Our Support of The Salvation Army

We are excited to welcome The Salvation Army Band and the organization’s new Executive Director, Jeff Walters, to our Annual Meeting on December 18. They’ll be bringing their iconic Red Kettle along as well! If you forget to bring cash, don’t worry—Chuck will be ready to accept donations via credit card.

The Rotary Club of Salem has a long-standing tradition of supporting the impactful work of the Salvation Army. Their presence in Salem dates back to December 1886, when Captain Mary Stillwell established the city’s first corps—shortly after launching Oregon’s very first Salvation Army corps in Portland.

Over the decades, the Salvation Army has become a cornerstone of our community, meeting local needs through vital programs and services. A notable milestone was the opening of the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in 2009. This impressive 92,000-square-foot facility offers recreational, educational, and spiritual programming, including after-school activities, fitness classes, and more—serving individuals and families across Salem.

The Salvation Army continues to make a difference through initiatives like the annual Red Kettle Campaign, emergency assistance, food programs, and holiday support for families in need. Their enduring mission of compassion and service has made a lasting impact in Salem for over a century.

To further support this legacy, Alicia Bay has a sign-up sheet for Rotarians to volunteer and ring the bell at the Skybridge at Salem Center—another cherished tradition of our club. Let’s come together to make this year’s efforts a success!