Los Angeles Street Soldiers Need Help with Kids

Slicing bread and ladling hot stew into bowls. Jingling bells over frosty pots on snow-laden walks.

I always thought their hands were pretty effective. It never occurred to me they might need an extra pair, especially here at their Los Angeles centers.

They first spread the gospel through London slums, then dubbed themselves The Salvation Army and boated to America in 1880.

They have not always had a peachy reputation, to my thinking. Salvationists often require soup line people to attend Christian services before being fed. The gay community has accused them of hiring discrimination, which they refute. And they have allegedly spent millions on their business buildings and homes.

Few Salvation Army donations actually stream into admin overhead, while 82 percent go to clothing, food, shelter, transportation, veteran services and other community programs. Nearly 470 of their centers help families with day care, summer and after-school activities.

"Every year, thousands of students in all grades attend school without the right supplies - pencils, paper, notebooks and clothing," stated Major George Hood, Development Secretary for The Salvation Army. As a counterbalance, the Salvation Army and Target issued $80 gift cards to thousands of underprivileged children last month for back-to-school items.

The West 11^th Street Center serves 4,000 children annually, and is a concern for local athletes. The Los Angeles Lakers recently established a learning center for the Red Shield Youth and Community Center using $100,000 from the NBA and partners. The Los Angeles Clippers participate annually in "Adopt-A-Family" programs. And Ruben Brown of the Chicago Bears visited the center last week to raise donations.

"Growing up in Salvation Army programs as a kid, I saw first-hand how people can have little or nothing at all," said Brown, "It's more important than ever to help The Salvation Army -- so they can help as many people as possible."

The community center needs volunteer hands other than the athletes', especially with youth programs:

1. Academic Programs

Volunteers are needed for tutoring and to help children maximize the books and computers at their disposal in the learning center, computer lab and on-track program.

2. Mentoring Programs

The Teen Club needs mentors to help high schoolers deal with personal conflicts and school problems.

3. Sports & Recreation Programs

Volunteers can help with games, tournaments and activities involving: ball sports, aquatics, aerobics, ballet, drama and ceramics.

Apply online or contact them at: (213)381-3747.