m. to noon:

  • Batavia Central School District and Safety Fair, at The Salvation Army headquarters, 529 E. Main St., Batavia

Aug. 18  --  9 a.m. to noon

  • For Le Roy, Pavilion and Stafford school districts, on the front lawn of Wolcott Street School

Aug. 18  --  1 to 3 p.m.

  • For Corfu, Pembroke, Alexander and Darien school districts, on the front lawn of St. Maxillian Kolbe Parish, 18 W. Main St., Corfu

Aug. 19  --  9 a.m. to noon

  • For Elba, Byron-Bergen, Oakfield-Alabama school districts, in Elba Park

Salvation Army offers free summer program on Thursdays for K-6 kids - 'Thailand Trek'

By Billie Owens

Hey, kids get ready for a cross-cultural summer experience sponsored by The Salvation Army. "Thailand Trek" will provide the food, games and activities unique to exotic Thailand every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 7 through Aug. 20 for students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

This FREE summer program features a morning snack and lunch each day. Transportation is provided to and from The Salvation Army headquarters on East Main Street in the City of Batavia.

Participants will enjoy games, crafts, singing, storytime and FUN!

Those who attend four out of five sessions get a free boat ride along the historic Erie Canal in Lockport.

For more information and to sign up, contact The Salvation Army: at (585) 343-6284; visit the office at 529 E. Main St.; or e-mail "Captain Patty" at:

patricia.kurtz@use.salvationarmy.org

'Snowfest Family Carnival' at Batavia Salvation Army - EVERTHING is FREE!

By Billie Owens

The Salvation Army is hosting the "Snowfest Family Carnival" from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21. Everthing is FREE!

  • Snowman Building Contest
  • B-I-N-G-O
  • Snack Shop
  • Indoor Games
  • Bounce Houses

It will be at the Salvation Army at 529 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

For more information, contact:

patricia.kurtz@use.salvationarmy.org

Phone: 343-6284

Event Date and Time
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Deadline to apply for holiday assistance from Salvation Army extended

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The local Salvation Army has extended the deadline to apply for Christmas toys and food. Applications for the Christmas Toys and Food Baskets will be received until Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 3:30 p.m.

“The recent snowstorm has made it very difficult for families and individuals to come into the office and we want to make sure every family and individual has the opportunity to apply," Major Patricia Kurtz said.

Those who wish to apply must bring picture ID, proof of household income, and proof of household expenses. Acceptable forms of documentation are: receipts, bills, bank statements, checkbooks, and letters from the Department of Social Services.

For more information contact: Major Patty at 343-6284 or e-mail at patricia.kurtz@use.salvationarmy.org.

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