Salvation Army Week

WASILLA — Salvation Army Week started May 10 and runs through May 16.

Mat-Su Salvation Army Corps Officer Major Tina Bottjen said that anyone interested in supporting their ongoing efforts supporting the community through a variety of services can do so by making food or monetary donations.

Bottjen said that another way people can help is by volunteering, especially during this time period.

The Mat-Su office has seen a large increase in overall demand for food boxes over the last month, according to Bottjen. She said the overall numbers are higher than last year.

“I’m honestly not sure why,” Bottjen said.

Bottjen said that new families register every month. She said they registered 28 new households in April. She said that they’ve been able to keep up with the demand thanks to grants and federal support on top of community donations and partnerships.

Bottjen said that the Food Bank of Alaska has continued to help them by providing food at no charge.

“That’s very nice, very helpful. They help a lot of agencies out here in the Valley. It’s a wonderful help to be able to have that and to work together to meet more people’s needs,” Bottjen said.

Bottjen said that her favorite part of being involved with the Salvation Army is seeing lives change for the better right in front of her.

“Those are the things that keep me going,” Bottjen said.

Bottjen has been serving as an officer for the Salvation Army for over 25 years with her husband Kevin Bottjen. She said that’s how they met and it gave them a very special relationship built on love for their lord and savior and community service.

“It’s actually a great joy… Not everybody gets to do that. For me, it’s a joy to be able to work with my husband as a team,” Bottjen said.

In general, things are going well for the local Salvation Army. Bottjen said they’re gearing up for a triumphant and well-supported return to their King’s Lake summer camp program. She said they weren’t able to host it last year due to the pandemic. She said this season will be particularly exciting because camp only costs $10 thanks to a generous donation.

Bottjen said there’s still room to join, and parents interest in registering their kids can reach out for more information. She noted that there are multiple camps for different age groups.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Bottjen said.

This is the 67th celebration of Salvation Army Week, according to a recent press release. The week is celebrated nationwide and was first commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954.

Eisenhower’s historical words praising the Salvation Army’s work were used in the press release, using the following quote, “Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of human brotherhood. In time of war, the men and women of this organization have brought to those serving their country far from home, friendliness and warm concern. In the quieter days of peace, their work has been a constant reminder to us all that each of us is neighbor and kin to all Americans.”

The Salvation Army assisted 76,928 Alaskans in need, with 298,758 meals and 9,970 food boxes were given to those experiencing food insecurity across the state over the course of 2020, according to the press release. The Salvation Army also provided emotional and spiritual support during that time frame.

“The Salvation Army has been actively serving the most vulnerable in Alaska since 1898,” said Lt. Colonel Douglas Tollerud, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army in Alaska. “Over the past 122 years of service to Alaska, The Salvation Army has grown to 19 Corps Community Centers throughout the state and critical social service programs serving those who are in the most need. We are taking this week to recognize our dutiful supporters, staff, and volunteers who make the work of The Salvation Army possible.”