Today’s New York Times (11-16-11) ran a business story about the Salvation Army and how they are going to begin using a device that permits the bell ringers to accept donations via credit card.
“A lot of people just don’t carry cash any more,” said Maj. George Hood, the Salvation Army’s spokesman, as quoted in the NY Times. “We’re basically trying to make sure we’re keeping up with our donors and embrace the new technologies they’re embracing.”
Though we are all accustomed to either reaching for change to drop into the Salvation Army kettle or skirting around the bell ringer because we are in a hurry, few know the amazing story of the woman who built the Salvation Army in America and went on to be its international chief as well.
Evangeline Booth (1865-1950) became commander of the American Salvation Army in 1904. Disaster relief was a very important mission for the Salvation Army. In addition, she established soup kitchens, emergency shelters, hospitals for unwed mothers, services for the unemployed, homes for aging adults, and provided services to those in prison throughout the entire country. In some cities, the Salvation Army built housing for working women, and they were known as Evangeline residences.”
Booth was a huge draw whenever she visited a city. Like Madonna or Lady Gaga, huge crowds turned out to see or hear her. For more on Evangeline Booth, including her program, “Doughnuts for Dough Boys” during World War I, click here.