Red kettle volunteers from the Salvation Army will be all over but director of operations says organization is much more than that: It offers 25 programs in WNY, including shelter, meals and stable housing
By Brenda Alesii
Now that the holiday season is upon us, we can expect to see certain symbols of the season, including those ubiquitous red kettles staffed by volunteers from the Salvation Army. While they are closely associated with the agency, The Salvation Army offers an array of services available to everyone in the region regardless of one’s race, gender, familial or economic status.
In Good Health recently spoke with the director of operations of the nonprofit in Erie County. Major Annette Lock, a native of Freeport, Maine, along with her husband, Major John Lock, leads the Buffalo Salvation Army. The couple, now living in Amherst, was assigned here nearly five years ago.
Q. As part of the Salvation Army’s leadership, you are an ordained minister and a commissioned officer. You’ve lived in other areas and came to Buffalo a few years ago. What was the transition like?
A. We had no connection to the community before coming here, and had heard all the stereotypes about snow and chicken wings. We love Buffalo, it feels like home, and we enjoy working with our dedicated staff and board members.
Q. What is the mission of The Salvation Army?
A. We are here to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet the needs of humans without discrimination. I think most people would be surprised with the scope of our work, which includes 25 different services, including shelter, providing nutritious meals and stable housing, and hosting three food pantries throughout the city. We help with re-unifying children with their families, aid children with special needs, provide conflict management program and after school youth programs, among many others.
Q. Does the Salvation Army serve all demographics?
A. Yes. Nearly all of our programs are offered at no cost or subsidized to make them available to all.
Q. Did you notice that more people sought your services post-COVID?
A. The need has been more prevalent after COVID, meaning that we are serving individuals who never required assistance before with food, homelessness, and other types of help. One event can lead to a crisis being brought to your front door. Our staff of 50 people in Buffalo has a lot of experience, including the case managers, who understand the challenges that so many people face – lack of income, medical issues, lack of housing, etc.
Q. How many locations are there in WNY?
A. We have 10 Salvation Army’s in the area, which all provide charitable and religious social services. Three are in the city: Grant Street, Westminster and on Main Street, but an individual can come to any location throughout the area.
Q. When someone donates in November and December to a Red Kettle volunteer, where does that money go?
A. Every coin or bill stays in the Buffalo area, helping to keep our shelters open, replenish our food supplies in addition to providing food and toys for the holidays. The Red Kettle contributions are part of our overall budget. We have countless bell ringers who volunteer either as individuals or in groups for a few hours. It’s important that we’re visible in the community and that people know we’re still here serving the community, helping our neighbors. We even have a method of making safe, efficient donations by using Tip Tap, which makes cashless donations an easy tap away. Donations can also be made by texting “redkettle” to 31333. For other volunteer opportunities, we ask that “TSAVolunteer” be texted to that same number, 31333.
Q. What are your other funding sources?
A. It’s a wide variety — government contracts, foundation grants, mail appeal, and fundraising events.
Q. You’re also in the middle of a large strategic plan project, right?
A. “Hope on Main” is a $100 million three-phase project. This capital campaign will be used to overhaul our facilities, replace our outdated family shelter, and build a housing complex of 160 apartments and townhomes. We also plan to move the community center from Main Street to an East Side location.