Jacksonville- “Doing The Most Good”

Don’t we all want to “Do The Most Good”?  While shopping at Publix, “Where “Shopping is a pleasure”, I met up with Dell after putting a meager amount into the kettle. ( “Every penny counts”, of course). Actually, while walking completely past her and almost to the car,  realized I had some bills in my pocket so I returned to give.  She was so happy to have a donor and smiled with great action and verbal gratitude.

The kettle has been around since the 1890’s.  Back in that day, a captain had seen someone drop money in a kettle to help the poor. He took the idea for his own and today it is a staple of this organization especially at Christmas.

The Salvation Army was founded by William and Catherine Booth in east London.  The movement spread by way of many of its followers of the faith, one being Eliza Shirley who verbally begged the founder to allow it to go to the USA.  Through a turn of events and with a team of 8 including George S. Railton and seven ladies, it was brought to America. 

The Salvation Army has been in Jacksonville since 1891, a time when the streetcar era was making way to welcome the railroad boom.    Only a little over 10 years earlier than the beginning of the Salvation Army’s start on the East Coast, came Henry Plant’s introduction of the street car.  This then,  moved toward his railroad” intro  into the city.  This very act made it possible for great amounts of movement, travel, growth and development in and around the city of Jacksonville.  This new growth brought a need for an organization of hope, giving of resources and a heart for the homeless and destitute.

The Salvation Army’s mission statement reads:

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and o meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

• The Salvation Army of Jacksonville provides the following services:
• Social Services
• Towers Center of Hope
• Towers Center of Hope Housing for Men
• Red Shield Lodge Shelter for Single Women and Families
• Pathway of Hope Program
• Holiday Assistance

If you have a heart for this mission statement, you might be interested in taking part in this ministry and do more good.

See you tomorrow,

Sources:  Florida Times Union, Google Search, Salvation Army