Salvation Army Stories

I joined Rotary in 1962. I believe that I have collected for the Salvation Army every year since then. One of my observations is that every year someone who looks the least enabled gives a very generous gift. Also, someone will tell a story of what the salvation army has meant to them. Here are a few.

This year the story was from a middle-aged, average dressed, woman who told the following story. She grew up in Frankfort Indiana. About 20 years ago her mother and herself were driving down the street in Frankfort and passed a woman and her children standing in the snow with all of their belongings. They had just been evicted. It was Christmas Eve. They reacted by taking the family in, feeding them, and the next day they talked to the Salvation Army. They found the family a job, and a house. She has always loved the Salvation Army ever since.

Hanley Hamel and I stood out in front of Loeb's department store singing the Salvation Army song and watching the temperature drop to -16. We would sing if people wanted us to sing and not sing if they didn't want us to do so.

My favorite story concerns a man, Doc Anderson, that was in Rotary at the same time as my father. Doc was quite a character and he enjoyed walking down the street and trying to kiss the good-looking girls . I told you the story was a long time ago. Doc got dressed up in a Santa Claus outfit and stood by the kettle on a cold day. People were few and far between and Doc uncliped the kettle and walked into the nearest bar. He was going from patron to patron, all of whom were stuffing money in the kettle. Someone asked Doc if he would have a little something to help with the cold. And of course he said yes. Well he found that worked rather well in so he hit several or more of the downtown bars. Several other patrons helped him out with the cold remedy. Finally he could put no more money into the kettle. He then got on the bus, limply and headed out to about 28th and South Street where he lived. There were two houses side-by-side which were very much alike. He lived in one and two old Maid school teachers lived in the other. Being somewhat the worst for wear and tear he walked into the wrong house. He then asked if one of the teachers would kiss Santa Claus and warm him up a little. A near riot broke out. They called the cops who settled everyone down. And they directed Doc to his real home next door.

This year someone put a $50 bill in the kettle in front of Marshe's grocery store when the Rotoract kids were working after lunch.

Ring the bell and help the Army.

Bob Verplank