Salvation Army
The Salvation Army was founded in 1865 in London England. The Salvation Army is a Christian Church dedicated to serving those persons with physical and spiritual needs in the name of Jesus Christ without discrimination.
The Salvation Army offers a variety of programs to assist the homeless and hungry of Dane County. Shelter is provided for homeless families and single women. Also, free meals are offered on Saturday night and Sunday mornings and afternoons to anyone in need.
At Door Creek Church we are actively involved in supporting the free meal program at the Salvation Army. Our volunteers serve meals twice a month at the East Washington location, on every 1st and 3rd Saturday night.
Cathy Pelletier and Marilyn Anderson are the team leaders who organize and direct Door
Creek Church volunteers to serve at the Salvation Army.
The following is a question and answer session with Cathy and Marilyn:
Tell me a little about yourself?
Cathy: I have been married to my college sweetheart, Jerry, for 35 years. We have 3 children and 6 grandchildren under the age of 5. I've taught Art, but most of my time has been given to raising our family. I enjoy the quiet of the north woods, gardening, china painting, music and a good book... and I can cook and do dishes!
Marilyn: I have been married for almost 52 years, have 3 children and 8 grandchildren. I was a stay at home mom for several years and when our youngest went to school, I started working part time. When my youngest graduated from high school, then I went full time. I have been attending DCC (Buckeye) since 1973.
What led you to serve at the Salvation Army?
Cathy: I had seen the Lord's passion for caring for Him by caring for others as mentioned in Matthew 25 and I knew I had to obey Him in this. I attended a meeting at DCC about outreach opportunities, praying that there might be a way I could fulfill this longing. I had already been active with the Salvation Army and now I was able to help impact our city through DCC.
Marilyn: I always had an interest in getting involved with the homeless and when the opportunity to serve at the Salvation Army became available, I volunteered. I had a mother who left my 4 brothers and myself, at an early age, and I thank God for the wonderful earthly father that I had. I often think if it weren't for my earthy father and the love of God, I could have ended up being a homeless person.
Words of advice for others who want to serve?
Cathy: Use your gifts for God's glory. Remember, your gifts are vital - everyone is needed working together in God's Kingdom. Learn to appreciate the different gifts, since we are all part of one Body, that of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians).
Marilyn: To come willing to work hard and to thank God for the many blessings that you have.
Who can serve at the Salvation Army?
Cathy and Marilyn: Anyone can serve at the Salvation Army. It just requires a willingness to work hard for a couple of hours, love people and have fun! Parents and children are welcome; we encourage children to be at least 6+ years of age. Small groups are always welcome to serve!
How do you sign up to serve at the Army?
By contacting .
What is a typical day at the Salvation Army?
Cathy: It depends on the menu. Sometimes, we start cooking the food at 10:00 - 12:00. A couple volunteers show up around 1:30 to help make sandwiches, a few more at 3:00 to help prep food. We serve meals from 4:15 - 6:00 and we clean up from 6:00 - 6:30.
Volunteers need to sign up ahead of time with Cathy or Marilyn for the shift that suits their preference or to bring a couple of cakes/bars to the shelter.
Marilyn: We serve approximately 100 - 150 people on a Saturday night. We prepare about 160 sandwiches along with the main menu. We need workers to help cook/grill and prepare various foods, salads, cut cakes, serve food, and help clean up.
The Salvation Army is an excellent ministry to get involved with to help serve the homeless of our community. If you are interested in serving at the Salvation Army, please contact Cathy Pelletier or Marilyn Anderson for assistance.
There are many opportunities in addition to the Salvation Army. The Outreach community provides numerous ministry opportunities to serve others in our community.