Small Businesses Give

The Salvation Army
The Tree of Lights Tribune
Western Division Headquarters
3612 Cuming Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68131-1900
Major Paul D. Smith, Divisional Commander
Joanne Bemis, Development Director
Susan Eustice, Public Relations Director
Kristin Webb and Joanna Leflore, Public Relations Interns
Partners in Caring: Small Businesses Give
Back to the Community in a Big Way
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
The Salvation Army
the
the
tree of lights
This holiday season, faced with a tough economy, economic uncertainty and a strained giving climate, small businesses are leveraging their
philanthropic efforts in the community by partnering with The Salvation Army.
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A Special Edition on The Salvation Army Tree of Lights Greater Omaha Campaign - 2010
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Tree of Lights Kick-Off
The Tree of Lights Campaign Kick-Off Ceremony was an exceptional beginning to the 2010
holiday season. With rain limiting the planned program, the spirit of the cause lived on throughout
the night. The $3.1 million goal was announced by Honorary Vice Chairmen Hal & Mary Daub.
Santa’s Elf ~ Sidney Johnson
Fremont, Nebraska is thankful each holiday season for toymaker and giving citizen, Sidney
Johnson. Johnson, 91, makes about 200 wooden toys each year and donates them to the Fremont
Salvation Army’s Joy Shop which provides Christmas gifts for under-privileged children. Johnson
has donated these toys for the past three years and last year he made and donated a total of 300 toys.
“When he was at home, we limited him to one a day otherwise he would stay up until all hours of
the night until he got each toy done. He’s doing what he can to make sure every child gets a toy.
He feels bad to think any child has to go without toys for Christmas,” said Sidney’s son, Randy
Johnson.
Johnson began his hobby making the wooden toys for his 15 grandchildren. Building helps him fill
his time and make the most of his days at the assisted living center, and he knows that these toys
will go to needy children.
“Every time I see him putting these toys together it just puts a shiver down my spine simply because
I know he is doing it selflessly,” said Tim Gardner, Fremont Corps Officer of The Salvation Army.
Yes Santa, there is an elf in Fremont, Nebraska! Pictured with Santa is wooden
toymaker Sidney Johnson. Sidney has donated hundreds of the handmade toys to
the Fremont Salvation Army every Christmas for the past four years.
Thank You
to the angels who supported the Angel Tree Program:
Ackerman Elementary
Aksarben Cinema
Alegent Medical Access Center
American Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE)
American Medical Response
Archer Perdue Suzuki
Bailey Lauerman
Ballantyne Strong
Burke High School Honors Marketing Class
Burton Plumbing
Cassling
Central States Health & Life Company of Omaha
Church of the Holy Spirit Red Hat Group
Clark Chiropractic Clinic
College of St. Mary
Community Covenant Church
Cracker Barrel
Creighton EMS Education
Creighton School of Law
Crossroads
Culvers
Face to Face Salon & Spa
First State Bank
G & G Manufacturing Company
Harland Technology Services
Hewlett Packard
Imagination Station
Inflection
Jazzercise
JCPenney
Journal Broadcast Group
KMTV
LaVista Fire Department
Lockwood Development
Midwest Eye Care
Millard South High School
Millard West High School
MMIC Group
National Guard Armory
Neihardt Elementary
Nobbies
No Frills
Northwest Bank
NP Dodge Management Company
Oakview Mall
Omaha Door & Window Company
Omaha Fire Department
OPPD
Roto-Rooter
Sam & Louie’s Pizzeria
Shopko
Shout
St. Cecilia’s Spiritual Life Group
TD Ameritrade
Travel & Transport
Treasure Mart
Troy E. Woods Association
Two Men and a Truck
UNMC College of Medicine
Upstream Brewing Company
US Bank
Valentino’s
Vetter Health Services
Village Inn Restaurants
Walt Disney Elementary
Warren Distribution
Weber Orthodontics
Westroads Mall
Save The Date
The Salvation Army
2011 D.J.’s Hero Awards Luncheon
May 9, 2011 ~ 11:45 AM
Qwest Center Omaha
The Salvation Army Brass Ensemble began the musical entertainment for the evening while
guests enjoyed sandwiches, cookies and socializing. Santa arrived with his reindeer and took
photos with children. Even the Grinch from the “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
musical joined the festivities. First graders from Brownell Talbot were able to visit with the
Grinch and take the stage during the
lighting of the tree.
While larger companies in the community assist in many ways and their contributions are greatly appreciated, it’s the smaller businesses that
may appear to be overlooked. A smaller business with fewer employees and resources may proportionately be giving more (something akin
to the widow’s mite) than a Fortune 500 company. The greatest gift of small businesses to the cause of The Salvation Army isn’t always
measured by the size of a check they write. The knowledge and skills of their business and the volunteer time of the employees that they
underwrite are invaluable resources.
Working with The Salvation Army helping in the community is a win-win situation for all involved. A small business cares about its local
community not only because their employees live there, but so do their customers. Employees are most enthusiastic in helping with charitable
efforts when they can see those efforts make a difference. Focusing on a partnership with one organization like The Salvation Army keeps the
efforts focused locally and helps the small business reinforce and extend their business practice while at the same time making the community
stronger, safer, and more sustainable.
As a group, small businesses contributed greatly to the 2010 Tree of Lights Campaign. The Tree of Lights is a fitting symbol of how the
generosity of many local small businesses came together with the efforts of The Salvation Army to create one big, bright beam of light in the
darkness.
We thank all of our Omaha small businesses!
Adopt-a-Family Radiothon Sets New Record
Once again Star 104.5 hosted the 11th annual Adopt-aFamily radiothon held on Dec. 2 & 3 at The Salvation Army
Lied Renaissance Center. Listeners were asked to call the
Windstream Communications Adopt-a-Family hot-line and
choose from families ranging in size from one to twelve or
more members. Callers were instructed to shop for the family’s
gifts and then personally deliver them before Christmas.
Donors were asked to make three commitments: provide a toy
or clothing for each child, provide a gift coupon for a holiday
meal and coordinate a time for the delivery of gifts with their
assigned family.
As soon as Santa and the Grinch were
taking the stage to light the tree, the
first snow of the year began to shower
over the shining tree. Musical guests
Nikki Boulay with Finest Hour led the
crowd in Christmas carols with the
snow still falling.
The Tree of Lights Kick-off is a
signal to the community that the
holiday campaign has begun. Tree of
Lights Leadership includes Honorary
The Salvation Army’s Tree of Lights
Chairmen Dan & Shirley Neary,
Vice-Chairmen Hal & Mary Daub, General Chairman Joleen David and General Vice
Chairman Tim Harrison.
With money scarce and the need even greater, small businesses looking to give back to the community need to match their company mission,
competencies, and resources to make a meaningful impact. In partnership with The Salvation Army, small businesses save time in evaluating
their response to charitable giving requests because they know the mission of The Salvation Army focuses on those in the local community
with the most need.
More than 200 volunteers staffed the phone bank pairing callers
The Grinch! John Kotouc, and wife Wende brought several first graders
from Brownell Talbot School to help the Grinch light the Tree of Lights.
Team Star 104.5 celebrates a record breaking year of supporting over 2,300 families through the
2010 Adopt-A-Family Radiothon.
2010 Tree of Lights Campaign and Leadership
with low-income families while others processed applications. This year a
record 2,300 local families, representing 8,700 individuals, were adopted by
local businesses and individuals. The Salvation Army thanks Hy-Vee for
once again sponsoring the radiothon.
Christmas trees vary in size, shape, and decorations, but they all represent the true spirit of Christmas. It is a time to renew faith, spread hope, and
love thy neighbor. Christmas gifts are given generously, and family life is celebrated.
The Salvation Army Tree of Lights Campaign and its tree are symbols of hope for all in our community. The Campaign each year brings to light
Omaha’s Christmas spirit as the community comes together in goodwill towards all men.
The 2010 Tree of Lights Campaign led by Dan Neary, CEO Mutual of Omaha, reached out to the Omaha community. Neary encouraged all to
join with The Salvation Army in doing the most good.
The 2010 Campaign created excitement for the young and the old alike. Mutual of Omaha’s advertising department graciously gave of their
time and talent to create an informative and exciting fund-raising site on Facebook. Texting by mobile phone was an addition to our fundraising efforts, and Dan encouraged all of Mutual’s employees to participate. Through Dan’s leadership, many other companies participated in
what became known as company texting days. The Kettle Klub Cabinet, comprised of Omaha Salvation Army Advisory Board members and
community business leaders under Dan’s guidance, actively participated in all aspects of the Campaign.
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The Red Kettles and the bell ringers were visible symbols of reaching out to people to bring them together for a common purpose -- above and
beyond self. On some of the coldest and windiest days of the season, bell ringers stood for hours as beacons of hope.
KMTV Toy and Food Drive
Dan Neary’s leadership shepherded the Campaign to a successful ending. The people of Omaha can be proud to know that they helped bring hope
to many within our community.
To assist families and children in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa during the holiday season,
The Salvation Army and KMTV Action 3 News partnered for the second annual Toy & Food Drive.
Thank you Dan Neary, Mutual of Omaha, Kettle Klub Cabinet, and the people of Omaha. The spirit of Christmas is alive and well!
Together they encouraged the public to donate non-perishable food items and new unwrapped toys
for children ages 0-16 years. The Toy & Food Drive began Nov. 29 and lasted until Dec. 16. The
collected toys were distributed Dec. 17-22 to needy families during The Salvation Army’s “Toyland
Days”. The non-perishable food items helped stock the shelves of the Army’s food pantries. Last
holiday season, Salvation Army Christmas programs helped more than 24,000 people in the Omaha
metro area.
2010 Tree of Lights Leadership
Honorary Chairmen
Dan & Shirley Neary
CEO
Mutual of Omaha
Featured Speaker Apolo Anton Ohno
Eight-time Olympic medalist and most decorated
U.S. Winter Olympian in history
For more information log on to
www.givesalvationarmy.org
or call 402.898.5906
Jerry Lindvall, known as the “Food Man”, makes sure that Salvation Army
volunteers and the Star 104.5 team are well nourished during the two-day event.
Pictured left at the radiothon is Jerry Lindvall. Jerry, known as the “Food
Man” at the last 11 radiothons, makes sure that volunteers and staff are
happy, energized and well-fed around the clock. Jerry works with scores of
area restaurants that donate food and beverages for those who volunteer for
the two day radiothon. Joanne Bemis, director of development, says, “The
radiothon is the only event where you can consume great food for 24 hours
and lose weight!” Indeed everyone involved worked very hard to make this
Adopt-a-Family radiothon a success year after year.
Ed Burchfield, Christine Johnson, Steve Seline,
Mary Daub, Hal Daub, U.S. Congressman Lee Terry and Robin Terry
Honorary Vice-Chairmen
Hal & Mary Daub Partner
Husch Blackwell General Vice-Chairman
Tim Harrison
CEO
Harrison Financial Services
General Chairman
Joleen David
President
SKAR Advertising
Divisional Commander of
The Salvation Army
Major Paul D. Smith
Food and toy drop-off sites included Shopko and No Frills locations in Omaha and also No Frills
stores in Denison and Glenwood, IA and Blair, Plattsmouth and Ashland, NE.
The Salvation Army thanks the sponsors of the 2010 KMTV Action 3 News Toy & Food Drive that
included No Frills Supermarkets, Shopko and Payless Office Products.
Cris Hedgpeth, a
Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary member,
volunteering during Toyland days
Second Annual Fight Hunger Campaign
Each Girl Scout makes the Girl Scout promise that includes the phrase “…
to help other people at all times…” The mission of The Salvation Army is
to “meet human needs in the name of Jesus Christ without discrimination”.
These two organizations lived up to their promise and mission this past
October when they collaborated for the second annual Fight Hunger
Campaign.
Girl Scout Daisy Troop 157 was one of 80 troops that participated in
The Salvation Army’s second annual Fight Hunger Campaign
In several Nebraska communities nearly 900 Girl Scouts hung more than
17,000 door hangers the second weekend of October and then returned the
following Saturday to collect donations of food left out in response to the
appeal. The drive resulted in more than 15,000 non-perishable food items
collected to assist The Salvation Army in stocking its food pantries. Even
though Nebraska has a lower rate of unemployment than most other areas,
the number of families turning to the food pantry for help in making ends
meet has risen by nearly 30% in just the last year. Working class families
who never imagined they would need to turn to a food pantry are calling for
the first time.
The Girl Scouts who participated are proud of their accomplishment. One troop leader said it well. “Our girls learn so much when they help
The Salvation Army in helping those in our community.”
“I think the amount of time and effort the Girl Scouts put into this drive was amazing,” said Dennis Snook of The Salvation Army food
pantry. “The girls made the effort to get the word out in the community and then followed through not only with collection but loading and
unloading the items. The volunteers and donations made this campaign successful, and the Girl Scouts played an important role helping us
to help others.”
Santa’s Helpers
For the holiday season, WOWT Channel 6 created a donation page on their website titled Santa’s Helpers. This page compiled campaigns,
projects and year-end initiatives from the community on one site. Donors could easily find their specific way to give during the holidays
whether it was time, money or specific items.
We were able to send WOWT a total of 11 holiday events from The Salvation Army to post on their Santa’s Helpers website. We shared
volunteer opportunities, donation opportunities and special event information that included:
Red Kettle Run
JCPenney Angel Tree Program
Trans Siberian Orchestra Performance
Christmas Sign-up
Red Kettle Campaign (Bell Ringing)
Tree of Lights Campaign Kick-Off
Winter Night Watch
Star 104.5 Adopt-A-Family Radiothon
Goldenrod Christmas Luncheon
Toyland Days
Thank you WOWT!
BELLS TOWARDS EAGLE
Jacob Hoffman, Eagle Scout candidate from Soaring Eagle District, helped the
Bells Towards Eagle project become a reality this holiday season. Advisory
Board member Hal Daub oversaw this project and made sure it was conducted
properly so it will grow every year. The Chairman was Ed Burchfield and his
Co-Chairman was Kevin Simmonds who are also Advisory Board members.
The Salvation Army thanks the owners, managers
and employees of these
Tree of Lights bell ringing and counter kettle sites
A B’s Gas Station
American National Bank
Amsterdam Falafel & Kabob
Bag ‘N Save
Baker’s
Barrett’s
Barry O’s Old Market
Bass Pro Shop
Big Lots!
Blimpie’s
Cabelas
Center Hardware
China Palace
Dillon Brothers Harley Davidson
Fantasy’s Food & Fuel
Fareway Foods
Farmhouse Café
Fuddruckers
Garbo’s Regency
Gordman’s
Hobby Lobby
Husker Hounds
Hy-Vee
JCPenney
Kmart
La Casa
The “brain child” behind the Red Kettle Run
was Allie Baxter, a junior at Millard North and
daughter of Advisory Board member Anne Baxter.
She realized the few weeks before the holidays is
the time the need for food is the greatest. Being
a cross-country runner herself, she came to The
Salvation Army with the idea of hosting a 5K run/
walk fundraiser.
Numerous parents, grandparents and other caretakers have called to thank The Salvation Army for Prison Toylift.
A grandmother of six called and mentioned this act to be a miracle. She cannot afford to buy more than the bare
minimum and to know her grandchildren are getting a real gift from their parents makes her feel blessed.
“Can you imagine not one toy for Christmas?” the grandmother mentioned, “God bless you people who don’t
even know my family or me. Thank God for The Salvation Army.”
“I started the Red Kettle Run because I had an
idea that I thought could help The Salvation Army
at a time when they needed support. My grandmother and parents have been involved
with The Salvation Army, and I wanted
to find a way to get involved as well. I
thought that a race would be a great way
to kick off the Army’s holiday season. It
is really wonderful to look back on The
Red Kettle Run and start planning for
next year!” said Allie.
On-site at the Red Kettle Run, Allie Baxter is
interviewed by KMTV Action 3 News
Because of the outstanding success
of the first annual Red Kettle Run, the
next one is already on the books. Mark
your calendar for next year’s Red Kettle
5K Run/Walk on Saturday, October 29,
2011.
Allie Baxter (r) organized the first Red Kettle Run
last October with inspiration from her mother,
Salvation Army Advisory Board member, Anne Baxter (l)
Christmas at The Salvation Army Kroc Center
with a musical performance by Jim and Susie Mertz on December 16, 2010
One Family makes a BIG Difference
The Burger King Feed The Need Breakfast was a resounding success thanks to
help from members of the M&M Family Foundation.
The Foundation was established in 2006 by longtime Salvation Army
supporters Mickey and Mary Landen. The M&M Foundation is managed by
fourth generation Landens who are committed to making a positive difference
in the Omaha Community.
1. Please give a brief history of the M&M Family Foundation. Also,
Entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus made for a festive atmosphere
at the Feed The Need Breakfast
could you share some information about your great grandfather
who founded the camp in South Omaha in 1943? What was his motivation behind this?
“In 2006 my grandparents, Mickey and Mary Landen, along with my parents, aunts and uncles established the M&M Foundation. The
M&M Foundation is actively managed and operated by fourth generation Landens who through research and site visits provide their
time and resources to help make a difference in the Omaha community.” James Landen Jr.
Members of the M & M Foundation, named for their grandparents Mickey & Mary Landen,
volunteer at the Feed The Need Breakfast at Burger King on Dec. 23
Clarence Landen was served by The Salvation Army in his youth
and was then involved his entire adult life as a supporter and
board member. He felt that there needed to be a camp for people
in need in our community to give children and families the
opportunity to get out of the city and have some fun. Clarence
was close friends with Eugene Eppley who, during his career,
was a very successful hotel operator. Clarence presented him
with the opportunity to acquire a piece of property on the Platte
River south of Omaha to establish a camp for The Salvation
Army. Eppley liked the idea, and the camp was created.
2. What is the mission of M&M? How do you feel this mission relates to the mission of Salvation Army? Are they similar? If so,
how?
“The purpose of the M&M Foundation is to preserve family values and build relationships while considering the importance of giving
back. The Salvation Army strives to meet human needs without discrimination. Both the M&M Foundation and The Salvation Army
aspire to improve the quality of life for others by providing people with resources to make a positive difference in their lives.” James
Landen Jr.
3. What is your greatest personal reward from volunteering?
“Actually seeing how your service makes things better for others.”
Jordan Kerr
4. What is the importance of community service?
“Giving to those that are less fortunate.” Charlie Landen
5. What is appealing about The Salvation Army?
“They have powerful programs that do important things like
rehabilitating people and helping them reenter society.” Becca Huerter
“The variety of programs that can affect so many different people in
need.” Megan Huerter
The first annual Red Kettle 5K Run/Walk kicked
off the Red Kettle holiday season on Saturday,
October 30. Over 400 runners and walkers
participated in this event at Zorinsky Lake. Instead
of an entry fee, runners and walkers brought 10
non-perishable food items or $10 for the food
pantry. From these donations, a total of 16,500
food items were collected.
For over a decade Prison Toylift has touched the hearts of many children and prison inmates.
In 2009, Prison Toylift sent out 916 gift cards to the children of these incarcerated parents. A total of 1,131
children received a gift card during the 2010 Christmas season. This is a 23.4% increase.
The Salvation
Army Kroc
Center
Red Kettle Run featuring
Allie Baxter
Prison Toylift Story
Many inmates say they feel ashamed to contact their children because it is difficult to explain why they are in
jail and not at home. Prison Toylift allows them to keep in touch with their children during the holiday season
with heartfelt wishes.
Salvation Army Omaha Advisory Board Members
Hal Daub & Ryan Horn ring bells at Wal-Mart
Please visit us online at:
www.GiveSalvationArmy.org
Lloyd Roitstein Mid-America Council Chief Scout Executive, supported
this project with enthusiasm. Bells Towards Eagle is a new way to build the
scouting program. It gives the scouts a good feeling to help the community Attending an Omaha Advisory Board meeting is Eagle Scout candidate Jacob
they live in. It is a win-win for The Salvation Army, which needs volunteers, Hoffman pictured with from left, Ed Burchfield; Brian Hoffman, Jacob’s Dad;
Hal Daub and Divisional Commander Major Paul Smith
and the Boy Scouts, who need service hours. This project helped these young
men understand the importance of civic responsibility for the community in which they live.
The Salvation Army’s Prison Toylift program reaches inmates of the Douglas and Sarpy Correctional Centers and Youth Center. Every year,
Salvation Army staff go to these centers to meet the inmates and offer them the opportunity to write a personal Christmas card to send to their
children. Along with the card, The Salvation Army sends a gift card on the inmate’s behalf.
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Le Peep
Lisa’s Radial Café
Little King
Mama’s Pizza
Mangelson’s
Nebraska Furniture Mart
No Frills
Nobbies
Omaha Hair Choice
Orsi’s
Patrick’s Market-Old Market
PRC Professional Research Consultant
Quizno’s
Sam’s Club Sears Council Bluffs & Oak View Mall
Security National Bank
Sgt Peffer’s
ShopKo
Sortino’s
Subway
Super Saver Sweet Magnolia
Walmart
Westlake Hardware
Wheatfield’s
Wohlner’s
The Salvation Army Kroc Center hosted its first Christmas Concert
on Friday, December 16, in the Joyce Mammel Assembly Hall. The
Christmas Concert featured Susie and Jim Mertz, popular Christian
artists, along with other talented singers and musicians and the Kroc
Center Youth Choir. While the concert was free, dinner was available
for purchase prior to the event, and proceeds were donated to The
Salvation Army. The Kroc Center offers a variety of events throughout
the year, and information can be found at www.OmahaKroc.org.
6. What would you tell others about community service? How would
you explain to others the meaning or purpose for community service?
“Not only a gift to others, it’s a gift to yourself.” Megan Huerter
Omaha Nighthawks quarterback, Jeff Garcia, donates
$10,000 to The Salvation Army Kroc Center
The UFL’s Omaha Nighthawks’ captain and
quarterback Jeff Garcia kicked off the 2010
holiday season with a $10,000 donation
to The Salvation Army Kroc Center. The
Kroc Center was the all-inclusive training
facility for the Nighthawks through the
2010 season, hosting their meals, meetings,
practices and church services and will be
their training center again during the 2011
season. “Just being able to see the influence
the Kroc Center has on children and their
families was awesome. It gives them a safe
haven to study, learn and participate in daily
activities and consequently encourages a
positive outlook on their daily lives.”, Garcia
said. The donation will provide Kroc Center
membership scholarships that will help kids
from disadvantaged families learn to swim,
participate in sports, use computers and,
overall, provide a safe place to learn and have
fun.
The team from Burger King went the extra mile to make sure
guests enjoyed their visit to the Feed The Need Breakfast
7. Describe your volunteer experience. What did you enjoy most?
“The most enjoyable part of the experience for me was seeing how grateful people were to receive a nice warm meal. The smiles on
the children’s faces as they took pictures with Santa and the reindeer are priceless possessions that those families can keep forever.”
James Landen Jr.
HEARTLAND HOEDOWNERS VOLUNTEER PROFILE
“Heartland Hoedowners” entertained shoppers as they helped raise money for The
Salvation Army Tree of Lights Campaign.
The Heartland Hoedowners have been “clogging” for The Salvation Army bell
ringing drive for the past six years. They are always looking for ways to do more
community service, and The Salvation Army does so much good for others, they
decided it was a nice fit. The women divide their time between ringing bells, clogging
to holiday music, and singing Christmas carols. This has become a great tradition
for the Hoedowners, and the holiday shoppers respond generously. This year, they
had someone come up to say that her daughter called from inside the store to tell her
Heartland Hoedowners lend talent an time to
about the cloggers. She came by and was so impressed, that she decided to give!
The Salvation Army Tree of Lights Campaign
Every year at the studio Heartland Hoedowners post the thank you letters received
from The Salvation Army telling how much was raised. It is positive feedback for an afternoon of service.
The group’s main focus is to bring clogging entertainment to those who need a lift during the holiday season. The Hoedowners perform an
average of 40 shows each year. Many of the performances are at retirement homes, Veteran’s homes, and at special occasions including Camp
Monroe-Meyer and Camp Easter Seals.
tree of lights 2010
The Boys Scouts of America and The Salvation Army have a long-standing
international partnership, “Good Turn for America.” In Omaha our Eagle Scout
program, “Bells Towards Eagle”, is a pilot program that could ultimately go
global since every Cub and Boy Scout is required to complete community
service hours to advance in rank.
KROC CENTER
CHRISTMAS