The Salvation Army 3100 N. Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN
46208-4718
June 1, 1999
Name Address City, ST, Zip
Dear Mr. Name,
The Salvation Army received a note not long ago from a woman who makes
contributions to our programs from time to time. She'd been thinking
about our Camping program for children.
Her note explained that while driving through the country recently --
in a rare moment when she didn't have a lot on her mind -- she found
herself truly aware of her surroundings. Lush, green fields that
stretched for miles... wisps of white clouds scattered across a clear,
blue sky... tranquil silence broken only by cheerful bird songs... the
fresh, sweet scent of morning air. And she felt a sense of peace, for the
first time in a long time.
What a contrast from the city she'd left a few miles back. Filthy
sidewalks where children play. Boarded-up buildings where people live.
Blaring sirens and horrendous crime. She recalled a report on TV the
night before about a teenager who shot an even younger boy to death as
part of a gang initiation.
She has a hard time understanding why things like this happen -- why
some children have no respect for life, not even their own.
She wondered what would happen if she could take one child from the
city and place that youngster where she was now -- in the midst of this
beauty and serenity. What would change for that boy or girl?
That's when she thought about The Salvation Army's camping program.
She remembered reading how kids from the Indiana cities spend a week
every summer at Hidden Falls Camp. They spend most of their time
outdoors, playing games with new friends, discovering flowers they've
never seen, and creating treasures from sticks, rocks and leaves. Here,
kids get their fill of good food, love and attention -- things many of
them get too little of at home.
With her note, she enclosed a check for $230 to send one child to camp
this summer. She'd never given that much money before. But she was
convinced it would make a difference.
It's hard to explain exactly how camp can change a child's heart. But
I know it does.
Kids probably wonder what God looks like. If I could speak to them, I
would tell them they can see a great deal of God in the trees and stars
and streams that He created. When they're running with the wind in their
faces and the sun on their backs... or stepping barefoot onto cool, green
grass... they would begin to understand what I mean.
I'm telling you all this because perhaps you, too, are asking
questions -- why one child takes the life of another... why children feel
so empty inside that they turn to drugs to fill the void... why they have
so little self-worth that they value the friendship of thieves and
killers.
And perhaps you're also asking, "What can I do?"
I don't have all the answers. But I am certain of this: You can make a
difference in one child's life by sending a gift to The Salvation Army's
camping program.
It costs approximately $230 to send one boy or girl from Central
Indiana to camp for a week. That may sound like a lot. However, when you
consider transportation, food, lodging, crafts, sports, counseling and
much more, you realize it covers a lot (and equals what you might pay for
a night or two of lodging at a hotel).
If you can't sponsor a child for a whole week, perhaps you can send
enough for half a week -- or even just one day. Your contribution may
also be used to support our year-round programs for children.
You see, camp is only the first step. Through the year, we also offer
a number of different programs -- including scouting, basketball and
after-school activities -- to help children develop talents, character
and self-esteem.
Please prayerfully consider how much you can give... and give just a
little more.
I guarantee you'll feel good knowing you've helped us touch a heart.
Perhaps you'll even save a life. At the very least, you'll give one child
the chance to see God's face, and feel His love. Often, that's all it
takes to change a life.
Blessings,
Jack C Getz Major DIVISIONAL COMMANDER
P.S. The list of children who want to attend camp this year grows
longer every day, and it's important that we send every one of them. With
your help, no child will be disappointed. Please send your most generous
gift today.
