Five ways people can contribute money to The Salvation Army's disaster relief efforts in Japan

There are five ways people can contribute money to The Salvation Army's disaster relief efforts in Japan:

1. Text the words "Japan" or "Quake" to 80888 to make a $10 donation.
2. By phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY
3. On-line at: www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org
4. By mail: Send your check, marked "Japan earthquake relief" to The Salvation Army, P.O. Drawer 2786, Columbia, SC 29202
5. Or give directly to your local Salvation Army unit.

 At this time, The Salvation Army is not accepting in-kind donations from the general public for disaster relief operations in Japan.

Bear in mind, it will be extremely difficult and expensive to ship in-kind donations overseas from the United States to Japan. It is more efficient for disaster relief agencies to purchase needed resources locally and for immediate distribution with the disaster area. The best way for U.S. donors to help Japanese disaster survivors is to make a cash donation. Please note that your local Salvation Army continues to accept donations of used clothing, furniture and other items to support local programming. Please consider donating your used items to your local Salvation Army Family Thrift Store.

Salvation Army representative attends Parent University at Columbia High School

The Salvation Army was represented at this year's Parent University event held at Columbia High School on Thursday, March 10.

Columbia High School's Guidance Department presents the event each year, and it's always a treat to attend.

The school's drumline is excellent and put on a nice performance for attendees.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by The Salvation Army table. Your questions and comments were much appreciated!

Salvation Army representatives attend South Carolina Prayer Breakfast

Salvation Army representatives attended today's South Carolina Prayer Breakfast at the Radisson Hotel.

The 51st annual event featured Rome Hartman, Executive Producer of BBC America, and The Honorable Nikki Haley, Governor of the State of South Carolina.

The Bible verse featured in the program was on the topic of Repentance and reads:

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land."  (2 Chronicles 7:14)

The breakfast meeting is much like the National Prayer Breakfast, held yearly in Washington, D.C.

Salvation Army to hold Emergency Disaster Services training on April 9

The Salvation Army will hold an Emergency Disaster Services training on Saturday, April 9 at The Salvation Army - Midlands Corps facility (7532 Irmo Drive) from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

We invite anyone interested in the free training to contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 803-667-4943 for more information.

Mike Patterson, CEM, Emergency Disaster Services Director for The Salvation Army in North and South Carolina will conduct a training that will give participants three courses:

1) Intro to Emergency Disaster Services;

2) Serv Safe Starters (food safety); and

3) Disaster Food Service

These three courses will prepare participants to be part of the local disaster team's food service unit.

Please confirm your attendance with the Volunteer Coordinator if you would like to attend.

Hope you can join us for this exciting training session on April 9!

Dutch Fork Air Force JROTC Wins High School Battle of the Bells Competition

Representatives from The Salvation Army awarded the High School Battle of the Bells trophy to 2010 winners, members of the Dutch Fork Air Force JROTC, during an inspection at Dutch Fork High School in Irmo where all 150 cadets were in formation.

Members of the Dutch Fork Air Force JROTC rang bells at six store locations on Saturday, December 11, 2010 and raised more than $3,000 for The Salvation Army.

Top three results for the annual bell ringing competition during The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign are as follows:

1. Dutch Fork Air Force JROTC (2010 Winner)
2. Heathwood Hall
3. White Knoll High School National Honor Society

This was the 8th annual High School Battle of the Bells competition.

Thanks to WLTX-TV for its coverage of today's event!

Thanks to all participating schools, and congratulations to this year's winner, Dutch Fork Air Force JROTC!